LINCOLN, Neb. (KTIV) -
It's one of sports biggest clichés. Defense wins championships.
The Huskers return eight starters on a defense that, according to the NCAA, finished ranked 37th in total 'D' and 18th in passing.
In an attempt to improve those numbers, the team hit the film room.
"We watched film on Alabama," safety P.J. Smith said. "They have one of the best secondaries in the nation. And some of they stuff they do, we're doing drills that we've never seen. Ever."
Between off season workouts and taking notes on the defending national champions, confidence is high heading into the fall.
"I feel like our defense is going to be top 10 in the nation next year," said defense end Jason Ankrah.
A new philosophy under first year defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski has the 'D' excited to hit the field.
"Coach Kaz's main philosophy on the D-line is to attack, rather than you know, reacting, we're attacking," said Cameron Meredith. "We've worked on it and it's something that's become more important to us. I think all summer we worked on getting vertical and attacking. I think it's really going to help us out this fall camp and come September 1, we'll see how it is."
And, words of wisdom from one of the greatest defensive players in Nebraska football history, and a three-time national champion during his time in the red and white, Grant Wistrom has left his mark on the 2012 defensive unit.
"A coach can't tell you put an effort in if you're not the one who wants to do it. It comes along with being comfortable with yourself and knowing the defense to where you can go 100%," Ankrah said. "And, that's what he said. You have to be in your play book so that it just comes natural. You don't have to think about anything."
Nebraska kicks the season off against Southern Miss on September 1.
Cameron Meredith answered questions from the media prior to Fan Day.
