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LB's and Edge, DC Tony White

HBK4life

Nebraska Legend
Jan 24, 2004
44,484
95,887
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North of Lincoln South of Heaven
Linebacker Departures: Eteva Mauga-Clements, Ernest Hausmann, Chris Kolarevic

Edge Departures: Caleb Tannor, Ochaun Mathis, Garrett Nelson, Pheldarius Payne

Linebacker Key Returnees for 2023: Luke Reimer, Nick Henrich, Garrett Snodgrass, Seth Malcom, Randolph Kpai, Mikai Gbayor

Edge Key Returnees for 2023: Blaise Gunnerson, Jimari Butler, Jake Appleget

Linebacker Additions: MJ Sherman (Georgia transfer), Chief Borders (Florida transfer), Dylan Rogers, Eric Fields

Edge Additions: None

2023 Outlook​

March and April will be all about building depth, as Luke Reimer should see a limited snap share while Nick Henrich is on the shelf nursing a prior injury. While this isn't optimal for building on-field chemistry, it affords those lower in the current pecking order a chance to improve their standing.

That news should provide a thrill with several incoming additions touting a laundry list of impressive skills. MJ Sherman and Chief Borders have already received a great deal of fanfare, while Eric Fields' name has been floated as a potential steal of the 2023 recruiting class. Dylan Rogers steps onto campus in the fall when the Cypress, Texas, native gets his own chance to impress.


Matt Rhule has been especially complimentary of Borders as winter conditioning wrapped up. "He's elite in the community, and he gives back to people. Here's one thing I know — wherever Chief ends up on a given day, that place will be better for him having been there."

Arguably the most curious edge rusher this spring is Jimari Butler. After briefly testing the early transfer portal waters, he withdrew his name two days after Rhule was hired. Nebraska's new head coach made a concerted effort to get to know Butler, including sitting down for a meal with both him and tight end Thomas Fidone.— Written by Brandon Cavanaugh, part of the Athlon Contributor
 
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WHITE HAS NOTICED SOME LEADERS STEPPING UP​

He mentioned Chief Borders, Luke Reimer, Nick Henrich. During the offseason team programs, "You had a lot of guys step up and assume some roles you didn't know if they could handle. It's amazing when you give a guy a chance and you let them run the show, you see what they can do and they rise to the occasion."
White also highlighted Isaac Gifford as someone who stuck out among back-end defenders. John Bullock is another guy who impresses him in that way. The junior walk-on nickel from Omaha Creighton Prep has some hops on the basketball court too.
"Yeah, you see that? He can sky, man. Let's put him on the grass. Let's see what's up."

WHITE FEELS THE PASSION FOR FOOTBALL AROUND HERE​

He was impressed that 45,000 Spring Game tickets were sold already.
"You said 45,000 already for this spring? That's more than a lot of Pac-12 football games in the fall. Anytime, any place I've been, anywhere, it's Nebraska football. And not only Nebraska football. They don't talk about wins and losses. They're happy we're here. They want to embrace us. They want this place to do well."
He called it a "humbling experience" hearing from people wherever he's at – walking the dog, at the store, at the movies – about Nebraska and the football program.

WHITE SAID HE AND THE FAMILY ARE SETTLED AS NEBRASKANS ALREADY​

"We blitz from Play 1 so we're going to do this thing right now," he said. "Watch this: I went to school and everything in L.A. in California. I've always had a California driver's license. So I go to Arizona, California's driver's license. I go to Syracuse, keep my Cali (license). This is the first place immediately, 'Nebraska driver's license.' I'm here. I'm done. Let's go."
 

Tony White​

Syracuse —> Nebraska​

After stints at San Diego St. and Arizona St. (this apparently has become a pattern among new DCs), White led one of the best defensive backfields in the country last season for the Orange. Those guys will all be playing on Sundays in the future. Matt Rhule made a great hire to get the UCLA alumni on his staff at Nebraska. White has a history in many parts of the country, is young, energetic, and everything recruits want to see. I was a fan of the Rhule hire even before it was official. White only added to that sentiment.
 

WHITE HAS NOTICED SOME LEADERS STEPPING UP​

He mentioned Chief Borders, Luke Reimer, Nick Henrich. During the offseason team programs, "You had a lot of guys step up and assume some roles you didn't know if they could handle. It's amazing when you give a guy a chance and you let them run the show, you see what they can do and they rise to the occasion."
White also highlighted Isaac Gifford as someone who stuck out among back-end defenders. John Bullock is another guy who impresses him in that way. The junior walk-on nickel from Omaha Creighton Prep has some hops on the basketball court too.
"Yeah, you see that? He can sky, man. Let's put him on the grass. Let's see what's up."

WHITE FEELS THE PASSION FOR FOOTBALL AROUND HERE​

He was impressed that 45,000 Spring Game tickets were sold already.
"You said 45,000 already for this spring? That's more than a lot of Pac-12 football games in the fall. Anytime, any place I've been, anywhere, it's Nebraska football. And not only Nebraska football. They don't talk about wins and losses. They're happy we're here. They want to embrace us. They want this place to do well."
He called it a "humbling experience" hearing from people wherever he's at – walking the dog, at the store, at the movies – about Nebraska and the football program.

WHITE SAID HE AND THE FAMILY ARE SETTLED AS NEBRASKANS ALREADY​

"We blitz from Play 1 so we're going to do this thing right now," he said. "Watch this: I went to school and everything in L.A. in California. I've always had a California driver's license. So I go to Arizona, California's driver's license. I go to Syracuse, keep my Cali (license). This is the first place immediately, 'Nebraska driver's license.' I'm here. I'm done. Let's go."
Gonna save some money on his car insurance by taking out that Nebraska driver's license.....
 
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