Lincoln – The Nebraska football team worked out in sweats and helmets one last time before their annual Red-White spring football game as they posted their 14th and last spring practice during a one-and-one-half-hour morning session on Thursday. The team was also in Memorial Stadium for the third practice in a row.

The practice continued to showcase variety on the offensive depth chart as newcomers to the team as well as the second and third string at nearly all positions got their chance to grasp the offensive scheme early. Offensive coordinator Jay Norvell touched on the goals of that the offensive coaching staff wants to accomplish for the spring game.

“Every position will be evaluated,” Norvell said. “We want to see all of these young players, we want to see continuity within these young units, we want to see our backup quarterbacks play well, we want to see our young running backs play well, we want to see all these tight ends. There are a number of positions we want to see, but the main thing is that it gives us an opportunity to get all these guys in a competitive situation and see how they’ll handle it.”

In the tight end position, a familiar face will be back on the field for action for the first time in two years in senior tight end Matt Herian, who suffered a season-ending injury his junior year. Tight ends coach Shawn Watson was excited at the prospect of seeing Herian in full pads as he nears full speed in his road to recovery.

“He’s had a really good week of practice, and I’m really encouraged at where he’s at right now,” Watson said. “He’s not full sped yet, but he’s really close, and it’s the closest I’ve ever seen him. I’m really encouraged, because the last three days have been just excellent.”

As a newcomer to the Nebraska football program, Watson also expressed anticipation for the large and enthusiastic crowds that are expected to fill Memorial Stadium Saturday.

“Obviously it just showcases what Nebraska football is all about, and the passion and excitement that people have for it,” Watson said.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, a two-year veteran to the Nebraska spring game, admitted that it’s the atmosphere that plays the biggest role in encouraging the defensive players to come out ready to hit hard.

“I think the biggest change is the crowd, and every year here we’ve had over 60,000,” Cosgrove said. “I think having a crowd of that magnitude is just unbelievable. It’s great for the kids, and it’s great for us.”

Saturday’s Spring Game is set to kickoff at 12:30 p.m. Tickets still remain for the game, and can be purchased by calling 1-800-8BIGRED or online at Huskers.com.

Following Thursday’s practice, the Huskers will begin a full weekend of activities that kicks off with Friday’s Lettermen’s Golf Classic at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club and includes a picnic for the players and their families following the Spring Game.