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Nebraska Spring Football Capsules
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
By Independent Wire Reports
sports.desk@theindependent.com
Offense
QUARTERBACKS
Who’s No. 1? Patrick Witt and Zac Lee, evenly matched contenders for the starting job, were supposed to extend the team’s most important position battle into fall camp. But Witt’s February decision to transfer settled the debate before pads could be strapped on. All of a sudden, the unquestioned front-runner is Lee, who will be a junior. He gained nearly all of his on-field collegiate experience in 2006 at San Francisco City College.
Call for backup: Early arriving freshman Cody Green possesses the physical tools to be a playmaker. But his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame won’t help him much when he’s trying to learn the playbook. That’s where the edge goes to scout-team QB Kody Spano, who arrived for last year’s spring practices.
Who’s out/in: Team MVP Joe Ganz took advantage of his final opportunity, setting school season records in passing yards, completions and total offense. And his primary backup, Witt, is gone. If anything, it gives Green, the touted dual-threat quarterback who enrolled in January, extra reps and a better chance to make an early impact.
Spring things: Creating game-like situations will likely be a focal point for the coaches, who’ll be working with an inexperienced group. Lee’s the only Husker quarterback with Division I playing time, and even his appearances were minimal. Lee completed one pass last season.
RUNNING BACKS
Who’s No. 1? Even though the coaches emphasized the importance of sticking with a multi-back system in 2008,
Roy Helu eventually emerged as the most dangerous weapon. During the final four regular-season games, Helu recorded more than half of his total carries for the year and about two-thirds of his rushing yards. Justin Makovicka is likely the primary fullback, following the path of brothers Jeff and Joel.
Call for backup: Nebraska found its No. 2 I-back in the Gator Bowl when Helu was sidelined with a knee injury. Quentin Castille ran for 125 yards on 18 carries against a strong Clemson defense, displaying a mix of bullish power and breakaway speed. At fullback, if Makovicka slips up, the offensive coaches could always call defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh over. He wasn’t criticized for his work as a short-yardage blocker last year.
Who’s out/in: NU will miss the pass-catching and big-play ability of the agile Marlon Lucky, but his departure will provide speedster Marcus Mendoza with more opportunities. Mendoza, who played at the end of blowouts last year, has the quickness to spread defenses out. Omaha Westside product Collins Okafor redshirted last year.
Spring things: Castille has fumbled eight times in two years, though he may have corrected the problem. Heading into the fall, he owns a streak of 44 touches without a fumble.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Who’s No. 1? Senior Menelik Holt missed nearly four games with a knee injury but still managed to end up as the team’s fourth-leading receiver with 30 catches. He prides himself on bringing a physical presence to the position, rarely shying away from over-the-middle contact. Niles Paul, who had a reception in all but two games in 2008, also should start.
Call for backup: Holt and Paul are the early favorites, but there are plenty of receivers who’ll be fighting for more playing time. Chris Brooks, Curenski Gilleylen, Will Henry and Wes Cammack saw glimpses of action last year, though none had more than two catches.
Who’s out/in: Nate Swift, the program’s all-time leading receiver, and Todd Peterson, a sure-handed veteran, will be missed. Tim Marlowe and Steven Osborne were impressive during redshirt years. Academic complications kept Antonio Bell from joining the program until January, but the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver is poised to help.
Spring things: Khiry Cooper, the freshman who sat out 2008 as a redshirt, is playing baseball this spring. ... Nebraska wide receivers combined for 16 of the team’s 27 touchdown receptions last year. Swift and Peterson had 14 of those. ... Cammack has caught Zac Lee’s only completion -- a 5-yard play on fourth down in the final minutes of a 38-7 win against New Mexico State.
TIGHT ENDS
Who’s No. 1? After an explosive sophomore year, Mike McNeill enters spring practice as the top tight end. The junior set the NU season reception record for a tight end, catching 32 passes in 2008. He also had six touchdown receptions. McNeill ran deceptive routes and used his quickness to separate from linebackers and safeties, making him a matchup problem for most defenses.
Call for backup: Dreu Young turned out to be a valuable secondary option behind McNeill. He caught nine passes and averaged 15.6 yards per reception, NU’s highest receiving average. Also returning is Ryan Hill.
Who’s out/in: Hunter Teafatiller contributed more at fullback and on special teams than at tight end during his final season. He caught three passes but played in all 12 games. Nebraska also confirmed in January that Tyson Hetzer left the program. But coaches and teammates spent all fall complimenting two redshirts -- Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton.
