Rhule praises Ty Robinson, shares Huskers roster updates

The Nebraska football team's "Chasing 3" documentary series has highlighted not only the team's work over the offseason but also the role many of the veterans on the team play.

Defensive lineman Ty Robinson is one of those guys who could've moved on but chose to come back and has helped Nebraska to its first 3-0 start since 2016.

Huskers head coach Matt Rhule was asked about Robinson during his weekly press conference on Monday and gushed about his impact.

“I just think the world of him. Honestly, I just think the absolute world of him," Rhule said. "Guys like Ty Robinson are why guys like me coach, you know? Just that daily interaction, that daily relationship, and the great thing about Ty is that he lets me be me.”

Rhule joked that Robinson must not have trusted him too much last year because the coach told his player to make the jump to the NFL but Robinson instead returned.

“I think it just goes to show, buying in, and now here we are in Year 2, I mean that’s the reason why I came back, because I knew it was gonna work, so just to be able to see it come true is awesome,” Robinson said on Tuesday, calling his relationship with Rhule "great."

For Rhule, it's not just Robinson's play in games or that daily interaction that he loves, but how he's impacting the program.

“No one practices harder than Ty," Rhule said, acknowledging it makes the coaches' jobs easier. However, that's also helping his fellow defensive linemen.

"Ty’s bringing that group along," Rhule said. "And what I love is that when they (Robinson and other upperclassmen) leave, their legacy will be here.”

Robinson and his fellow upperclassmen clearly have a ton of respect from Rhule and his staff, and they'll be remembered for a long time if the program's turnaround continues. For now, they're focused on this season and becoming 4-0 on Friday.

Roster notes

Rhule also shared the following roster updates on Monday:

• Right guard Micah Mazzccua won't play against Illinois as he deals with some undisclosed things but is still on the team. Henry Lutovsky, who started against Northern Iowa, will remain the starter.
• Defensive lineman Jimari Butler, who didn't play against Northern Iowa as a precaution due to some soreness, will be ready to play on Friday.
• Sophomore defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel, who played 11 games last season as a true freshman, will play in only four games this season to redshirt. Rhule credited Van Poppel's trust in the staff's plan and said he told Van Poppel,“Hey, you can play eight plays to 10 plays this year or you can be Ty Robinson and those guys when they leave.” As for filling his role, Rhule noted the team got Brodie Tagaloa back last weekend and is anticipating getting Sua Lefotu back in the near future.