Let's envision Nebraska far exceeds expectations next year. However remote of a possibility, I don't care. We all know Vegas has us at 5.5 wins and no one is expecting much right away. Let's say we do get to 8, 9, or 10 wins in the regular season, or perhaps win the West.
Hypothetical: if we were to look back on the year, what contribution or somewhat lucky breaks do we need from a personnel standpoint to far surpass expectations. Here's what I came up with. I'll be curious to see what others think.
1. Adrian Martinez - Self explanatory. He excels as a freshman. Frost and Verduzco were right in their evaluation of him as the #1 QB in the 2018 for their system. He gets a step quicker in the off-season. His arm strength continues to improve post-injury. Plays to a level that would garner honorable mention all-Big Ten.
2. Caleb Tannor - If we are far exceeding expectations, I would certainly think it's because we have an impact OLB playing the Shaquem Griffin role. Tannor is our most athletic and highest upside option. It would be great if he made an impact early.
3. Miles Jones - Again, if we are winning games, our offense will have to make up for some of our deficiencies on defense. Imo, we don't have a true DUCK on the roster. Jones' ability to play the WR/RB role and motion pre-snap is pivotal in our scheme. I know Spielman (and others) have been talked about as playing the DUCK, but I'd much prefer J.D. stay at WR full-time.
4. Cam Jones - This might be the least likely one, but Cam Jones is a surprise impact starter as a freshman. There are other guys on the roster that could step up, but are they in the same class athletically as him? Like Tannor, I think he may be our most athletic/highest upside safety.
5. Deontai Williams - Cam Jones stepping up at safety is a double whammy. I would hope we then kick Deontai down to corner. I don't necessarily feel great about Lamar as our #1 corner, and certainly the #2 corner is worrisome as well. Deontai appears to be a stud and would shore up our concerns at #2 corner.
6. Lamar Jackson - Self explanatory again. He realizes his potential and makes a huge jump in performance. Corner is my biggest worry for the 2018 team and we will certainly need the two starters playing at a high level.
To recap, breakout performances from:
QB
OLB
DUCK-RB
S
CB #1
CB #2
Hypothetical: if we were to look back on the year, what contribution or somewhat lucky breaks do we need from a personnel standpoint to far surpass expectations. Here's what I came up with. I'll be curious to see what others think.
1. Adrian Martinez - Self explanatory. He excels as a freshman. Frost and Verduzco were right in their evaluation of him as the #1 QB in the 2018 for their system. He gets a step quicker in the off-season. His arm strength continues to improve post-injury. Plays to a level that would garner honorable mention all-Big Ten.
2. Caleb Tannor - If we are far exceeding expectations, I would certainly think it's because we have an impact OLB playing the Shaquem Griffin role. Tannor is our most athletic and highest upside option. It would be great if he made an impact early.
3. Miles Jones - Again, if we are winning games, our offense will have to make up for some of our deficiencies on defense. Imo, we don't have a true DUCK on the roster. Jones' ability to play the WR/RB role and motion pre-snap is pivotal in our scheme. I know Spielman (and others) have been talked about as playing the DUCK, but I'd much prefer J.D. stay at WR full-time.
4. Cam Jones - This might be the least likely one, but Cam Jones is a surprise impact starter as a freshman. There are other guys on the roster that could step up, but are they in the same class athletically as him? Like Tannor, I think he may be our most athletic/highest upside safety.
5. Deontai Williams - Cam Jones stepping up at safety is a double whammy. I would hope we then kick Deontai down to corner. I don't necessarily feel great about Lamar as our #1 corner, and certainly the #2 corner is worrisome as well. Deontai appears to be a stud and would shore up our concerns at #2 corner.
6. Lamar Jackson - Self explanatory again. He realizes his potential and makes a huge jump in performance. Corner is my biggest worry for the 2018 team and we will certainly need the two starters playing at a high level.
To recap, breakout performances from:
QB
OLB
DUCK-RB
S
CB #1
CB #2