Spring things: Tight ends coach Ron Brown, now in his second year with this group, will continue to emphasize run- and pass-blocking techniques first, an aspect of the position that’s sometimes underappreciated. ... With two years to go, McNeill looks on pace to break Matt Herian’s career TE reception record (65 catches). McNeill, at 33, is already halfway there.
LINEMEN
Who’s No. 1? It’s wide open on the right side of the line, where Nebraska will need a guard and a tackle to replace seniors Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha. Marcel Jones and Jaivorio Burkes could trade reps all spring at right tackle, while junior college transfer Ricky Henry may be the leading candidate at right guard. Center Jacob Hickman, guard Keith Williams and tackle Mike Smith were starters last season.
Call for backup: All spring at right guard, Andy Christensen and D.J. Jones will battle for playing time with Henry, a tenacious junior who redshirted last season. Although undersized, Mike Caputo spent all season backing up Hickman. Kansas State transfer Derek Meyer, the co-MVP of the offense’s scout team, will provide depth.
Who’s out/in: Slauson and Murtha, potential NFL draft picks, combined for 58 starts. Veteran Mike Huff also graduated. But the departures may be enough to motivate Cruz Barrett, a junior whose contributions have been minimal. Brandon Thompson is one of several freshmen coming off a redshirt year.
Spring things: Christensen is awaiting word from the NCAA on whether he’ll be granted a sixth year of eligibility. He suffered a shoulder injury during fall camp as a redshirt freshman and didn’t play in 2005. ... Of the returning linemen, Hickman and Smith are the only ones with more than 10 career starts.
—Jon Nyatawa
Defense
ENDS
Who’s No. 1? It’s nice when you return two players with starting experience and solid athletic ability, which Nebraska has with Barry Turner and Pierre Allen. Turner wouldn’t be back if not for a season-ending leg injury last September. Can he return to form? Turner’s 11.5 career sacks are second most among returnees, but six came during his freshman season in 2005. Allen inherited Turner’s starting job last season and performed well enough as a sophomore to tie for third on the team with 52 tackles.
Call for backup: Here’s where it gets a little tricky because nobody played a significant number of snaps in 2008. Redshirt freshmen Josh Williams and Cameron Meredith are capable but untested, and Williams’ size is a question because he’s still listed at 225 pounds. It would be beneficial if NU could ease either player in slowly as it did with Allen in 2007. Among other scholarship players, sophomore Will Yancy played in one game last season, and time is winding down for senior Nick Covey to contribute.
Who’s out/in: The decision not to redshirt Zach Potter behind Adam Carriker in 2005 might be felt when considering what Potter could have been like with one more season. The Creighton Prep graduate finished with two steady seasons, including a senior year that produced 16 tackles for losses, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three blocked kicks. Clayton Sievers might have lacked statistics but was a valuable backup in 2007 and 2008. Nebraska made a recruiting score by signing four-star prospect Jason Ankrah in February.
Spring things: Nebraska petitioned the Big 12 for medical redshirt rulings for Turner and Meredith. The decision to play Meredith was reversed when he was injured in his only game appearance. ... Out of necessity, NU used DT Shukree Barfield on the outside toward the end of his senior season. ... Allen ranked third among Big 12 linemen in tackles. ... Covey started his Husker career as a linebacker.
TACKLES
Who’s No. 1? As much as senior Ndamukong Suh is a sure thing at nose tackle, his counterpart at tackle will remain up in the air at least for a few weeks. First crack at it likely goes to Jared Crick (he was listed No. 2 behind Ty Steinkuhler for the Gator Bowl). Terrence Moore might be a candidate unless he stays behind Suh at nose. The wild card would be Baker Steinkuhler, who comes off a redshirt season with loads of talent and promise. As far as Suh, what bigger break did NU catch than having him return for his senior season? The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder finished his junior season playing the kind of dominant football that will make him an honors candidate in 2009.
Call for backup: Crick and Moore filled these roles as redshirt freshmen, each playing in at least seven games. Baker Steinkuhler could be a possibility behind Suh at nose tackle or tackle. Ben Martin is one of the oldest reserves as a junior, while Quentin Toailoa (surgery on both shoulders) comes off a redshirt season and David Harvey possibly slides over from end. The depth isn’t great, but Justin Jackson is among the walk-ons most talked about last fall.
