As Nebraska football headed into the offseason, addressing the offensive line’s vulnerabilities became a pressing concern. With the departure of longtime starter Bryce Benhart, the Huskers faced the prospect of entering the upcoming season with significant gaps in their lineup. Without securing crucial transfers to reinforce the offensive line, Nebraska would struggle to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes, thereby limiting the team’s overall effectiveness. Fortunately, the commitment of Elijah Pritchett, a former Alabama offensive tackle, marks an important first step in stabilizing and strengthening this critical position group.
Pritchett, a 6’6 327 pound offensive tackle, officially committed to Nebraska on Wednesday. Pritchett has spent the past three seasons at Alabama and will bring two years of eligibility with him to Nebraska.
During the 2024 season, Pritchett appeared in all 12 games, starting 10 at right tackle and one at left tackle in the season opener against Western Kentucky. After Alabama’s victory over Wisconsin, Pritchett, who started at right tackle, earned recognition as the Outland’s Player of the Week.
In 2023, as a redshirt freshman, Pritchett played in all 14 games on special teams while also getting backup snaps at right tackle.Originally from Columbus Georgia, Pritchett was a five-star recruit and ranked 22nd overall in the 2022 class making him one of the Top prospects in the country.
Overall, Pritchett has the potential to become a dominant tackle who can compete with the best in college football. However, consistency remains a key area for improvement in his game, from technique to execution. Despite his inconsistencies in pass protection, he is a powerful run blocker with significant untapped potential. Pritchett could play either tackle spot, having played right tackle in college and left tackle in high school, and may also benefit from a move inside to guard.
While occasionally Pritchett struggled in pass protection he was dominant in the run game. With head coach Matt Rhule’s reputation for developing NFL caliber talent, Pritchett has the opportunity to refine his skills and unlock his full potential. Rhule’s guidance could help Pritchett improve his consistency in pass protection and overall technique, making him a force on Nebraska’s offensive line and a potential NFL lineman.
