Nebraska fans don't know how to be patient. The team is basically in year 2 1/2 of a minimum 5 year rebuild.
Mike Riley completely left this program in shambles. This was the # of Big Ten caliber underclassmen scholarship players for each position group when Frost arrived:
OL: 3
QB: 1 - one transferred
RB: 0
WR: 2 - one transferred
DL: 4
LB: 3- one transferred
CB: 2
S: 1
This season, assuming there is some semblance of a "this season" is where we need to see some legitimate progress with key position groups:
1. LBs - Nebraska's linebackers were the worst in the Big Ten West for the last 4 seasons. Any defense in America with poor LB play is going to suck. Part of those problems derived from numbers. In 2020, we really need to see some production from dudes like Heinrich, Hannah, Mauga, and Keyshawn Green. They're all young and will be in reserve roles. But there has to be some headway made to start moving forward. I do believe Nebraska has hit rock bottom there.
3. DL- while the LB position has more experience, the DL has as much talented youth. This position group exemplifies why people need to be patient. Mike Riley's staff absolutely killed this position. Frost and staff have signed 11 Defensive Linemen in their 1st 3 classes. This comes after Riley left Frost with basically two guys he actually recruited in Damion Daniels and Deontre Thomas. Ben Stille would've signed with Nebraska regardless of the coach. And the Davis Twins were Pelini recruits.
2020 will mark the first time Nebraska actually builds a legit scholarship of 3 deep players who were recruited to play in this defense.
3. O-Line- Frost made a risky and bold choice by going with Jurgens last season despite him being undersized, not knowing how to snap, and only having a handful of practices under his belt. I do believe it will pay off in year two. I don't know much, but I can almost guarantee Jurgens will be 300 lbs with abs and his snaps will be crisp. The kid is a freakish athlete and I believe the staff made a terrific decision to move him to center. The next step involves Benhart to become a true Tackle allowing Farniok to move inside to guard where he is a better fit. From an experience and depth standpoint, the Huskers will have gotten over the hump. They've recruited well there and should be able to move forward.
Position that makes you go woof:
WR.
I will lay the blame on both Riley and Frost for this mess. Getting left with only two viable underclassmen receivers n Spielman and Lindsey is inexcusable. But then getting Lindsey to transfer to Oregon state when he's a starter is the ultimate fvck you. Part of that is on Frost as Walters had a poor relationship with his receivers from day one. Frost's inability to find immediate help was troubling. The 2019 JUCO class had a handful of good receivers who could've made an immediate impact. Frost and staff missed the boat and brought in too many Freshmen who were undersized and not ready to help.
That group needs Omar and Betts to be instant impact players right away. Opponents must respect players on the boundary or this offense gets bogged down quick.
Assuming Spielman doesn't return, the offense can still be potent with Wandale in the slot, Betts and Omar on the boundaries and a true RB like Dedrick Mills who should be very good in year 2. The QB needs help though.