Who’s out/in: The Huskers lose an element of heart and toughness without Ty Steinkuhler, a two-year starter who played his best as a senior. The Suh-Steinkuhler combo was a real anchor. Shukree Barfield had three sacks last season and served a real need after Kevin Dixon was dismissed from the team last summer. The Huskers went after interior help and recruited Cole Pensick and Thaddeus Randle, but they’ll likely follow the redshirt path of Crick, Moore and Baker Steinkuhler.
Spring things: Suh, with 76 tackles, became the first lineman to lead the team in tackles since 1973. He became better as the season wore on, blocking kicks, intercepting passes and barreling into backfields. ... Crick came in as a end but has made his way to 280 pounds, Ty Steinkuhler’s weight last season. ... Moore had eight tackles, but two were sacks vs. Western Michigan.
LINEBACKERS
Who’s No. 1? No defensive unit will be revamped like this one. Phillip Dillard is the only returning starter, but Nebraska played its last five games without him and adjusted. Dillard will need to fight off Will Compton, NU’s middle linebacker of the future. Junior Blake Lawrence will be the most experienced of those going after the strongside and weakside spots, but Alonzo Whaley and Sean Fisher are redshirt freshmen with high upsides. The staff likes walk-on Mathew May enough that he’s worth watching as a long shot.
Call for backup: Although experience is lacking, NU has started rebuilding its depth with Compton, Whaley and Fisher coming off redshirts. Backup roles will be defined once starters emerge. Don’t discount Latravis Washington, who has the potential to shake things up but hasn’t made his mark. Matt Holt started last season at Texas Tech and Colton Koehler got some chances when Dillard was out, and the list of others includes Micah Kreikemeier, Thomas Grove and Austin Stafford.
Who’s out/in: The Huskers lose starters in Cody Glenn and Tyler Wortman, but Glenn’s play was sometimes inconsistent and Wortman’s starts and playing time were limited by the use of nickel and dime packages. Glenn finished fifth with 51 tackles despite being suspended for the final three games. The restocking continues with Eric Martin and Chris Williams, although both newcomers should be allowed to redshirt and get acclimated when they arrive this summer.
Spring things: Nebraska started three true linebackers just three times last season -- against Virginia Tech, Iowa State and Clemson. ... NU was the only Big 12 team without a linebacker with at least 60 tackles. ... Lawrence made 12 of his 21 tackles in the final three games and intercepted his first career pass in the Gator Bowl. ... Koehler had a career-high eight tackles against Kansas State and started in the Gator Bowl. ... Washington started last spring No. 1 at weakside linebacker before Glenn moved from I-back.
SAFETIES
Who’s No. 1? Senior Larry Asante has started 22 of the past 25 games at strong safety, logging more experience than anybody else in the secondary. The former JC transfer finished second with 67 tackles last fall, making at least five in eight games. Some numbers to improve are pass breakups (four in 2008) and interceptions (one). He can become more of the physical threat during backside pursuit. Matt O’Hanlon and Rickey Thenarse return after splitting 2008 starts at free safety, with O’Hanlon posting the bigger numbers (52 tackles, five breakups). Eric Hagg will be getting a look at safety and has the tools to bid for a job.
Call for backup: Depth should improve with the addition of redshirt freshmen P.J. Smith and Courtney Osborne, who go 6-2, 205 and 6-3, 175, respectively. Also, Mason Wald has gotten some preparation after playing regularly on special teams last season as a freshman. The walk-on ranks include Austin Cassidy, Adam Watson and Jim Ebke (recall that O’Hanlon started his career as a walk-on).
Who’s out/in: It looked as if the two-deep roster at safety would remain intact until Major Culbert recently was dropped from the program. Culbert, however, hadn’t played much behind Asante and was used more on special teams. If Hagg stays put, that should more than offset the loss. As far as newcomers, NU signed five defensive backs, but four likely will begin as cornerbacks and the fifth, Taylor Martinez, might get his first shot on offense.
Spring things: Assistant Marvin Sanders said he wants his safeties ready after this spring to play the strong or free positions, and know both equally as well. ... The Hagg experiment will be interesting after the junior-to-be was active and effective as the Huskers’ nickel back last season. ... In the past four years, the only Husker safety with more than one interception in a season has been Andrew Shanle (four in 2006). ... O’Hanlon is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 pick.
