Pre-Spring stab at the 2025 Depth Chart

[Cornicator]

Starters in Bold

X - Dane Key, Hardley Gilmore, Keelan Smith
Y- Nyziah Hunter, Demetrius Bell, Quinn Clark
Slot - Barney, Bonner, Cortez Mills
LT- Elijah Pritchett, Prochazka
LG - Turner Corcoran, Maciejczack
C- Justin Evans, Sam Sledge
RG - Rocco Spindler, Lutovsky
RT - Gunnar Gottula, Knaak
TE - Haarberg, Lindenmeyer or Nelson
RB - Emmett Johnson, Ives, Jamarion Parker
QB- Raiola, Gramstad, Davila

Some thoughts:
- I feel like Bonner will be flexed into various roles, ranging from Slot to H-Back.
- Nelson is going to 100%. I anticipate Haarberg, Lindenmeyer, and Nelson to all play a lot of snaps depending on opponent, and situation. Don't be surprised if we see Nelson also take some snaps in short yardage, much like Haarberg.
- I'm sure there are some eyerolls about Corcoran starting. Rhule just loves that kid. IMO, if Corcoran is 100%, I think he starts inside, where he should've been playing the last 5 years. IMO, he probably should be moved into a reserve role. But I will believe it when I see it.

Defense:

DE- Keona Davis, Williams Nwaneri, Malcolm Simpson
N- Riley Van Poppel, Elijah Jeudy, Sua Lefotu
DE- Cameron Lenhardt, Jaylen George, Mason Goldman
Jack - Dasan McCullough, Willis McGahee, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
MLB - Marques Watson - Trent, Javin Wright, Dylan Rogers
WLB - Vincent Shavers, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
CB - Andrew Marshall, Blye Hill, Jamir Conn
SS - Deshon Singleton, Caleb Benning, Rahmir Stewart
FS - Marques Buford, Justin Rhett, Roger Gradney
CB - Ceyair Wright, Donovan Jones, Amare Sanders
Rover - Malcolm Hartzog, Mario Buford, Jeremiah Charles

- Ideally, Nwaneri grabs that starting RDE spot and never gives it up.
- That 2-Deep in the Defensive Line is likely worrisome for many because its light on experience. That's a valid concern. Injuries happen to Defensive Linemen, and it could put Nebraska in a spot where they need some production from a true freshman. That's scary in the Big Ten. On the bright side though, I think that group has a little more quick twitch disruption potential than Nebraska had the last few seasons. While they likely won't stuff the run as much, I do believe they will cause a bit more havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
- That second level also has some depth questions, but God Damn its difficult to avoid excitement when thinking about the possibilities of Dasan, MWT, and Shavers bringing some pain from the 2nd level. I think MWT will play a lot on early downs and vs. run heavy teams. I expect they will try to protect Javin Wright and use him more in 3rd and long situations.
- Maybe I'm foolish or just an optimist. But I believe Vincent Shavers is on the verge of stardom.
- 2025 will be a big season for Willis McGahee. He needs to show more consistency and play smarter because Dawson Merritt will take that spot from him in a heartbeat.
- So many people hate Malcom Hartzog, and I get it because he gets exposed as a corner out on the boundary. He's actually damn good in space, tracking the ball, and solid in pursuit. I actually think he will be a very good Rover and probably ends up with 3 to 5 interceptions.

