The depth chart has been released for week 1 vs UTEP and there are very few surprises, but it does tell us a lot about the way Nebraska has shaped up during fall camp. Rhule has always promoted the fact that the best players will be on the field, and that is no different this year. In a statement released by the staff earlier this week, the coaching staff said that Heinrich Haarberg will be on the field frequently with Raiola and I do feel that he will be a tool that if used wisely can and will change the complexity of the game. Using Haarberg as a rushing and receiving threat is a valuable tool, but not as valuable as having two very capable quarterbacks on the field at once, especially when one can take a swing pass or handoff then get to the edge, read the coverage and decide whether to tuck it and run or find an open receiver. You may not see any 1994 style option this year but you will see an advanced style of option football that will cause opposing defenses many headaches.
Outside of quarterback the offense is as expected. With the offensive line and receivers being exactly what we all figured as far as depth with the exception of Carter Nelson sliding in as the third slot receiver. Someone as talented as Carter will inevitably find his way on the room that has become even more so crowded with the recent LSU tight end transfer in Mac Markwright. Markwright is a talented four star recruit out of highschool who as a freshman last year played in every game for LSU. His decision to transfer to Nebraska was unexpected, but a huge addition as a blocking tight end with the questions we have at the left tackle position. Expect to see Carter Nelson using his big body and athleticism to make an impact for the Huskers early.
The running back room does not have a starter, yet. I would expect to see a good dose of Rhamir Johnson this week as his speed will go unmatched by UTEP’s defense. Rhamir’s big play ability will be on full display this week even though as the level of opponents goes up i do expect to see more of Emmett Johnson and Donte Dowdell as featured backs.
On the defensive side of the ball, looking at the depth we have is a refreshing breath of very fresh air. The self proclaimed “Murderers Row” is flush with talent, and well a fantastic nickname. Ty Robinson will start at D-End alongside Jimari Butler with Nash Hutchmacher at nose tackle. Following them on the depth chart are Riley Van Poppel, Cameron Lenhardt, Elijah Jeudy, Kai Wallen and Vincent Jackson. All players that will make an early and often impact on opposing offenses. The linebackers do hold a bit of surprise in the fact that Mikai Gbayor will be starting over Syracuse transfer Stefon Thomson. Thompson seemed to run into troubles earlier this year and has yet to fully recover. While MJ Sherman is starting at jack linebacker expect to see an abundant amount of Princewill U. due to the sophomore’s great performance in 2023 as a true freshman and overall upside.
In the defensive backfield, the safety positions are stacked and ready to perform without doubt but the corners have been a concern early and that trend is keeping up. Tommi Hill will prove to be a lockdown corner in 2024 putting pressure on his partner on the opposite side of the field. Marques Buford Jr. has a very high upside if he can continuously put together complete games, and Ceyair Wright and Blye Hill are both very talented but unproven options. After the colorado game we will see if they will hold up at corner but until then all we can do is wait and watch.
With the most complete roster we have seen from Nebraska since 2012, there is definitely excitement coming into this season and rightfully so. The depth in some positions may be scary for the coaching staff, but in others it will be terrifying for opponents. With the deepest defensive line, quarterback room and running back room in the Big Ten, Nebraska can make some noise this season.