CORNERBACKS
Who’s No. 1? Junior Anthony West (right) started 11 games last season, but both No. 1 jobs might be up for grabs through spring practice and into preseason camp. Here’s why: Along with West and Prince Amukamara (left) returning, Anthony Blue is back after missing 2008 (knee) and the Huskers have added JC transfer Dejon Gomes. West intercepted two passes as a sophomore and tied for the team high with nine breakups. Amukamara had 34 tackles and forced two fumbles, but his playing time often seemed to come and go. The winter reports on Gomes have been that he not only has the size (6-foot, 190) but some agility and speed.
Call for backup: Alfonzo Dennard probably could be lumped in with West, Amukamara, Blue and Gomes after being a special-teams player as a freshman. His athletic skills match up favorably. Lance Thorell started five games when the Huskers came out in dime defenses and finished with 24 tackles. Another walk-on, Jase Dean, steadily became a staff favorite while redshirting. If Hagg stays at safety, one of the reserves will have to emerge as a nickel back.
Who’s out/in: The "ouch’’ comes from losing Armando Murillo, a two-year starter who had 44 tackles, nine pass breakups and an interception as a senior. Murillo was the only senior in the secondary last season and leaves the cornerback unit without a senior. It doesn’t look as if NU is counting on 2008 signees Justin Rogers or John Levorson, both in limbo. Gomes beat the rest of the cornerback newcomers into the program by enrolling in January, but NU eventually will add Andrew Green, Lazarri Middleton and Dijon Washington.
Spring things: The Huskers now have a thick West Coast presence at cornerback, with West, Gomes, Middleton and Washington all from California, and Amukamara from Arizona. ... In its past six wins, NU allowed opponents to complete 49.4 percent of their passes (83 of 168) with six interceptions. In four losses, opponents completed 73.4 percent (69 of 94) with one interception.
—Rich Kaipust
Special Teams
KICKERS-PUNTERS
Who’s No. 1? For the first time in three springs, Alex Henery won’t be locked in a head-to-head battle with Adi Kunalic for the place-kicking chores. The junior-to-be secured the job by making 18 of 21 field-goal tries last year, including the dramatic 57-yarder against Colorado. Kunalic will try to maintain his kickoff job. The real competition will be at punter, where only walk-ons Jonathon Damkroger and Brett Maher are listed as the potential replacements for three-year starter Dan Titchener. Henery was an all-state punter in high school who has said he would try it again.
Call for backup: Nebraska is set with Kunalic behind Henery, both likely to be scholarship kickers next season if the Huskers elevate Henery from walk-on.
Who’s out/in: Titchener handled 157 punts between 2006 and 2008. Slightly overlooked, also, might be the loss of do-it-all Jake Wesch -- who could kick, punt and hold -- and long snapper T.J. O’Leary.
Spring things: Henery is 26 of 29 for his career, with two of his misses from 50-plus yards. He made four field goals against Western Michigan, Colorado and Clemson. ... Kunalic has registered 57 touchbacks on 147 career kickoffs. ... The Huskers ranked 11th in the Big 12 last season in net punting (32.1 yards). ... Damkroger is a transfer from UNO, where he averaged 35 yards as the Mavericks’ punter in 2007. ... Maher is a redshirt freshman who averaged 41.2 yards as a Kearney High senior and had offers from Ohio University and Colorado State.
KICK RETURNERS
Who’s No. 1? It’s hard to say until Nebraska starts lining them up in spring practice. Niles Paul handled some kickoffs (41 for 23.6-yard average) and punts (eight, 10.0) last season, but his role as a receiver likely is about to expand. Alfonzo Dennard and Curenski Gilleylen also have the speed suited for kickoff returns.
Call for backup: Khiry Cooper and Tim Marlowe were among those fielding some punts during preseason camp last August, but both freshman receivers ultimately redshirted. Cooper won’t practice this spring because he’s playing baseball. Cornerback Prince Amukamara has been considered an option in the past but hasn’t been used.
Who’s out/in: Although Nate Swift will be missed most at receiver, he was an effective punt returner with a 12.9 average as a senior. Remember the 88-yarder against Virginia Tech? Among the newcomers, I-back Rex Burkhead and CB Andrew Green handled some returns with success as high school players. Walk-on Ty Kildow will check in around 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds but has big-time speed and returned two kickoffs for TDs as a Millard South junior.
