PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Steven M. Sipple and Parker Gabriel react following media availability on Monday, April 19, 20221 at Memorial Stadium.
The 2020 football season didn’t proceed normally for anybody, but when Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander fielded a question last week about players who might have particularly needed this spring, his mind went first to Pheldarius Payne.
The junior college transfer built a good reputation as a pass-rusher at that level, verbally committed to North Carolina State and played with Lackawanna (Pennsylvania) Community College all the way to the juco national title game on Dec. 5, 2019. He flipped his commitment to Nebraska and signed his national letter of intent two weeks later, but wasn’t set to arrive on campus until May 2020.
Midway through that period, of course, the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the United States and threw pretty much everything off-kilter. Payne did arrive at NU on schedule, but he dealt with more than just the pandemic.
“At first when I came in, I had shoulder surgery, so as soon as I came in, I rehabbed for about two months,†he told reporters Monday. “And I had to hurry up and lift weights and bench (press) and I was benching, I don’t think 135 (pounds). I was benching like 25 on each side.â€
The original plan was for Payne to play on the defensive line for Tony Tuioti. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, he was built a little bit more like, say, Deontre Thomas than some of the behemoths in the room such as Ty Robinson, Jordon Riley, Damion Daniels and other 300-plus pounders. Tuioti thought Payne could provide some pass-rush punch with a quick get-off and different repertoire of moves.
“Then I got COVID and I had to sit out and I lost weight,†Payne said.
That came in the summer as Nebraska ramped up for a season that ultimately was shortened, then postponed, then shortened again and put back on the calendar for October.
Still, with the weight loss, NU made the decision to move Payne to outside linebacker.
“I learned a whole new system because I’ve never played outside linebacker,†Payne said.
He played the season between 260 and 265 pounds and worked his way into a part-time role on the edge of Nebraska’s defense. Payne appeared in all eight games for the Huskers and logged 21 tackles (two for loss) and a sack.
“I don’t think I did good, but better than expected,†he said. “The speed level is about the same as in juco, but the strength, you can definitely tell. Like when you get your hands on a lineman, a tackle or a guard, from Minnesota or Illinois, they have better strength.â€
This spring, he said he’s down to about 250 pounds but likes where he’s at with his weight as he strives to continue to shed bad pounds and add good ones.
“Another summer with (strength coach Zach) Duval, I think it will be great,†Payne said.
Payne will likely end up playing standing up at times and with his hand in the dirt at others with the way Chinander and company roll through different fronts and personnel groups. The defensive line rotation is a deep one, and at outside linebacker the heavier group includes players such as Garrett Nelson and Damian Jackson. Payne mentioned both — "D-Jax" and "G-Nelly†— as he rattled through how just about everyone in the position group has helped him in some way or another. So, too, has outside linebackers coach Mike Dawson.
Steven M. Sipple, Parker Gabriel and Chris Basnett talk through the latest in spring football.
“I’ve learned a lot (from Dawson),†he said. “I thought football was just X’s and O’s and just going, but you can learn stuff from the line pre-snap, after the snap and little movements from the linemen.â€
Now with 10 spring practices under his belt, Payne’s had more healthy developmental time in the past three weeks than pretty much any stretch since he first arrived on campus last summer.
“This will be a great year for him,†Chinander said. “He’s been through the program now, he’s healthy. He’s been in the weight room and he’s got a lot of reps this spring.â€
“I expect to do a whole lot better because now I know the system and how things run,†Payne added. “I can just play. I can run to the ball and make plays.
“Last year I was playing like a robot, I would say, and just trying to actually not mess up, but now I can just run.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.
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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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