Fans and sports analysts have consumed the offseason “Rhule-Aid” fairly. As the Cornhuskers progress through fall camp, they return good production on both sides of the ball, especially defense. Transfers and true freshmen will play an important piece for NU. But for Big Red to be a contender in the Big Ten, returning players from 2023’s roster will need to take the next step this fall.
There are many obvious choices of returning players with potential all-conference accolades on this roster, such as offensive linemen Ben Scott or Bryce Benhart; defensive linemen Nash Hucmatcher or Ty Robinson; linebacker John Bullock; defensive backs Isaac Gifford, Marques Buford Jr., Malcolm Hartzog or Tommi Hill. All these players are well-established and known, but the ones below are key players to keep an eye on for new potential superstars for the Huskers.
All statistics below were gathered from huskers.com.
Running Back Emmett Johnson
After stepping up in the wake of injuries to teammates Gabe Ervin and Rahmir Johnson, who both suffered season-ending injuries, Emmett Johnson proved to be a solid back this past season, averaging 4.6 yards per carry for 411 yards. With the offense having an improved passing game, he should be able to exploit defenses. This could potentially double his yardage from the previous year. The running back-by-committee room will see three to four backs getting carries every game, but Emmett Johnson could take the reins.
Wide Receivers Jaylen Lloyd and Malachi Coleman
These two sophomore speedsters proved last year to be deep threats as freshmen. Lloyd, who only had six receptions the entire season, had three touchdowns, all for more than 60 yards, tied with former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison. Coleman finished with only eight grabs but the 10.5 100m dash speed both possess, combined with a year of strength and conditioning should make them targets for run-after-the-catch opportunities in this revamped offensive explosion.
Wide Receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda
Garcia-Castaneda has had a wild ride as a Husker the past two seasons. From intending to transfer midway through the 2022 season to returning and tearing his ACL in the Minnesota game last year, it’s been a bumpy road. The veteran has played a ton of football, racking up 639 receiving yards at New Mexico State. Garcia-Castaneda has been a role model for young receivers like Lloyd and Coleman. If the senior could finally get a full year under his belt, he could significantly help the improved receiving corps.
Tight End Thomas Fidone
Fidone has already been a key player; though I feel this year he will blow the roof off. The former No. 1-rated tight end of the 2021 recruiting class finally was able to play a full season this past fall. With the significant injuries he suffered, Fidone took time to get comfortable. I foresee the Council Bluffs native as not only a returning starter but also one of the leading receivers of the offense this fall. He had a respectable stat line: 25 receptions for 260 yards last season. Look for Fidone to triple his receiving yards this year. As one of the key leaders who has bought into Rhule’s culture, if Fidone has no injury concerns, the sky is the limit for the junior.
Offensive Lineman Justin Evans
Evans was the “sixth man” of the offensive line group last year, subbing in at both guard and center. He is entering his redshirt sophomore season and is expected to start. The experience gained last year, along with the coaching, should help Evans grow into a future NFL guard for the Cornhuskers.
Quarterback/Utility Heinrich Haarberg
It is looking like Dylan Raiola will be QB1, but this doesn’t mean Haarberg won’t be utilized in special packages. The Kearney Nebraskan has skills that coaches can’t teach: height, strength and speed. The athleticism he presents should get him on the field in wildcat packages. Do not be surprised to see Haarberg and Raiola on the field at the same time. I don’t expect to see any of this against UTEP (avoiding showing Colorado), but Haarberg could be all over the field if the coaching staff uses him correctly. Haarberg has the potential to break out not only under center but also running, throwing it on a double pass play and possibly catching the ball.
Defensive Lineman Cam Lenhardt
The IMG product received a significant amount of playing time as a true freshman, finishing the season with three sacks. The sophomore has put on good weight now being at 260 lbs. Barring any setbacks, I feel that Lenhardt could be the leader in sacks for this scary Blackshirts line that will cause problems for all types of offenses.
Jack Linebacker Princewell Umanmielen
Unmanmielen had a solid freshman campaign totaling 22 tackles and one sack. The ceiling for the sophomore is high. Coach Rhule said in this past Friday’s press conference, “Princewell’s career will be defined by his process, his taking care of his body, his preparing, his work ethic in terms of how he practices and how hard he plays. The talent is everywhere.” If the linebacker takes the right steps, he should be able to achieve a great stat line rushing the passer.
Linebacker Mikai Gbayor
Gbayor is poised to make a big jump after finishing last season with 24 tackles. The junior’s ability to play fast, making impactful plays contributes to his role as a vital piece for the Blackshirts. The New Jersey native can be one of the top defenders this fall. His craft reminds me of former Husker and NFL All-Pro Lavonte David.
Defensive Back Jeremiah Charles
The man who showed his incredible athleticism, dunking it during halftime at one of the Husker basketball games, Charles certainly is the real deal. The redshirt freshman has all the tools and should be in the rotation, if not starting at one of the cornerback positions. In a deep defensive back room, he could be one of the best for NU this fall.
Some transfers and incoming freshmen will be crucial pieces for success this fall. But for Nebraska, these players above have a year under their belt in Coach Rhule’s system. Every one of these student-athletes does it right, from mat drills to community events. They may not have been All-American caliber for Big Red in 2023, but the beauty of fall camp and the season beginning is that there is potential for new legends to be made.