Spring things: NU ranked second in the Big 12 in punt returns (12.1 yards) but just ninth in kickoff returns (21.8). ... The Huskers haven’t topped 22 yards per kickoff return since averaging 24.3 in 2003, when they had Josh Davis.
—Rich Kaipust
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QUARTERBACKS
Who’s No. 1? Patrick Witt and Zac Lee, evenly matched contenders for the starting job, were supposed to extend the team’s most important position battle into fall camp. But Witt’s February decision to transfer settled the debate before pads could be strapped on. All of a sudden, the unquestioned front-runner is Lee, who will be a junior. He gained nearly all of his on-field collegiate experience in 2006 at San Francisco City College.
Who’s out/in: Team MVP Joe Ganz took advantage of his final opportunity, setting school season records in passing yards, completions and total offense. And his primary backup, Witt, is gone. If anything, it gives Green, the touted dual-threat quarterback who enrolled in January, extra reps and a better chance to make an early impact.
Spring things: Creating game-like situations will likely be a focal point for the coaches, who’ll be working with an inexperienced group. Lee’s the only Husker quarterback with Division I playing time, and even his appearances were minimal. Lee completed one pass last season.
RUNNING BACKS
Who’s No. 1? Even though the coaches emphasized the importance of sticking with a multi-back system in 2008,
Roy Helu eventually emerged as the most dangerous weapon. During the final four regular-season games, Helu recorded more than half of his total carries for the year and about two-thirds of his rushing yards. Justin Makovicka is likely the primary fullback, following the path of brothers Jeff and Joel.
Call for backup: Nebraska found its No. 2 I-back in the Gator Bowl when Helu was sidelined with a knee injury. Quentin Castille ran for 125 yards on 18 carries against a strong Clemson defense, displaying a mix of bullish power and breakaway speed. At fullback, if Makovicka slips up, the offensive coaches could always call defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh over. He wasn’t criticized for his work as a short-yardage blocker last year.
Who’s out/in: NU will miss the pass-catching and big-play ability of the agile Marlon Lucky, but his departure will provide speedster Marcus Mendoza with more opportunities. Mendoza, who played at the end of blowouts last year, has the quickness to spread defenses out. Omaha Westside product Collins Okafor redshirted last year.
Spring things: Castille has fumbled eight times in two years, though he may have corrected the problem. Heading into the fall, he owns a streak of 44 touches without a fumble.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Who’s No. 1? Senior Menelik Holt missed nearly four games with a knee injury but still managed to end up as the team’s fourth-leading receiver with 30 catches. He prides himself on bringing a physical presence to the position, rarely shying away from over-the-middle contact. Niles Paul, who had a reception in all but two games in 2008, also should start.
Call for backup: Holt and Paul are the early favorites, but there are plenty of receivers who’ll be fighting for more playing time. Chris Brooks, Curenski Gilleylen, Will Henry and Wes Cammack saw glimpses of action last year, though none had more than two catches.
Who’s out/in: Nate Swift, the program’s all-time leading receiver, and Todd Peterson, a sure-handed veteran, will be missed. Tim Marlowe and Steven Osborne were impressive during redshirt years. Academic complications kept Antonio Bell from joining the program until January, but the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver is poised to help.
Spring things: Khiry Cooper, the freshman who sat out 2008 as a redshirt, is playing baseball this spring. ... Nebraska wide receivers combined for 16 of the team’s 27 touchdown receptions last year. Swift and Peterson had 14 of those. ... Cammack has caught Zac Lee’s only completion -- a 5-yard play on fourth down in the final minutes of a 38-7 win against New Mexico State.
TIGHT ENDS
Who’s No. 1? After an explosive sophomore year, Mike McNeill enters spring practice as the top tight end. The junior set the NU season reception record for a tight end, catching 32 passes in 2008. He also had six touchdown receptions. McNeill ran deceptive routes and used his quickness to separate from linebackers and safeties, making him a matchup problem for most defenses.
Call for backup: Dreu Young turned out to be a valuable secondary option behind McNeill. He caught nine passes and averaged 15.6 yards per reception, NU’s highest receiving average. Also returning is Ryan Hill.
Who’s out/in: Hunter Teafatiller contributed more at fullback and on special teams than at tight end during his final season. He caught three passes but played in all 12 games. Nebraska also confirmed in January that Tyson Hetzer left the program. But coaches and teammates spent all fall complimenting two redshirts -- Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton.