 

[Adolph Coors]

Starters in Bold

X - Dane Key, Hardley Gilmore, Keelan Smith
Y- Nyziah Hunter, Demetrius Bell, Quinn Clark
Slot - Barney, Bonner, Cortez Mills
LT- Elijah Pritchett, Prochazka
LG - Turner Corcoran, Maciejczack
C- Justin Evans, Sam Sledge
RG - Rocco Spindler, Lutovsky
RT - Gunnar Gottula, Knaak
TE - Haarberg, Lindenmeyer or Nelson
RB - Emmett Johnson, Ives, Jamarion Parker
QB- Raiola, Gramstad, Davila

Some thoughts:
- I feel like Bonner will be flexed into various roles, ranging from Slot to H-Back.
- Nelson is going to 100%. I anticipate Haarberg, Lindenmeyer, and Nelson to all play a lot of snaps depending on opponent, and situation. Don't be surprised if we see Nelson also take some snaps in short yardage, much like Haarberg.
- I'm sure there are some eyerolls about Corcoran starting. Rhule just loves that kid. IMO, if Corcoran is 100%, I think he starts inside, where he should've been playing the last 5 years. IMO, he probably should be moved into a reserve role. But I will believe it when I see it.

Defense:

DE- Keona Davis, Williams Nwaneri, Malcolm Simpson
N- Riley Van Poppel, Elijah Jeudy, Sua Lefotu
DE- Cameron Lenhardt, Jaylen George, Mason Goldman
Jack - Dasan McCullough, Willis McGahee, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
MLB - Marques Watson - Trent, Javin Wright, Dylan Rogers
WLB - Vincent Shavers, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
CB - Andrew Marshall, Blye Hill, Jamir Conn
SS - Deshon Singleton, Caleb Benning, Rahmir Stewart
FS - Mario Buford, Justin Rhett, Roger Gradney
CB - Ceyair Wright, Donovan Jones, Amare Sanders
Rover - Malcolm Hartzog, Marques Buford, Jeremiah Charles

- Ideally, Nwaneri grabs that starting RDE spot and never gives it up.
- That 2-Deep in the Defensive Line is likely worrisome for many because its light on experience. That's a valid concern. Injuries happen to Defensive Linemen, and it could put Nebraska in a spot where they need some production from a true freshman. That's scary in the Big Ten. On the bright side though, I think that group has a little more quick twitch disruption potential than Nebraska had the last few seasons. While they likely won't stuff the run as much, I do believe they will cause a bit more havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
- That second level also has some depth questions, but God Damn its difficult to avoid excitement when thinking about the possibilities of Dasan, MWT, and Shavers bringing some pain from the 2nd level. I think MWT will play a lot on early downs and vs. run heavy teams. I expect they will try to protect Javin Wright and use him more in 3rd and long situations.
- Maybe I'm foolish or just an optimist. But I believe Vincent Shavers is on the verge of stardom.
- 2025 will be a big season for Willis McGahee. He needs to show more consistency and play smarter because Dawson Merritt will take that spot from him in a heartbeat.
- So many people hate Malcom Hartzog, and I get it because he gets exposed as a corner out on the boundary. He's actually damn good in space, tracking the ball, and solid in pursuit. I actually think he will be a very good Rover and probably ends up with 3 to 5 interceptions.

hartzog is awful

 

[Dr.DrakeRamoray]

Older Buford is going to player over hartzog and younger buford

 

[Cornicator]

hartzog is awful

Older Buford is going to player over hartzog and younger buford

1. Thanks, I mixed up my Buford Brothers.
2. Nebraska wouldn't be trotting Hartzog out in front of the media if wasnt a shoe-in to start. I see him at Rover.

 

[Carm]

LT- Elijah Pritchett, Prochazka
LG - Turner Corcoran, Maciejczack
C- Justin Evans, Sam Sledge
RG - Rocco Spindler, Lutovsky
RT - Gunnar Gottula, Knaak

- I'm sure there are some eyerolls about Corcoran starting. Rhule just loves that kid. IMO, if Corcoran is 100%, I think he starts inside, where he should've been playing the last 5 years. IMO, he probably should be moved into a reserve role. But I will believe it when I see it.

