PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Steven M. Sipple and Parker Gabriel react following media availability on Monday, April 19, 20221 at Memorial Stadium.
Like a lot of Nebraska football fans, Chris Kolarevic watched the Huskers’ 2020 season on television from his couch.
The main difference, of course, is that the graduate transfer linebacker from Northern Iowa kept closest watch of Barrett Ruud’s inside linebackers group, knowing that he’d be joining them in a few short months.
When Kolarevic verbally committed in late October , he did not know that Will Honas would opt to return for a sixth season after a solid 2020. He had not yet seen Luke Reimer make the jump into being an impact player or Nick Henrich finish strong down the stretch by tallying 21 tackles over the season’s final two weeks.
“I wasn’t able to take a visit, which was tough because of COVID, but I was glad I got to watch them on TV. It was cool watching those guys play,†Kolarevic said Monday. “They do a lot of different things than I did at UNI, so it was good to just kind of see how their defense worked and how they run around. They were flying around last year and did a good job, so it was fun to watch those guys play.
Since arriving on campus, though, Kolarevic said he’s blended in well with the group and that he’s excited about the unit’s potential going forward.
Oh, and those guys he watched on television have pretty darned good things to say about him, too.
“He’s a freak of nature, I’ll tell you that,†Henrich said Monday. “Super athletic, fast, physical. … He’s also been just outstanding learning the defense and asking us questions. He’s been a great addition to the room.â€
“He’s a stud,†Reimer said earlier this month. “Nothing but good things to say about him. He has really good habits, you can tell he’s played a lot of football at UNI and he’s a really good player. Really good dude.â€
Indeed, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Kolarevic finished up winter conditioning as one of the team's standout performers in the index testing and has impressed teammates and coaches alike both in the weight room and on the field through the first 10 spring practices.Â
"It’s been awesome getting to know the guys and just being part of this team has been great," he said. "I feel like I fit in really well right away, just being around the guys, and I’m picking up the scheme well, spending a lot of time in the film room and trying to pick up the new defense."Â
Nebraska defensive back coach and special teams coordinator Mike Dawson talks after practice on Monday, April 19, 2021.
Not many positions on the team have seen its depth increase in the past two years like Ruud’s. Even after Collin Miller suffered what ended up being a career-ending neck injury last year, NU had a productive trio in Honas, Reimer and Henrich, with spot duty from Garrett Snodgrass, as well. The Huskers have nine scholarship inside linebackers in spring ball and a 10th joining in May in Mikai Gbayor (and potentially Wynden Ho’ohuli, depending on which position he begins his career at ). Kolarevic said Monday that there are about 17 players in Ruud’s group overall this spring.
“Barely got enough seats in the meeting room,†he cracked.
Among the experienced players, Honas has been limited this spring, but that’s just meant more repetitions for Kolarevic, who said he is both learning the defense and trying to help the young players in the room.
“I think that was the expectation was that I could come in and having played a lot of snaps of college football, I kind of understood the concepts and how to do different things in the defense,†the Traverse City, Michigan, native said. “I think the expectation was I could come in and help the younger guys out, the younger guys, because there’s a lot of them.
“I think I’ve been able to watch film with those guys, especially the incoming guys this year because they’re trying to pick it up quick. They’re always attentive, always asking questions and I do my best to answer.â€
Kolarevic put up big numbers when healthy during his three years at UNI and said that playing both outside and inside linebacker during his time there has helped him, particularly in coverage, so far this spring. On Saturday during an open practice, he got his hands on a ball over the middle and was active while rotating with Reimer and Henrich in the top groups.
“I feel like I can bring that (coverage ability) here and fly around and make plays on the ball,†Kolarevic said.
Before the pandemic, 2021 figured to be a year of major transition at the position with Miller and Honas projected to be gone and only young scholarship players behind. Now, though, Henrich and Reimer have a pair of upperclassmen to compete against and play with, and the group’s experience rivals the other veteran positions on the Nebraska defense.
Defensive backs coach Travis Fisher talks after practice on Monday, April 19, 2021.
The unexpected veteran presence probably means fewer snaps on the field in 2021 for Henrich, but he beamed Monday when asked about learning that Honas, the former junior college transfer, would be back for a sixth collegiate season.
