Ochaun Mathis, Nebraska Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/11/22 - DE Ochaun Mathis, rSr/2023, Nebraska

When Nebraska got together for a full-pad scrimmage, Ochaun Mathis was surprised at the intensity of the practice. So far, Chinander said fellow edge rushers Garrett Nelson and Caleb Tannor have moved around defensively for certain packages due to their knowledge of the system, while Mathis has primarily played as a defensive end. There's been a slight adjustment from his TCU days to Nebraska's defensive system, where Mathis has operated on the boundary to ensure he can rush the passer as much as possible. But, as is the case with most challenges that come his way, Mathis has been quick to attack it head-on. "Ochaun's done a great job," Chinander said. "(There's a) different structure to the defense, he was off the ball a lot last year it seemed, so he's had to play a little more true defensive end for us, which he's done a great job responding to coach Dawson. He's picked up everything, he's a big-time effort guy and he showed up at the scrimmage." Mathis' practice success is another reason why Nebraska's coaching staff is expecting a lot from the defensive line.

Nelson, Tannor, Jimari Butler and Blaise Gunnerson are all likely to contribute at edge rusher, while the likes of Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, Colton Feist and Stephon Wynn Jr. have stood out along the interior of the line. The defensive line is likely to be a strength for Nebraska, and it's something the entire coaching staff is counting on the lead the defensive effort. "Those guys up front are working as hard as my guys in the back end and we all know that stuff works hand in hand," defensive backs coach Travis Fisher said. "If my guys can cover for a half a second extra, it helps those guys up front to get to the quarterback. If those guys up front can fluster that quarterback up top, it helps my guys as well." Mathis said his fellow edge rushers welcomed him with "open arms" early in the process and are easy to work with in practice or while watching film. - Lincoln Journal Star

rSr/2023