2:04 p.m.: Based on the past development of their older defensive ends, the Nebraska coaching staff is anticipating a considerable jump from redshirt freshman Jason Ankrah this month.
Ankrah's getting comfortable with the scheme and the position's technical aspects, adjusting at an appropriate pace, according to assistant John Papuchis.
“It takes time,” said Papuchis, who coaches the defensive ends. “What I've seen (from other players), it was into the fall camp of their redshirt freshman year until that light truly came on and they started playing the way we want them to play. … I would say a year into the program is when guys start making the most strides.”
Even Pierre Allen, Papuchis said.
Allen, replacing an injured Barry Turner, started much of his sophomore season, but was never completely comfortable in the NU system until the start of last year. Sophomores Cameron Meredith and Josh Williams settled in during preseason camp last season, too.
So, now is Ankrah's time.
“His knowledge of the defense has improved tenfold from a year ago,” Papuchis said. “He just keeps getting better and better and he hasn't even scratched the surface on how good he can be.”
The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder from Gaithersburg, Md., is expected to be a regular backup this fall.
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