Spring things: Tight ends coach Ron Brown, now in his second year with this group, will continue to emphasize run- and pass-blocking techniques first, an aspect of the position that’s sometimes underappreciated. ... With two years to go, McNeill looks on pace to break Matt Herian’s career TE reception record (65 catches). McNeill, at 33, is already halfway there.
LINEMEN
Who’s No. 1? It’s wide open on the right side of the line, where Nebraska will need a guard and a tackle to replace seniors Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha. Marcel Jones and Jaivorio Burkes could trade reps all spring at right tackle, while junior college transfer Ricky Henry may be the leading candidate at right guard. Center Jacob Hickman, guard Keith Williams and tackle Mike Smith were starters last season.
Call for backup: All spring at right guard, Andy Christensen and D.J. Jones will battle for playing time with Henry, a tenacious junior who redshirted last season. Although undersized, Mike Caputo spent all season backing up Hickman. Kansas State transfer Derek Meyer, the co-MVP of the offense’s scout team, will provide depth.
Who’s out/in: Slauson and Murtha, potential NFL draft picks, combined for 58 starts. Veteran Mike Huff also graduated. But the departures may be enough to motivate Cruz Barrett, a junior whose contributions have been minimal. Brandon Thompson is one of several freshmen coming off a redshirt year.
Spring things: Christensen is awaiting word from the NCAA on whether he’ll be granted a sixth year of eligibility. He suffered a shoulder injury during fall camp as a redshirt freshman and didn’t play in 2005. ... Of the returning linemen, Hickman and Smith are the only ones with more than 10 career starts.
—Jon Nyatawa
Defense
ENDS
Who’s No. 1? It’s nice when you return two players with starting experience and solid athletic ability, which Nebraska has with Barry Turner and Pierre Allen. Turner wouldn’t be back if not for a season-ending leg injury last September. Can he return to form? Turner’s 11.5 career sacks are second most among returnees, but six came during his freshman season in 2005. Allen inherited Turner’s starting job last season and performed well enough as a sophomore to tie for third on the team with 52 tackles.
Call for backup: Here’s where it gets a little tricky because nobody played a significant number of snaps in 2008. Redshirt freshmen Josh Williams and Cameron Meredith are capable but untested, and Williams’ size is a question because he’s still listed at 225 pounds. It would be beneficial if NU could ease either player in slowly as it did with Allen in 2007. Among other scholarship players, sophomore Will Yancy played in one game last season, and time is winding down for senior Nick Covey to contribute.
Who’s out/in: The decision not to redshirt Zach Potter behind Adam Carriker in 2005 might be felt when considering what Potter could have been like with one more season. The Creighton Prep graduate finished with two steady seasons, including a senior year that produced 16 tackles for losses, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three blocked kicks. Clayton Sievers might have lacked statistics but was a valuable backup in 2007 and 2008. Nebraska made a recruiting score by signing four-star prospect Jason Ankrah in February.
Spring things: Nebraska petitioned the Big 12 for medical redshirt rulings for Turner and Meredith. The decision to play Meredith was reversed when he was injured in his only game appearance. ... Out of necessity, NU used DT Shukree Barfield on the outside toward the end of his senior season. ... Allen ranked third among Big 12 linemen in tackles. ... Covey started his Husker career as a linebacker.
TACKLES
Who’s No. 1? As much as senior Ndamukong Suh is a sure thing at nose tackle, his counterpart at tackle will remain up in the air at least for a few weeks. First crack at it likely goes to Jared Crick (he was listed No. 2 behind Ty Steinkuhler for the Gator Bowl). Terrence Moore might be a candidate unless he stays behind Suh at nose. The wild card would be Baker Steinkuhler, who comes off a redshirt season with loads of talent and promise. As far as Suh, what bigger break did NU catch than having him return for his senior season? The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder finished his junior season playing the kind of dominant football that will make him an honors candidate in 2009.
Call for backup: Crick and Moore filled these roles as redshirt freshmen, each playing in at least seven games. Baker Steinkuhler could be a possibility behind Suh at nose tackle or tackle. Ben Martin is one of the oldest reserves as a junior, while Quentin Toailoa (surgery on both shoulders) comes off a redshirt season and David Harvey possibly slides over from end. The depth isn’t great, but Justin Jackson is among the walk-ons most talked about last fall.
