There’s only a couple of weeks left until the Huskers put the pads back on. One of the biggest questions leading into the spring is the defensive backfield. Although the defensive line might take the top spot for the Blackshirts, the secondary has some much-needed answers.
New defensive backs coach Addison Williams introduced himself to Nebraska at his first media availability Tuesday. One thing that stood out was what the former UCF defensive coordinator said of what he looks for in the athletes that he likes to put in his secondary.
“The biggest thing I look for is length,” Williams said. “I’m gonna look for how explosive he is, ‘Can he run, can he change directions, how well can he transition.’ I’m going to look for guys that are going to be physical.”
What does this mean for the two returning starters in the defensive backfield that come to mind? This could be misinterpreted, but the Huskers did bring in three defensive backs out of the transfer portal this offseason: Andrew Marshall, Justyn Rhett and Jamir Conn. Not to mention, they return 6-foot Ceyair Wright and 6-foot-3 Deshon Singleton.
Senior defensive backs Marques Buford Jr. and Malcolm Hartzog Jr. both are under 6-feet tall. That’s who comes to mind. Buford and Hartzog have a ton of playing experience for the Big Red, but they have been picked apart at times due to their lack of size. Everyone remembers USC, a rough outing for Hartzog to say the least.
Buford has started 40 games over his tenure as a Husker. In 2022, the 5-foot-11 defensive back recorded a career high 59 total tackles. In 2023, he was only able to record 18 tackles, but this was because he was sidelined during the first eight contests coming off an ACL tear.
Looking at last season fully recovered, he only posted 35 total tackles. Now in his defense, Buford started the first half of the season at cornerback, after primarily being a safety over his career. A cornerback is generally not going to rack up as many tackles as a safety due to a safety being up in the box, blitzing more and defending the middle of the field.
The veteran defensive back shifted back to his old safety position after the 56-7 loss at Indiana. What stands out is that his tackle total didn’t necessarily go up after moving back to safety. Buford averaged 2.4 tackles per game during the first seven contests and three during the final six. His game-high tackle total was four in three different games.
Buford did achieve six pass deflections this past season, which was a career high. It’s also important to point out that Nebraska’s defensive line had made a monumental improvement over the past two seasons with Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher making life easier for their peers.
Just as Buford, Hartzog has nearly three full seasons as a starter for the Huskers under his belt. Nebraska has Hartzog listed at 5-foot-9. That’s pretty generous. What makes Hartzog so good is his heart on the field.
The 2024 Big Ten Honorable-Mention selectee had career highs for the Big Red this past season, posting 45 tackles, four interceptions and eight pass deflections.
“It’s a talented group,” Williams said. “They got a lot of guys from size and length in that room. It’s not a very small room which is good, especially when you’re playing man coverage and trying to defend the go-ball.”
Williams saying this leads one to believe that Hartzog and Buford are going to have a fight in spring ball to get the benefit of the doubt. Both struggled pressing receivers this past fall. The Blackshirts’ kryptonite was defending the perimeter last season. Missed tackles out of the secondary extended drives multiple times per game.
Will they be jumped? It’s too early to tell what the future holds for these two. Spring ball should give a better trajectory. They’ve been through a ton, coach firings, losing seasons and much more. A guy has to respect the commitment and grit from these two veteran defensive backs.
Don’t be surprised to see Buford and Hartzog starting on the field for Nebraska in the fall. If they do, expect them at the safety position to disguise their lack of length. Marshall and Wright are safe bets at the corner position. Singleton as well, either taking Isaac Gifford’s rover spot or remaining on the strong side.
Buford could be a name to watch at the rover position. His size is questionable but he’s a head-hunter. Rhett, the Georgia transfer is the wildcard. The 6-foot-1 safety has the length but lacks the experience. He’s only appeared in two games during his time as a Bulldog. May the best football players play.