“We’re family, man,†Henrich said. “I would have been so sad if he left. I mean, obviously I’d be happy for him because what’s best for him is what I want. But that’s my brother, and another year of playing with him meant the world to me and it means the world to the guys in the room.â€
Photos: What a Husker football practice (with fans!) looks like
Fans returned to Memorial Stadium for the first time since 2019 for a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost (top center) watches the action during an April 17 practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Omar Manning dashes to the end zone after a reception Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (second left in back) and running backs coach Ryan Held (back center) watch Husker quarterback Logan Smothers (8) in action during a football practice on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Matt Masker (18) takes a keeper Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Jamie Nance catches a pass April 17 during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Austin Jablonski catches a pass Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Logan Smothers (8) throws a pass Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Injured Nebraska running back Markese Stepp watches the action during a football practice at Memorial Stadium on April 17.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Jamie Nance (left) catches a pass under pressure from Quinton Newsome during a football practice on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Omar Manning catches a pass during a football practice at Memorial Stadium on April 17.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure catches a pass during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (23) defends against Barron Miles Jr. on Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Omar Manning catches a pass April 17 during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Omar Manning (5) catches a pass Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Oliver Martin (left) catches a pass while being pursued by cornerback Quinton Newsome during a practice at Memorial Stadium on April 17.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Fans sport Husker gear during a Nebraska football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Husker assistant coach Greg Austin blows his whistle while directing players through drills during a practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska running back Jaquez Yant (0) runs the ball during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska running back Jaquez Yant recently earned a scholarship after a strong spring performance that saw him put himself in position to be part of the Huskers' backfield this fall.Â
Journal Star file photo
Inside linebacker Luke Reimer (left) attempts to bring down running back Cooper Jewett during a football practice on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska running back Cooper Jewett completes a play during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson directs players through a drill during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson directs players through a drill during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant Greg Austin coaches players during a football practice on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Fans take in the action during a Nebraska football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterbacks Adrian Martinez (2) and Matt Masker (18) greet freshman running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) on the sidelines during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Freshman running back Sevion Morrison is seen on the sidelines during a Nebraska football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Heinrich Haarberg (from left), Logan Smothers, and Matt Maske wait for instruction during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska football players take part in a drill during a practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A young fan watches the action during a Nebraska football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska tight ends coach Sean Beckton helps with drills during an April 17 practice at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska running back Trevin Luben runs with the ball Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska running back Jaquez Yant (0) runs the ball against Garrett Nelson (44) on Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska running back Trevin Luben (35) runs with the ball against safety Noa Pola-Gates (21) on Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Greg Austin directs player during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Greg Austin (right) and Husker center Cam Jurgens (51) take in the action during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone eyes an incoming pass during a football practice on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (from left), Matt Masker, Adrian Martinez and Heinrich Haarberg gather together Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Matt Lubick instructs his players Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Matt Lubick instructs his players Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure catches a pass Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Husker defense huddles on the field during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska starting quarterback Adrian Martinez (top) watches as quarterbacks Logan Smothers (front left) and Heinrich Haarberg run through a drill during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Wide receiver Omar Manning catches a pass during a Nebraska football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Matt Lubick (top) gives instructions during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (from left), Adrian Martinez, Matt Masker, and Heinrich Haarberg wait for directions during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Members of the media cover a Nebraska football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg looks to throw down the field during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Matt Masker (18) speaks with head coach Scott Frost during a football practice on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska wide receivers Jamie Nance (left) and Omar Manning (5) look on after a play during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbackS Heinrich Haarberg (right) and Matt Masker look on during a practice on April 17, 2021, at Memorial Stadium
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Logan Smothers (8) throws a pass under the watchful eyes of Heinrich Haarberg (left) and Adrian Martinez during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (right) throws a pass as teammate Matt Masker looks on during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive lineman Brant Banks looks on during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska sixth-year senior Trent Hixson (left) may end up replacing Cam Jurgens at center in 2022 after coach Scott Frost said the veteran took a "giant leap" this spring.Â
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Austin Jablonski catches a pass in the end zone during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Austin Jablonski catches a pass in the end zone during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Omar Manning reaches for a pass during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A young fan cheers on the Huskers during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (left) attempts to pull in a pass while defended by safety Deontai Williams during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Fans returned to Memorial Stadium for the first time since 2019 for a Husker football practice Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska redshirt freshman John Goodwin stops for a water break during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive lineman Teddy Prochazka watches drills during a football practice on Saturday, April 17 at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive lineman Ethan Piper (57) smiles at a teammate's comment Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Greg Austin (top right) works with his players Saturday during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive linemen Cam Jurgens (top) and Turner Corcoran participate in blocking drills during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Greg Austin (bottom left) watches warmups during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive linemen Jimmy Fritzsche (left) and Riley Moses work on blocking during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Nebraska offensive linemen Turner Corcoran (69) and Ethan Piper (57) slap hands during warmups during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (8) and Adrian Martinez walk across the field during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska running backs coach Ryan Held hands off to Marvin Scott during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska offensive linemen Turner Corcoran (top) and Jimmy Fritzsche participate in blocking drills during a football practice at Memorial Stadium on April 17.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska secondary coach Travis Fisher smiles between plays during a practice last season at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Safety Javin Wright smiles after being juked by teammate Will Nixon (not pictured)Â during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Safety Noa Pola-Gates gets into position for a drill during a football practice Saturday, April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Starr file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (left) and Adrian Martinez speak between drills during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska running back Marvin Scott III loses his grip on a pass during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Sophomore running back Markese Stepp sits on the sideline during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost directs his players through a drill during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Husker players move to drill stations during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti (left) gives instruction to players during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska safety Javin Wright (left) intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Samori Toure during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) talks with Marcus Castro-Walker, the Huskers' former director of player development, on April 17, 2021 during a football practice at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska tight ends coach Sean Beckton directs his players during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone catches a pass during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone catches a pass during a football practice Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure catches a pass during a football practice April 17 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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