Caleb Benning is trying to turn a strong finish into a bigger role.
The third-year Nebraska safety wrapped last season with a career-high 13 tackles in the Las Vegas Bowl, and now he’s in the mix to make his mark in a crowded Husker secondary. The competition includes Dwayne McCullough, Jamir Conn, Rex Guthrie and Benning, all jockeying for position as the Huskers head toward camp opening Aug. 5.
Benning said on “Sports Nightly” that new safeties coach Tyler Yelk has helped him see the game in a different way.
Yelk, Benning said, is “a really smart guy” who helps him “thinking conceptually ... Not everything has to be a fine detail, but really just allowing me to play to my strengths and using instincts.”
He also pointed to the energy coming from new coordinator Rob Aurich as Nebraska keeps pushing through the offseason.
The work, Benning said, has been relentless.
“I would say if you asked most of the team, this is the hardest offseason we've had. So just going through hard things together and really building that chemistry.”
That edge has shown up in the weight room, where Benning believes the Huskers have developed “grit” since spring.
“We do hard things every single day. Just knowing the schedule we have, playing in the Big Ten, it takes what it takes.”
Benning said he wants to be more of a difference-maker this season, and that includes taking on a louder voice in the back end.
“And really demanding the guys on the back end.”
He’s also been leaning into his role as one of the returning players, staying close with Dwayne McDougle, Tanner Terch and Danny Odem and passing along what he can.
Benning had praise for the offense, too, especially quarterback Anthony Colandrea.
“He's a gamer. He makes plays.
It's definitely a different cover back there when he's back there. Guys like Kwazi Gilmer, guys like Cortez, guys like Larry Miles, just guys developing.
Those guys are pretty good.”
And on the other side of the ball, he likes the tone the defense is setting up front.
He singled out Anthony Jones at edge defender and Owen Stoudmire in the middle, then added, “Jahsear Whittington, super quick, strong. Really underrated guy. So playing behind those guys is great.”
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