http://www.omaha.com/huskers/blogs/...cle_cd08c246-fd36-11e6-b501-c3fc4a4ef715.html
Offense
Jalin Barnett — The offensive guard needs to lose weight, according to his coach, Mike Cavanaugh. Seeing Barnett at practice and after games, that’s a fair assessment. Barnett is a strong dude, but he could stand to move around better. NU likes screen passes, too.
Tanner Lee — He’s a junior, and Nebraska expects a lot out of him. Teammates like him, coaches like him, he commands respect and has a nice arm. Now he has to put together that kind of spring camp that leaves little doubt that he’s the guy going forward. If Lee struggles in spring, you’d be asking a ton of redshirt freshman Patrick O’Brien.
Mikale Wilbon — He still has more wiggle and elusiveness than any of the other Husker backs, but, in two years, he’s only carried the ball 24 times. Knowing the offense has long been Wilbon’s obstacle. If he’s turned a corner there, he can win the starting job over Devine Ozigbo and Tre Bryant. He also could finish third.
Keyan Williams — The son of Nebraska receivers coach Keith Williams, Keyan redshirted last year after transferring from Fresno State, where he caught seven career passes. His dad has taught him well, and NU needs wideouts to step up. Look for Keyan Williams, often overlooked, to be a factor.
Matt Snyder — Nebraska beat Michigan for this tight end. Injuries have kept Snyder from doing much to this point, but he’ll have a real shot of winning a starting job, since the frontrunners are walk-ons who have very little game experience.
Defense
Mohamed Barry — He puts in the work after practice and he clearly has the talent to make plays. Now, Barry will learn a new defense like the rest of his teammates. On a level learning curve, will Barry’s athletic potential stand out?
Tyrin Ferguson — The New Orleans linebacker spent last year as a redshirt. Now, he may have fallen into a nice spot with the 3-4 system if he can play outside linebacker. Ferguson has the size for it; is he quick enough off the edge?
Luke Gifford — Here’s another linebacker who has a chance to make a dent in the defense. As a junior, Gifford could either put on weight and play inside, or stay outside and be more of a cover guy. Either way, Nebraska needs him to turn the corner.
DaiShon Neal — Has size, will stay at defensive end. Neal is prototypically built for 3-4 defensive end. He’s had two years at NU to grow into his frame and get stronger. What can he do from here?
Antonio Reed — If he’s healthy, Reed is a wild-card athlete who former defensive coordinator Mark Banker loved. Banker could never quite figure out how to use Reed though. Will new coordinator Bob Diaco?
Offense
Jalin Barnett — The offensive guard needs to lose weight, according to his coach, Mike Cavanaugh. Seeing Barnett at practice and after games, that’s a fair assessment. Barnett is a strong dude, but he could stand to move around better. NU likes screen passes, too.
Tanner Lee — He’s a junior, and Nebraska expects a lot out of him. Teammates like him, coaches like him, he commands respect and has a nice arm. Now he has to put together that kind of spring camp that leaves little doubt that he’s the guy going forward. If Lee struggles in spring, you’d be asking a ton of redshirt freshman Patrick O’Brien.
Mikale Wilbon — He still has more wiggle and elusiveness than any of the other Husker backs, but, in two years, he’s only carried the ball 24 times. Knowing the offense has long been Wilbon’s obstacle. If he’s turned a corner there, he can win the starting job over Devine Ozigbo and Tre Bryant. He also could finish third.
Keyan Williams — The son of Nebraska receivers coach Keith Williams, Keyan redshirted last year after transferring from Fresno State, where he caught seven career passes. His dad has taught him well, and NU needs wideouts to step up. Look for Keyan Williams, often overlooked, to be a factor.
Matt Snyder — Nebraska beat Michigan for this tight end. Injuries have kept Snyder from doing much to this point, but he’ll have a real shot of winning a starting job, since the frontrunners are walk-ons who have very little game experience.
Defense
Mohamed Barry — He puts in the work after practice and he clearly has the talent to make plays. Now, Barry will learn a new defense like the rest of his teammates. On a level learning curve, will Barry’s athletic potential stand out?
Tyrin Ferguson — The New Orleans linebacker spent last year as a redshirt. Now, he may have fallen into a nice spot with the 3-4 system if he can play outside linebacker. Ferguson has the size for it; is he quick enough off the edge?
Luke Gifford — Here’s another linebacker who has a chance to make a dent in the defense. As a junior, Gifford could either put on weight and play inside, or stay outside and be more of a cover guy. Either way, Nebraska needs him to turn the corner.
DaiShon Neal — Has size, will stay at defensive end. Neal is prototypically built for 3-4 defensive end. He’s had two years at NU to grow into his frame and get stronger. What can he do from here?
Antonio Reed — If he’s healthy, Reed is a wild-card athlete who former defensive coordinator Mark Banker loved. Banker could never quite figure out how to use Reed though. Will new coordinator Bob Diaco?