The hardest choices are definitely OL. Any ordering right now has difficulties. In this one 1) Lutovsky sits his last year on the team? 2) If Evans goes back to center now, Sledge likely doesn't get a chance until his senior year or Evans gets moved going into his senior year. However, yours does take care of the Corcoran problem, the potential issue of making Gottula second string after he started most of a season, and Sledge's lack of actual game experience

I would say RT 1) Luto, 2) Gottula, and Gottula moving to RT starter his last two years. LG - Evans stays, C - Sledge is promoted. I'd say Maciejczack backing up Sledge, Knaak backing up Spindler, and Evans backed up by Corcoran/Taumau. I say this mainly because it appears to set up more than next season, but your guess is clearly just as reasonable as mine. And where does Brix go? Maybe another back-up RG possibility.

Regardless of how this turns out on the OL, I am encouraged because we actually have more pieces to play with than we have had in the recent past. There are some young guys who appear to have potential we haven't mentioned who could emerge in the future as well.

 

[dom91932]

...Regardless of how this turns out on the OL, I am encouraged because we actually have more pieces to play with than we have had in the recent past. There are some young guys who appear to have potential we haven't mentioned who could emerge in the future as well.

It seems like it's been forever since we could say that.

 

[vailhusker]

Starters in Bold

X - Dane Key, Hardley Gilmore, Keelan Smith
Y- Nyziah Hunter, Demetrius Bell, Quinn Clark
Slot - Barney, Bonner, Cortez Mills
LT- Elijah Pritchett, Prochazka
LG - Turner Corcoran, Maciejczack
C- Justin Evans, Sam Sledge
RG - Rocco Spindler, Lutovsky
RT - Gunnar Gottula, Knaak
TE - Haarberg, Lindenmeyer or Nelson
RB - Emmett Johnson, Ives, Jamarion Parker
QB- Raiola, Gramstad, Davila

Some thoughts:
- I feel like Bonner will be flexed into various roles, ranging from Slot to H-Back.
- Nelson is going to 100%. I anticipate Haarberg, Lindenmeyer, and Nelson to all play a lot of snaps depending on opponent, and situation. Don't be surprised if we see Nelson also take some snaps in short yardage, much like Haarberg.
- I'm sure there are some eyerolls about Corcoran starting. Rhule just loves that kid. IMO, if Corcoran is 100%, I think he starts inside, where he should've been playing the last 5 years. IMO, he probably should be moved into a reserve role. But I will believe it when I see it.

Defense:

DE- Keona Davis, Williams Nwaneri, Malcolm Simpson
N- Riley Van Poppel, Elijah Jeudy, Sua Lefotu
DE- Cameron Lenhardt, Jaylen George, Mason Goldman
Jack - Dasan McCullough, Willis McGahee, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
MLB - Marques Watson - Trent, Javin Wright, Dylan Rogers
WLB - Vincent Shavers, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
CB - Andrew Marshall, Blye Hill, Jamir Conn
SS - Deshon Singleton, Caleb Benning, Rahmir Stewart
FS - Marques Buford, Justin Rhett, Roger Gradney
CB - Ceyair Wright, Donovan Jones, Amare Sanders
Rover - Malcolm Hartzog, Mario Buford, Jeremiah Charles

- Ideally, Nwaneri grabs that starting RDE spot and never gives it up.
- That 2-Deep in the Defensive Line is likely worrisome for many because its light on experience. That's a valid concern. Injuries happen to Defensive Linemen, and it could put Nebraska in a spot where they need some production from a true freshman. That's scary in the Big Ten. On the bright side though, I think that group has a little more quick twitch disruption potential than Nebraska had the last few seasons. While they likely won't stuff the run as much, I do believe they will cause a bit more havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
- That second level also has some depth questions, but God Damn its difficult to avoid excitement when thinking about the possibilities of Dasan, MWT, and Shavers bringing some pain from the 2nd level. I think MWT will play a lot on early downs and vs. run heavy teams. I expect they will try to protect Javin Wright and use him more in 3rd and long situations.
- Maybe I'm foolish or just an optimist. But I believe Vincent Shavers is on the verge of stardom.
- 2025 will be a big season for Willis McGahee. He needs to show more consistency and play smarter because Dawson Merritt will take that spot from him in a heartbeat.
- So many people hate Malcom Hartzog, and I get it because he gets exposed as a corner out on the boundary. He's actually damn good in space, tracking the ball, and solid in pursuit. I actually think he will be a very good Rover and probably ends up with 3 to 5 interceptions.

