Alright, storm season is coming to a close unfortunately so I need something to put my mind towards in the mean time. I'm a die hard Husker fan, born and raised in the motherland so this seems appropriate. This is an opinion blog where I won't do very much reporting but rather give my perspective on hot topics surrounding Husker Football.
The following are 5 players I believe will play this season for Nebraska in order of how much they will contribute
1. QB Adrian Martinez
It'll be strange seeing another Martinez under center for the Huskers and although Taylor Martinez (2010-2014) was a record setting quarterback in Lincoln, I think Martinez part 2 will be much better considering a few things:
- Adrian is arguably just as quick at Taylor was
- Adrian's throwing mechanics are night and day compared to Taylor's
- Adrian has superior coaching in Scott Frost and Mario Verduzco
- Adrian is playing in a more favorable offensive system for mobile quarterbacks
As you can tell, I believe Adrian Martinez will start for the first game on September 1 against Akron.
2. CB Cam Taylor
There have been several additions to the secondary that should add much needed depth to a unit that has struggled big time the last few years under Mike Riley. Defensive Coordinator, Erik Chinander, mentioned the secondary is the most improved unit on the team since spring practices. The newby sticking out the most in fall camp is corner back Cam Taylor.
Cam isn't the biggest guy at 6'0" 205, but plays much much bigger with his speed, agility, and incredible hops. Cam is a guy with impressive defensive instincts/ball skills which is definitely something this football team needs considering past corner play at Nebraska. Cam Taylor will start on day one for the Huskers.
3. RB Maurice Washington
Maurice Washington has been the biggest story coming out of fall camp impressing coaches and teammates after his first few practices with his quickness, shiftiness, and running instincts that can't be taught. A few problems with Washington getting a lot of snaps early:
- The running back room is loaded with potential starters (Ozigbo, Bell, Bryant, etc.)
- Arrived just in time for fall camp (new to collegiate football, needs to know the play book)
- His body isn't quite ready to be a bell cow running back (190 pounds)
Maurice, barring a red shirt, will play a lot for Nebraska this season. Does he have a chance to start? Yes. Will he be an every-down back if he does? Probably not. I bet the offensive staff uses him in jet sweeps and similar plays to get him out in space. He could be a very very dangerous player.
4. OLB Caleb Tannor
Tall, rangy and quick. Almost like a shorter Randy Gregory, Caleb Tannor has also impressed coaches early in fall camp with his speed and instincts as an edge-rusher. In Chinander's 3-4 defense, Tannor has the ability to thrive as an OLB using his quickness to get after the quarterback, something that Nebraska has missed since Randy Gregory was drafted. I don't think Tannor will start game one, however, I think he will be in the game in situations where pressure on the quarterback is needed. Which will be a lot.
Watch for #1 terrorizing opposing QB's this season.
5. Miles Jones
Elusive athlete, Miles Jones, is a 5'8" 175 Freshman from Miramar, Florida that could definitely contribute early and often in this Scott Frost system. Miles reminds me of the old Oregon players Frost utilized during his time at Oregon. He comes in with similar measurables as Ameer Abdullah and his style of play fits Abdullah's as well. I think Nebraska could use Jones as a slot receiver, H back, running back, or return man. There hasn't been incredible buzz around Miles Jones so far in fall camp but his talents offer too much to keep him on the sidelines this year.
Cover Image by Hudl
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