Who’s out/in: The Huskers lose an element of heart and toughness without Ty Steinkuhler, a two-year starter who played his best as a senior. The Suh-Steinkuhler combo was a real anchor. Shukree Barfield had three sacks last season and served a real need after Kevin Dixon was dismissed from the team last summer. The Huskers went after interior help and recruited Cole Pensick and Thaddeus Randle, but they’ll likely follow the redshirt path of Crick, Moore and Baker Steinkuhler.
Spring things: Suh, with 76 tackles, became the first lineman to lead the team in tackles since 1973. He became better as the season wore on, blocking kicks, intercepting passes and barreling into backfields. ... Crick came in as a end but has made his way to 280 pounds, Ty Steinkuhler’s weight last season. ... Moore had eight tackles, but two were sacks vs. Western Michigan.
LINEBACKERS
Who’s No. 1? No defensive unit will be revamped like this one. Phillip Dillard is the only returning starter, but Nebraska played its last five games without him and adjusted. Dillard will need to fight off Will Compton, NU’s middle linebacker of the future. Junior Blake Lawrence will be the most experienced of those going after the strongside and weakside spots, but Alonzo Whaley and Sean Fisher are redshirt freshmen with high upsides. The staff likes walk-on Mathew May enough that he’s worth watching as a long shot.
Call for backup: Although experience is lacking, NU has started rebuilding its depth with Compton, Whaley and Fisher coming off redshirts. Backup roles will be defined once starters emerge. Don’t discount Latravis Washington, who has the potential to shake things up but hasn’t made his mark. Matt Holt started last season at Texas Tech and Colton Koehler got some chances when Dillard was out, and the list of others includes Micah Kreikemeier, Thomas Grove and Austin Stafford.
Who’s out/in: The Huskers lose starters in Cody Glenn and Tyler Wortman, but Glenn’s play was sometimes inconsistent and Wortman’s starts and playing time were limited by the use of nickel and dime packages. Glenn finished fifth with 51 tackles despite being suspended for the final three games. The restocking continues with Eric Martin and Chris Williams, although both newcomers should be allowed to redshirt and get acclimated when they arrive this summer.
Spring things: Nebraska started three true linebackers just three times last season -- against Virginia Tech, Iowa State and Clemson. ... NU was the only Big 12 team without a linebacker with at least 60 tackles. ... Lawrence made 12 of his 21 tackles in the final three games and intercepted his first career pass in the Gator Bowl. ... Koehler had a career-high eight tackles against Kansas State and started in the Gator Bowl. ... Washington started last spring No. 1 at weakside linebacker before Glenn moved from I-back.
SAFETIES
Who’s No. 1? Senior Larry Asante has started 22 of the past 25 games at strong safety, logging more experience than anybody else in the secondary. The former JC transfer finished second with 67 tackles last fall, making at least five in eight games. Some numbers to improve are pass breakups (four in 2008) and interceptions (one). He can become more of the physical threat during backside pursuit. Matt O’Hanlon and Rickey Thenarse return after splitting 2008 starts at free safety, with O’Hanlon posting the bigger numbers (52 tackles, five breakups). Eric Hagg will be getting a look at safety and has the tools to bid for a job.
Call for backup: Depth should improve with the addition of redshirt freshmen P.J. Smith and Courtney Osborne, who go 6-2, 205 and 6-3, 175, respectively. Also, Mason Wald has gotten some preparation after playing regularly on special teams last season as a freshman. The walk-on ranks include Austin Cassidy, Adam Watson and Jim Ebke (recall that O’Hanlon started his career as a walk-on).
Who’s out/in: It looked as if the two-deep roster at safety would remain intact until Major Culbert recently was dropped from the program. Culbert, however, hadn’t played much behind Asante and was used more on special teams. If Hagg stays put, that should more than offset the loss. As far as newcomers, NU signed five defensive backs, but four likely will begin as cornerbacks and the fifth, Taylor Martinez, might get his first shot on offense.
Spring things: Assistant Marvin Sanders said he wants his safeties ready after this spring to play the strong or free positions, and know both equally as well. ... The Hagg experiment will be interesting after the junior-to-be was active and effective as the Huskers’ nickel back last season. ... In the past four years, the only Husker safety with more than one interception in a season has been Andrew Shanle (four in 2006). ... O’Hanlon is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 pick.
