How to move up John Butler's depth chart at Nebraska, and other Husker defense notes

John Butler calls them finishing moments.

Playmaking.

Affecting the football.

Its where the Nebraska defensive coordinator starts when evaluating spring practices.

And theres plenty to observe.

Like everything, its a work in progress, Butler said Tuesday.

But like everything, we want to measure it and reward it.

Butler lists three priorities as the Husker defense begins to come together with a new coordinator and multiple staffers.

Demanding effort.

Approaching elite execution of scheme.

And completing the rep.

The more disruptive the better, especially with close games virtually a weekly occurrence in the fall.

The more plays you make, the more you move up the depth chart, Butler said.

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* Butler called the new defensive staff an unbelievable growth opportunity for me, calling associate head coach Phil Snow a confidant.

Hes learned drills and perspectives from others including defensive lineman Terry Bradden, outside linebackers coach Phil Simpson and defensive backs coach Addison Williams.

* Butler declined to get into individual names when asked about position battles in the secondary and along the defensive line.

The coordinator likened the return of linebacker Javin Wright and safety DeShon Singleton to big NFL free-agency signings.

They want to stay here, which I think is an awesome testament to whats going on here right now, Butler said.

* Singleton, Butler said, could see a more expanded role beyond just playing safety.

That versatility was a factor in why the senior chose to return for one more season.

The opportunity came about after the NCAA granted an eligibility waiver to players who had competed in junior college.

I was sleeping good knowing I was about to go to the league, Singleton said.

That changed after the ruling.

* The Nebraska defensive is beginning to introduce some third-down and two-minute packages, Butler said.

Some schemes are more common while others may be more specific to the current team.

You gotta affect the quarterback, Butler said.

Photos: Inside Nebraska football's spring practice on Thursday, March 27 Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (left) is defended by Vincent Shavers during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska outside linebackers Phil Simpson (from left), linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek and head coach Matt Rhule speak during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Andrew Marshall (left) and Jeremiah Charles compete for the ball during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska defensive backs coach Addison Williams talks to players during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler demonstrates a drill during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen looks on during a team practice on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Kwinten Ives picks up a pass during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Cortez Mills (left) and Preston Okafor (center) run drills in front of special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Rocco Spindler (left) and Tyler Knaak do drills during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Teddy Prochazka (65) talks with Elijah Pritchett (57) during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler talks in front of Malcolm Hartzog during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Jason Maciejczak (left) and Sam Sledge do drills during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

iNebraska's Dylan Raiola makes a throw during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas looks on during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Tyler Knaak (left) and Brock Knutson run drills during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska practices at Memorial Stadium on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Lincoln.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola celebrates during practice on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

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