Nebraska quarterback coach Mario Verduzco didn’t mince words when it came to talking about the area Adrian Martinez must improve on entering next season. Ball security the top priority.

Speaking with the media on Monday, Verduzco was asked where he’d like to see the three-year starter improve the most. He wants to see Martinez take better care of the football throughout the course of the season.

“No more freakin’ turnovers,” Verduzco told reporters on Monday. “He’s got to take care of the damn football.”

Over the last two seasons, Martinez has struggled with his touchdown-to-interception ratio and has had issues with fumbles. He’s thrown 14 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in the past two years, not the kind of consistency you want to see from a multi-year starter.

Martinez is still the top quarterback in Lincoln heading into the 2021 season. His dual-threat ability provides Nebraska with a great weapon under center. But he’s struggled to perform consistently since his freshman campaign in 2018.

The issues expand further than Martinez for Nebraska’s offense. The Huskers have struggled along the offensive line and haven’t established much of a presence in the run game under Scott Frost. Each of the past two seasons, the team has seen its top receivers depart from the program.

JD Spielman left for TCU before the 2020 season and Wan’Dale Robinson hit the transfer portal following the season.

Nebraska needs to improve up front, find consistency on the ground and develop some playmakers at the receiver position. But Martinez cutting down on turnovers would certainly be welcomed in Lincoln.

That’s going to be the primary focus for the senior quarterback and his coach during the offseason.