It took longer than some people wanted, but Matt Rhule finally announced Dylan Raiola would be the starter against the University of Texas El Paso on August 31st. He couldn’t put it off any longer. It was time to start game preparation, and the offense needed to know who was going to lead them. I’m sure the announcement came as no surprise to anyone within the program or outside of it.
However, it’s that time of year when things start shaking out and the writing on the wall becomes clear. Rhule explained the quarterback room and where each player stood, perhaps more for the fans than anyone else. I doubt there is anyone on this team that doesn’t have a good idea where they are on the depth chart and doesn’t know what needs to be done to move up.
Haarberg and Kailen pushed Raiola and took their shots at being the starter. That’s good. Raiola needed to earn the starting spot, and he did. Nothing was given to him. Haarberg and Kailen made him prove he was the number one guy. Rhule stated he needed guys to continue to compete even once they realized they were second string. The more talent there is, the harder it is to get on the field. But nowhere is it written Raiola is guaranteed to start all twelve games. It’s a long season. Coaches and teammates need to see the second and third string guys continue to fight.
I applaud Rhule for the delay. He sent the right message to the quarterback room and the team. However, from the first passes we saw Raiola throw on pro-day, to the spring game, to the open practice, his talent was obvious. The delay came with Rhule being true to the process and allowing Raiola to show he could be a leader and do the little things that matter.
As a Husker fan, the announcement brings a feeling of relief. Raiola may have never started a college game, but knowing our receiver room is as deep and talented as I can remember gives me confidence. With supporting staff like Banks, Neyor, Bonner, Fidone, Llyod, and Coleman, Raiola has everything he needs to be successful. And freshmen Jacory Barney Jr., Carter Nelson, Keelan Smith and Quinn Clark are oblivious to the fact they aren’t supposed to be as good as they are. One or more of those guys will do things no one expects. Look for at least a couple of redshirts to be burned.
Of course, success at the quarterback position also means pass protection and a running game. I may not feel as good about those two things as I do about the receivers, but I think it will be improved from last year. For one, Raiola is a talented passer and there will be better timing between him and the receivers. He also knows how to use the pocket, step up when needed and not run into a sack. That takes a ton of pressure off the offensive line. And if the passing game can open up the running game, defenders won’t be able to pin their ears back.
While the quarterback position has been settled, there are still several battles going on for starting spots at multiple positions. One of those is at running back. But I look for Rhule to delay naming the starter. Rhule is good at playing the motivation game and in case you haven’t noticed, he’s a bit sentimental as well. He’s also good at telling you things without telling you. I don’t expect any clarification at running back until next week.
All I’ll say is this, this is Rahmir Johnson’s last year. He’s had some tough breaks, and he’s worked hard to get back and put himself in a position to start. Rhule said they could win with any of the top four backs, but they needed someone to turn four-yard plays into eighty-yard plays. That’s Rahmir and Emmett Johnson. Rahmir will get that first carry of the season.
Dudes Wear Single Digits
Along with the QB announcement, single digits were awarded. Five players kept their single digit numbers from last year. Nash Hutmacher (0), Isaac Gifford (2), Jon Bullock (5) DeShon Singleton (8), and Ty Robinson (9). New numbers awarded were Jimari Butler (1), Marques Buford Jr. (3), Jahmal Banks (4), Tommi Hill (6), and Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (7).
Several people seemed surprised that only one number was given to an offensive player. But with four seniors on the offensive line who can’t wear single digit numbers, you’ve eliminated most of the choices. Stop and look at this team for a minute. It’s loaded with old guys and young guys. Things are thin in the middle. Let’s face it, there are more old guys who are ‘Dudes’ on defense and the numbers reflect that.
Rhule feels he has an obligation to the older guys on this team, and he has pushed them to be leaders. He called out Jimari Butler and Ty Robinson in the ‘Chasing 3’ video. Like I said earlier, Rhule specializes in saying things without saying them. This team is clear on Rhule’s expectations. I suspect most of the votes were cast for guys he expects to be leaders and have displayed an effort to live up to his expectations.
Of the 10 single digit numbers being worn, only three can return next year, Marques Buford Jr., Malcom Hartzog Jr. and Jimari Butler. And if Butler has a double-digit sack year its questionable, he comes back. I’ll say next year you’ll see a reversal with more offensive players having single digits. But then again, with guys like Cam Lenhardt, Riley Van Poppel and Vincent Shavers Jr., I could be wrong.
Three Blackshirts in Question and Redshirts on Fire
This year, the single digit numbers took away from the announcement of Blackshirts. With nine of the ten single digit numbers being on defense, it’s a given who earned a Blackshirt. That leaves two in question, and I think a twelfth will be named. The three will be Mikai Gbayor, M.J. Sherman and Cam Lenhardt. Defensive coaches have said several times Lenhardt is as good as a starter.
I hate to say it, but I haven’t bought in completely on the single digit numbers. Maybe I need more clarification of what they mean. I’ve heard different people say they stand for the hardest workers, best leaders, or the toughest guy. Which is it? Whatever it is, it takes a little shine off being named a Blackshirt. And let’s face it, a Blackshirt is all those things. I see the single digits more as fun thing for the players, like alternate uniforms, which I absolutely despise.
As for redshirts, I mentioned earlier Jacory Barney Jr., Carter Nelson, Quinn Clark and Keelan Smith could burn their redshirts, but they aren’t alone. Defensive lineman Keona Davis, linebackers Vincent Shavers Jr. (nickname V9) and Willis McGahee IV, along with defensive backs Amare Sanders, and Larry Tarver Jr. are likely candidates as well. And I wouldn’t rule out defensive back Caleb Benning and offensive tackle Preston Taumua if needed.
Freshmen can play in four games without losing their redshirt, and there will be several guys who will see playing time. But with the guys listed above, it’s tricky as to when you play them. If you are trying to keep their redshirts, do you hold them back for later in the season or gamble you won’t need them? Theres some guessing games to be played as to the value of their contribution and when. Much of it’s going to depend on injuries and how deep into the season this team can go.
-Lyle Harmon
Coming up: UTEP Will Test Nebraska