You gotta love the 'way too early predictions' in sports media. This way, after the first game I can see how wrong I am on this.
(#) = Additional comments below
Offense:
QB- Adrian Martinez
RB- Greg Bell
WR- Stanley Morgan Jr.
WR- JD Spielman (1)
WR- Jaevon McQuitty (1)
TE- Austin Allen
TE- Jack Stoll
LT- Brenden Jaimes
LG- Jerald Foster
C- Tanner Farmer (2)
RG- Cole Conrad
RT- Matt Farniok
(1) Stanley Morgan Jr. is the only safe bet as a starter in a position group loaded with guys who can play. I went with Spielman and McQuitty over other potential contributers such as Tyjon Lindsey, Mike Williams, and Jaron Woodyard because of what Spielman has already shown as a small, shifty receiver that has already excelled at the college level, and McQuitty who has the speed and body of a B1G receiver as a RS Freshman.
(2) Tanner Farmer mentioned in the pre-season press conference that he has been taking plenty of reps at center and was told to "be ready" to take on the responsibility. Farmer is a proven veteran right guard on the offensive line, the leader of the unit, and the center usually portrays that on traditional football teams.
Blackshirts:
DE- Freedom Akinmoladun
DE- Carlos Davis
NT- Mick Stoltenberg
OLB- Luke Gifford
OLB- Alex Davis
ILB- Avery Roberts (1)
ILB- Mohammad Barry
CB- Lamar Jackson
CB- DiCaprio Bootle
S- Tre Neal (2)
S- Antonio Reed
(1) Avery Roberts is a guy I think a lot of people overlook or forgot about. He will most likely be battling with Dedrick Young, a guy I do not think is incredibly physical and gets burned in coverage regularly. Those two things do not equate to a starting LB for Nebraska. Roberts on the other hand is every bit of 6'1" 230 pounds, very quick, and loves contact. He played in all 12 games last season and showed he's more than capable of playing the position.
(2) Tre Neal joins the Blackshirt defense as a graduate transfer and is exactly what this defense needs. In my opinion, Neal will end up starting and be the quarterback of the defense considering he knows the defensive system already and has been productive. Also, Neal will have all kinds of time to focus on football not having to worry about school work as a graduate transfer.
Cover image by Hail Varsity
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