FWIW, Dean said this week on his podcast that he thinks the OL for the spring will be

LT - Pritchett
LG - Evans
C - Sledge
RG - Rocco
RT - Luto if available then possibly Knaak if not.

And then for the fall the starters would stay the same except for whoever is healthy for RT - Gottula, Corcoran, Teddy? Personally if all are healthy I think it will be Corcoran with Gottula as the backup and Teddy being the backup for Pritchett at LT.

 

[The Bearded One]

The hardest choices are definitely OL. Any ordering right now has difficulties. In this one 1) Lutovsky sits his last year on the team? 2) If Evans goes back to center now, Sledge likely doesn't get a chance until his senior year or Evans gets moved going into his senior year. However, yours does take care of the Corcoran problem, the potential issue of making Gottula second string after he started most of a season, and Sledge's lack of actual game experience

I would say RT 1) Luto, 2) Gottula, and Gottula moving to RT starter his last two years. LG - Evans stays, C - Sledge is promoted. I'd say Maciejczack backing up Sledge, Knaak backing up Spindler, and Evans backed up by Corcoran/Taumau. I say this mainly because it appears to set up more than next season, but your guess is clearly just as reasonable as mine. And where does Brix go? Maybe another back-up RG possibility.

Regardless of how this turns out on the OL, I am encouraged because we actually have more pieces to play with than we have had in the recent past. There are some young guys who appear to have potential we haven't mentioned who could emerge in the future as well.

Lutovsky at RT ?? He's never played there before, if IRC. He's always been inside, no?

 

[Carm]

Lutovsky at RT ?? He's never played there before, if IRC. He's always been inside, no?

Correct

You could make s pretty strong argument that he was our most effective OL last year, and he was at least right side. He isn't playing RG again; by all indications Spindler got us to agree to leave him (Spindler) at RG. Luto's never played a snap on the left side before.

I doubt he would object to a move to RT and I'd bet they discussed it with him when negotiating with Spindler.

If he isn't there in the spring, though, he obviously won't be in the fall, so we'll know if this is possible within a week or so, I'd guess. If you watch film of Luto and Spindler run blocking I'd think we'd have strong running game to the right side.

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

hartzog is awful

Yep. Corcoran is bad as well.

 

[Carm]

as @Cornicator said elsewhere today (paraphrasing) "how could one believe we paid Pritchett what we did just to put him at RT"?

I'd use the same logic on Luto: "Why would we pay Spindler so much to play RG if we planned on keeping Luto at RG as well?"

And they like Evans at LG.

BTW Gottula has never played a snap at RT before in college.

 

[Stan Raymond]

Starters in Bold

X - Dane Key, Hardley Gilmore, Keelan Smith
Y- Nyziah Hunter, Demetrius Bell, Quinn Clark
Slot - Barney, Bonner, Cortez Mills
LT- Elijah Pritchett, Prochazka
LG - Turner Corcoran, Maciejczack
C- Justin Evans, Sam Sledge
RG - Rocco Spindler, Lutovsky
RT - Gunnar Gottula, Knaak
TE - Haarberg, Lindenmeyer or Nelson
RB - Emmett Johnson, Ives, Jamarion Parker
QB- Raiola, Gramstad, Davila

Some thoughts:
- I feel like Bonner will be flexed into various roles, ranging from Slot to H-Back.
- Nelson is going to 100%. I anticipate Haarberg, Lindenmeyer, and Nelson to all play a lot of snaps depending on opponent, and situation. Don't be surprised if we see Nelson also take some snaps in short yardage, much like Haarberg.
- I'm sure there are some eyerolls about Corcoran starting. Rhule just loves that kid. IMO, if Corcoran is 100%, I think he starts inside, where he should've been playing the last 5 years. IMO, he probably should be moved into a reserve role. But I will believe it when I see it.

