Freshmen, including defensive backs Quinton Newsome, Noa Pola-Gates, Javin Wright and Myles Farmer, have “done some really, really good things” but “hit the rookie wall a little bit.” Nebraska’s practices and lifting regimen is more rigorous than high school.

“I think they might be getting a little heavy-legged,” Chinander said. He anticipated the four freshman defensive backs would help on special teams, at the very least, and perhaps on defense.

Chinander is happy to have Dewitt back at practice full time after he battled cancer during the winter and spring.

“Just having him out there is a high morale for all of us,” Chinander said. “It’s getting a member of your family back.”

More quick hits from NU's practice:

» Junior inside linebacker Collin Miller is having a strong camp thus far, Chinander said. Bigger, stronger and faster. Miller said he's learning both inside linebacker spots and rotating on snaps with Mohamed Barry and Will Honas, who said he's 100 percent after recovering from his second ACL tear in four years.

» Outside linebacker JoJo Domann is not cleared to join camp at this point, Dewitt said. No reason was given, but Domann was not at NU's Fan Day last week.