Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez talks fans returning, new backs and receivers

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez discussed the return of fans to Memorial Stadium, the Huskers new backs and receivers and more. “Things you take for granted — they’re back,” Martinez said.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska will play Northwestern in Dublin.

LINCOLN — Quarterback Adrian Martinez enjoyed playing in front of a half-full Memorial Stadium for the spring game. And with COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease across Nebraska and the nation, the likelihood of playing in front of a full house excites him for the fall.

A normal 2021 season, he said Thursday on “Sports Nightly,” will be a relief, as well.

“It’s big. It’s really helped me and really helped the rest of the guys to be on a more normal-type schedule and have some certainty on what we can expect next year,” Martinez said. “And that’s just the day-to-day stuff, who we’re playing, where we’re playing, all that type of stuff. Things you take for granted — they’re back.

“I feel really good about where we’re at as a team — and the work we’re putting in.”

Martinez, entering his fourth season as NU’s starter, put in a lot of offseason work “leaning out” his physique and “honing on my body.” He wanted to get faster, he said, and the “process” of reshaping his body is ongoing with the nutrition and strength staffs.

“I’ve put a lot of effort — a lot of blood, sweat and tears — into this program, and I’m not stopping,” Martinez said. “I feel really good, and I think we’re working harder than ever. And that’s a great feeling. It means a lot for this program this year, for myself, and all I can really do is focus on the day-to-day — the 1% better every day.”