Defense:

DE- Keona Davis, Williams Nwaneri, Malcolm Simpson
N- Riley Van Poppel, Elijah Jeudy, Sua Lefotu
DE- Cameron Lenhardt, Jaylen George, Mason Goldman
Jack - Dasan McCullough, Willis McGahee, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
MLB - Marques Watson - Trent, Javin Wright, Dylan Rogers
WLB - Vincent Shavers, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
CB - Andrew Marshall, Blye Hill, Jamir Conn
SS - Deshon Singleton, Caleb Benning, Rahmir Stewart
FS - Marques Buford, Justin Rhett, Roger Gradney
CB - Ceyair Wright, Donovan Jones, Amare Sanders
Rover - Malcolm Hartzog, Mario Buford, Jeremiah Charles

- Ideally, Nwaneri grabs that starting RDE spot and never gives it up.
- That 2-Deep in the Defensive Line is likely worrisome for many because its light on experience. That's a valid concern. Injuries happen to Defensive Linemen, and it could put Nebraska in a spot where they need some production from a true freshman. That's scary in the Big Ten. On the bright side though, I think that group has a little more quick twitch disruption potential than Nebraska had the last few seasons. While they likely won't stuff the run as much, I do believe they will cause a bit more havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
- That second level also has some depth questions, but God Damn its difficult to avoid excitement when thinking about the possibilities of Dasan, MWT, and Shavers bringing some pain from the 2nd level. I think MWT will play a lot on early downs and vs. run heavy teams. I expect they will try to protect Javin Wright and use him more in 3rd and long situations.
- Maybe I'm foolish or just an optimist. But I believe Vincent Shavers is on the verge of stardom.
- 2025 will be a big season for Willis McGahee. He needs to show more consistency and play smarter because Dawson Merritt will take that spot from him in a heartbeat.
- So many people hate Malcom Hartzog, and I get it because he gets exposed as a corner out on the boundary. He's actually damn good in space, tracking the ball, and solid in pursuit. I actually think he will be a very good Rover and probably ends up with 3 to 5 interceptions.

I think that is pretty accurate and well thought out.

 

[The Bearded One]

as @Cornicator said elsewhere today (paraphrasing) "how could one believe we paid Pritchett what we did just to put him at RT"?

I'd use the same logic on Luto: "Why would we pay Spindler so much to play RG if we planned on keeping Luto at RG as well?"

And they like Evans at LG.

BTW Gottula has never played a snap at RT before in college.

Hasn't Luto's pass blocking PF percentages been pretty lackluster? I know his run blocking was good, if IRC.

 

[Carm]

Hasn't Luto's pass blocking PF percentages been pretty lackluster? I know his run blocking was good, if IRC.

No, this is last season - he had good pass blocking marks



Here is run blocking

 

[vailhusker]

as @Cornicator said elsewhere today (paraphrasing) "how could one believe we paid Pritchett what we did just to put him at RT"?

I'd use the same logic on Luto: "Why would we pay Spindler so much to play RG if we planned on keeping Luto at RG as well?"

And they like Evans at LG.

BTW Gottula has never played a snap at RT before in college.

Gottula was the backup RT at the beginning of last season before Corcoran was injured. But like you said I don't believe he played any live snaps there.

 

[Carm]

Gottula was the backup RT at the beginning of last season before Corcoran was injured. But like you said I don't believe he played any live snaps there.

