OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Simple, fast and violent.

That is the defensive philosophy new Nebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich has brought from San Diego State to Lincoln.

Following a full-pads, physical preseason practice on Tuesday, the first-year coordinator made his mission clear: establish and uphold the standard of Nebraska’s defense.

“I’m from the Midwest, I understand the tradition of the Blackshirts and the level it’s been at,” Aurich said. “I want to see people talk about Nebraska the way they should.”

For Aurich, the history of the program is not just a talking point—it is a responsibility.

“The biggest commitment we have, is the previous players that have played, have a standard for which this logo plays, and it is our utmost duty to uphold that standard,” Aurich said. “I want alumni to look at the way we played and be really proud.”

Players Buying Into Physicality

With less than a month before the season opener against Ohio, Nebraska players are already embracing the aggressive identity. Junior linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. noted a strong sense of unity and intensity during camp.

“I like how we’re just playing as one. Everyone is flying to the ball,” Shavers said. “We’re playing physical, violent. Everyone is communicating, we’re all on the same page.”

Fellow junior linebacker Dexter Foster echoed that trust, emphasizing the accountability required to play in Aurich’s system.

“We’re violent, we’re physical,” Foster said. “I can count on the guy next to me, I can count on the guy behind me, I can count on the guy in front of me to do their job. I’m just excited to see what we can do this season.”

Diving Into the Details

Aurich estimated that about 80% of his defensive playbook is currently installed, with the remaining 20% largely focusing on goal line play and end-of-game situations.

While the “huge leap” occurred during spring practices—where the team knocked out the foundational basics of the system—preseason camp has allowed the Huskers to fine-tune the deeper details.