CORNERBACKS
Who’s No. 1? Junior Anthony West (right) started 11 games last season, but both No. 1 jobs might be up for grabs through spring practice and into preseason camp. Here’s why: Along with West and Prince Amukamara (left) returning, Anthony Blue is back after missing 2008 (knee) and the Huskers have added JC transfer Dejon Gomes. West intercepted two passes as a sophomore and tied for the team high with nine breakups. Amukamara had 34 tackles and forced two fumbles, but his playing time often seemed to come and go. The winter reports on Gomes have been that he not only has the size (6-foot, 190) but some agility and speed.
Call for backup: Alfonzo Dennard probably could be lumped in with West, Amukamara, Blue and Gomes after being a special-teams player as a freshman. His athletic skills match up favorably. Lance Thorell started five games when the Huskers came out in dime defenses and finished with 24 tackles. Another walk-on, Jase Dean, steadily became a staff favorite while redshirting. If Hagg stays at safety, one of the reserves will have to emerge as a nickel back.
Who’s out/in: The "ouch’’ comes from losing Armando Murillo, a two-year starter who had 44 tackles, nine pass breakups and an interception as a senior. Murillo was the only senior in the secondary last season and leaves the cornerback unit without a senior. It doesn’t look as if NU is counting on 2008 signees Justin Rogers or John Levorson, both in limbo. Gomes beat the rest of the cornerback newcomers into the program by enrolling in January, but NU eventually will add Andrew Green, Lazarri Middleton and Dijon Washington.
Spring things: The Huskers now have a thick West Coast presence at cornerback, with West, Gomes, Middleton and Washington all from California, and Amukamara from Arizona. ... In its past six wins, NU allowed opponents to complete 49.4 percent of their passes (83 of 168) with six interceptions. In four losses, opponents completed 73.4 percent (69 of 94) with one interception.
—Rich Kaipust
Special Teams
KICKERS-PUNTERS
Who’s No. 1? For the first time in three springs, Alex Henery won’t be locked in a head-to-head battle with Adi Kunalic for the place-kicking chores. The junior-to-be secured the job by making 18 of 21 field-goal tries last year, including the dramatic 57-yarder against Colorado. Kunalic will try to maintain his kickoff job. The real competition will be at punter, where only walk-ons Jonathon Damkroger and Brett Maher are listed as the potential replacements for three-year starter Dan Titchener. Henery was an all-state punter in high school who has said he would try it again.
Call for backup: Nebraska is set with Kunalic behind Henery, both likely to be scholarship kickers next season if the Huskers elevate Henery from walk-on.
Who’s out/in: Titchener handled 157 punts between 2006 and 2008. Slightly overlooked, also, might be the loss of do-it-all Jake Wesch -- who could kick, punt and hold -- and long snapper T.J. O’Leary.
Spring things: Henery is 26 of 29 for his career, with two of his misses from 50-plus yards. He made four field goals against Western Michigan, Colorado and Clemson. ... Kunalic has registered 57 touchbacks on 147 career kickoffs. ... The Huskers ranked 11th in the Big 12 last season in net punting (32.1 yards). ... Damkroger is a transfer from UNO, where he averaged 35 yards as the Mavericks’ punter in 2007. ... Maher is a redshirt freshman who averaged 41.2 yards as a Kearney High senior and had offers from Ohio University and Colorado State.
KICK RETURNERS
Who’s No. 1? It’s hard to say until Nebraska starts lining them up in spring practice. Niles Paul handled some kickoffs (41 for 23.6-yard average) and punts (eight, 10.0) last season, but his role as a receiver likely is about to expand. Alfonzo Dennard and Curenski Gilleylen also have the speed suited for kickoff returns.
Call for backup: Khiry Cooper and Tim Marlowe were among those fielding some punts during preseason camp last August, but both freshman receivers ultimately redshirted. Cooper won’t practice this spring because he’s playing baseball. Cornerback Prince Amukamara has been considered an option in the past but hasn’t been used.
Who’s out/in: Although Nate Swift will be missed most at receiver, he was an effective punt returner with a 12.9 average as a senior. Remember the 88-yarder against Virginia Tech? Among the newcomers, I-back Rex Burkhead and CB Andrew Green handled some returns with success as high school players. Walk-on Ty Kildow will check in around 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds but has big-time speed and returned two kickoffs for TDs as a Millard South junior.
Spring things: NU ranked second in the Big 12 in punt returns (12.1 yards) but just ninth in kickoff returns (21.8). ... The Huskers haven’t topped 22 yards per kickoff return since averaging 24.3 in 2003, when they had Josh Davis.
—Rich Kaipust
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