View attachment 51482

he definitely did not

 

[Carm]

some relevant info from Rivals yesterday



Sounds like we think Miss St had Moore playing the wrong role (Moore redshirted his freshman year to add 40 pounds)

 

[ShortSideOption]

some relevant info from Rivals yesterday

View attachment 51491

Sounds like we think Miss St had Moore playing the wrong role (Moore redshirted his freshman year to add 40 pounds)

I feel great about OL. DL we need to find answers in a hurry this spring and first few games. While we did well in the portal at OL, DL leaves a ton to be desired, especially after the George injury.

 

[Eaton Beaver]

Starters in Bold

X - Dane Key, Hardley Gilmore, Keelan Smith
Y- Nyziah Hunter, Demetrius Bell, Quinn Clark
Slot - Barney, Bonner, Cortez Mills
LT- Elijah Pritchett, Prochazka
LG - Turner Corcoran, Maciejczack
C- Justin Evans, Sam Sledge
RG - Rocco Spindler, Lutovsky
RT - Gunnar Gottula, Knaak
TE - Haarberg, Lindenmeyer or Nelson
RB - Emmett Johnson, Ives, Jamarion Parker
QB- Raiola, Gramstad, Davila

Some thoughts:
- I feel like Bonner will be flexed into various roles, ranging from Slot to H-Back.
- Nelson is going to 100%. I anticipate Haarberg, Lindenmeyer, and Nelson to all play a lot of snaps depending on opponent, and situation. Don't be surprised if we see Nelson also take some snaps in short yardage, much like Haarberg.
- I'm sure there are some eyerolls about Corcoran starting. Rhule just loves that kid. IMO, if Corcoran is 100%, I think he starts inside, where he should've been playing the last 5 years. IMO, he probably should be moved into a reserve role. But I will believe it when I see it.

Defense:

DE- Keona Davis, Williams Nwaneri, Malcolm Simpson
N- Riley Van Poppel, Elijah Jeudy, Sua Lefotu
DE- Cameron Lenhardt, Jaylen George, Mason Goldman
Jack - Dasan McCullough, Willis McGahee, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
MLB - Marques Watson - Trent, Javin Wright, Dylan Rogers
WLB - Vincent Shavers, Dawson Merritt or Maverick Noonan
CB - Andrew Marshall, Blye Hill, Jamir Conn
SS - Deshon Singleton, Caleb Benning, Rahmir Stewart
FS - Marques Buford, Justin Rhett, Roger Gradney
CB - Ceyair Wright, Donovan Jones, Amare Sanders
Rover - Malcolm Hartzog, Mario Buford, Jeremiah Charles

- Ideally, Nwaneri grabs that starting RDE spot and never gives it up.
- That 2-Deep in the Defensive Line is likely worrisome for many because its light on experience. That's a valid concern. Injuries happen to Defensive Linemen, and it could put Nebraska in a spot where they need some production from a true freshman. That's scary in the Big Ten. On the bright side though, I think that group has a little more quick twitch disruption potential than Nebraska had the last few seasons. While they likely won't stuff the run as much, I do believe they will cause a bit more havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
- That second level also has some depth questions, but God Damn its difficult to avoid excitement when thinking about the possibilities of Dasan, MWT, and Shavers bringing some pain from the 2nd level. I think MWT will play a lot on early downs and vs. run heavy teams. I expect they will try to protect Javin Wright and use him more in 3rd and long situations.
- Maybe I'm foolish or just an optimist. But I believe Vincent Shavers is on the verge of stardom.
- 2025 will be a big season for Willis McGahee. He needs to show more consistency and play smarter because Dawson Merritt will take that spot from him in a heartbeat.
- So many people hate Malcom Hartzog, and I get it because he gets exposed as a corner out on the boundary. He's actually damn good in space, tracking the ball, and solid in pursuit. I actually think he will be a very good Rover and probably ends up with 3 to 5 interceptions.

I hate everything you've said. Hope our coaches do better. You remind me of Callahan

 

[Quint]

hartzog is awful

He looks bad covering a 6’6” TE because he can’t deny the ball, and he’s not a natural cover corner, but awful isn’t a word I’d use to describe him. Safety is a better word.