Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said the offense had the upper hand in a 32-play situational scrimmage on Wednesday, the fifth practice of the spring.

“It was a real positive scrimmage today,” Callahan said. “I thought both sides got better.

“The offense did a real good job. I thought they dominated the scrimmage.”

Callahan said the scrimmage focused on second-down, third-down and close-yardage plays.

“We’re trying to get into as many situations as possible, get the players exposed to all the various special categories,” he said.

Nebraska will have another scrimmage on Saturday, Callahan said. It will feature red-zone, goal-line and second-down plays, followed by some actual game-type scrimmaging.

Callahan said he didn’t want to note any individual performances.

LEE ON THE MEND: Junior college transfer quarterback Zac Lee said his rehabilitation from knee surgery is going well. He’s able to do some running (albeit it not at full speed) and soft dropbacks. “I’m close, but I still have a ways to go,” the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lee said. “Obviously, it’s difficult, but I feel like I’m about where I need to be. I don’t want to rush anything, especially with a knee injury. I’ll just take it as it goes.” Lee said his best-case scenario is to be able to participate in some light drills by the end of spring practice. Lee played one season at San Francisco City College, where he threw for more than 3,400 yards and 35 touchdowns.

MENDOZA SPEEDY: True freshman running back Marcus Mendoza isn’t worried about keeping his speed as he gains needed weight. “Coach K, he knows how to work your weight with your speed, keep your speed,” Mendoza said, referring to strength and conditioning coach Dave Kennedy. “I’ve already gained 10 pounds. I was at 175 and I had the third-fastest time (on the team), and now I’m 185 and have the fastest time.” Mendoza, who’s 5-foot-10, was referring to the 40-yard dash, which he said he ran in 4.4 seconds. Mendoza, a native of Houston, said he’s happy he arrived in Lincoln early, that he’ll have an advantage over the other incoming freshmen in the fall. “First practice, everything was so fast,” he said. “I was walking around with bug eyes.” He said he might be able to find a home on special teams. “Wherever they put me is where I’m going to be happy,” he said.

— Brian Rosenthal