Mark Whipple, the new offensive coordinator, stated that he believes he is the best right now. “That could change tomorrow. There is nothing certain.
The Cornhuskers are focusing their attention on the quarterback situation after Adrian Martinez’s move to Kansas State. Thompson and Chubba, who both transferred from Florida State to compete with returning students Logan Smothers or Heinrich Haarberg.
Whipple stated, “What I saw today attitude-wise as talent-wise, was that we have enough there to succeed.”
Whipple stated that Purdy was just a nicked-up and didn’t do well at the first practice.
Thompson was Hudson Card’s backup for the first two Texas games before he assumed the starter role. He was a starter for 4-6 games and threw for 2,113 yards. Texas was ranked 5-7.
Thompson will have plenty of opportunities at Nebraska. The Big Ten West finished 3-9 overall, 1-8 and tied last in Big Ten West.
Thompson and Purdy were part of the offensive overhaul that saw Martinez depart after four years. He could have stayed because the NCAA extended eligibility due the pandemic. Coach Scott Frost replaced four of his five offensive assistants.
Frost stated that Thompson demonstrated strong leadership and performed well during the winter program. Whipple stated that it is crucial to build depth behind Thompson.
Whipple stated, “In this day and age, it’s changed due to the speed of football, and more quarterbacks are hurt.” Why? It’s because you throw it more and there’s a possibility you’ll get hurt if you run option.
Whipple stated that he didn’t want his quarterbacks to make as much contact with Martinez as Martinez. Martinez was the leader in rushing attempts in each of the last three years, and was second in 2018. Martinez played much of the last season with a fractured jaw and sustained a series of injuries throughout his career.
