UW linebacker Herbig ready to hit the next level
MADISON – Asked to evaluate his performance as a freshman in 2020, Nick Herbig responded with the same speed and ferocity he displays on the football field.
“I was definitely not happy at all with the impact I made on the team last year,” the talented outside linebacker said. “I feel like I could have (done) so much more in many ways.”
Although Herbig’s self-scout is surprisingly harsh considering he finished fourth on the team in tackles with 26, the determination to improve bodes well this season for UW, which opened camp Friday.
“I need to be better and work harder,” he said, “because obviously what I was doing last year wasn’t enough.
“I had that feeling at the end of the season like I didn’t leave it all out there and I kind of let my team down.”
Herbig impressed his coaches and teammates in camp and started all seven games. He recorded 23 solo tackles, the No. 2 mark on the team behind inside linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal. His total of six tackles for loss was tied for the team lead with Chenal.
He had three tackles for loss and five total tackles in UW’s 49-11 victory at Michigan and had seven solo tackles in the overtime victory over Minnesota.
What bothered Herbig most was his inability to get to opposing quarterbacks. He had one sack, in the opener against Illinois, and UW finished with just 11.
“I feel like last year the pass rush as a whole wasn’t what Wisconsin is about,” he said. “At Wisconsin, you’re expected to have double-digit sacks. That is a big part of the game I need to focus on and really bring that edge to our team.”
Outside linebackers coach Bobby April III wasn’t nearly as critical of Herbig’s play in 2020. He does believe, however, Herbig will exert more influence on and off the field in 2021.
“I think your role in the locker room changes the longer you’re a starter or the more years that you put in,” April said. “I think that is his next step. Really becoming the best player he can be on the field but also becoming a key contributor off the field.”
Herbig acknowledged that at times last season his effort to find the ball was more impressive than his plan.
Getting off the ball more quickly, more efficient footwork and better presnap reads are part of his plan for his second season.
“Seeing what I’m hitting, not just running out there with no plan,” he said. “And definitely bending the edge and finishing at the top of the rush to make
UW linebacker Nick Herbig recorded 23 solo tackles as a freshman.
that sack.”
Senior outside linebacker Noah Burks was among those veterans who noticed Herbig early in camp last year.
“He flashes,” Burks said. “He’s got this high motor, nonstop moving. He is really clean out of his break and his redirects. Like I said, his feet never stop moving.
“One area I hope I can help him out is expanding his football knowledge and the technical part.”
Like Herbig, Burks had just one sack last season. April had the outside linebackers working on footwork, hand placement and quickening their first step in the offseason.
“The thing he emphasizes more than anything,” Burks said, “the most important part of a good pass rush, is your getoff. We did a ton of work this offseason emphasizing your get-off.
“And having violent hands. That is an area our group has been struggling with. We need to work and attack and keep getting better. Hopefully, we’ll see some good results.”
Herbig is determined to do his part. April expects to see substantial growth.
“He has a full offseason under his belt,” April said. “A true freshman during that season, to make the field is pretty dang good in itself.
“But he’s got high expectations for himself. So if he is not excelling in whatever the role is, he’s probably not too excited.
“That is one of the reasons I love him. He expects way more. He is never comfortable with what he is doing.
“If you’re not comfortable and you’ve got energy, that is creating great growth in whatever it is that you’re doing.”