Carriker Chronicles: Major Nebraska Football Updates and Intel

With preseason camp now finished and game-week prep beginning Thursday, here's what's brewing with Matt Rhule's Huskers.

The Huskers' first kickoff is now just 12 days away. | Carriker Chronicles

Where are Matt Rhule and the Huskers in their progress for the football season now that Nebraska's preseason camp is over? Adam Carriker doesn't do many major update and intel type shows, so you better believe there are major topics to talk about — position battles, how the offense/defense looks and some surprises.

Hit the play button to watch, and scroll down for a summary.

Synopsis

Adam Carriker breaks down the latest Nebraska football updates now that training camp is over and game-week preparation is starting Thursday. With the first game less than two weeks away, Adam looks at where Matt Rhule and the Huskers stand, which position battles are taking shape, and which players could make a move once the games begin.

One of the biggest questions is at backup quarterback behind Anthony Colandrea. TJ Lateef and Danny Kaelin are still competing for the job. The two quarterbacks bring different things to the offense, but Adam believes Lateef may have a slight edge right now. Nebraska also has the first three nonconference games to continue figuring out its depth chart before Big Ten play begins.

On the defensive side, there are still plenty of questions. Carriker looks at the defensive line and what Nebraska needs from that group beyond just getting sacks. Pressure, containment and being able to collapse the pocket will all be important. At defensive tackle, Riley Van Poppel is one of the names to watch as he is looking like the starter. Jahsear Whittington is one of the least experienced players in the group, but he might also have one of the highest ceilings.

Nebraska would ideally like to have around five defensive tackles it can trust throughout the season. The Big Ten is physical, and the Huskers will need depth up front. Malcolm Simpson is another player Adam believes could become more important as the season goes on.

The linebacker battle is also worth watching since the departure of Javin Wright has created opportunities, with players like Vincent Shavers and Dexter Foster fighting for bigger roles. Carriker discusses who could play opposite Owen Chambliss and whether Nebraska’s young, athletic and talented linebackers are ready.

In the secondary, Victor Evans and Jeremiah Charles continue to stand out. Nebraska has several talented defensive backs, but the key will be finding the right combinations. Rex Guthrie and Caleb Benning are two players Adam likes together, and he projects Benning as a possible starter.

Carriker continues the show by breaking down the running back room, where Mekhi Nelson could get the first opportunity, with Isaiah Mozee right behind him. The offensive line has questions as well, especially at tackle and with Gunnar Gottula’s development.

Finally, Nebraska’s special teams enter the season ranked No. 22 nationally by Phil Steele, giving the Huskers another area where they could make a major jump this year.

Adam finishes the show by turning it over to Husker fans with three questions: What is one college football team you want to see fall off this season? What game on Nebraska’s schedule do you think is being overlooked the most? What would you be willing to give up if it meant Nebraska could win a national championship?

Program sequence

• 0:00 – Intro
• 1:00 – Game-Week Preparation Starts Thursday
• 1:50 – Position Updates & Depth Chart Battles
• 2:49 – Backup QB Battle: TJ Lateef vs. Danny Kaelin
• 5:00 – Will Nebraska Use the First 3 Games to Figure It Out?
• 5:40 – Moving to the Defensive Side
• 6:00 – Defensive Line: Who Starts & Who Can Create Pressure?
• 9:26 – Defensive Tackle: Van Poppel Gets the Start
• 12:31 – Defensive Tackle Depth: Nebraska Needs Five Guys
• 14:07 – Malcolm Simpson: Will He Emerge?
• 14:53 – Linebacker Battle: Who Starts Opposite Chambliss?
• 16:23 – Secondary: Victor Evans & Jeremiah Charles
• 18:04 – Victor Evans Has the Edge
• 19:00 – Finding the Right Pairings in the Secondary
• 21:10 – Projecting Caleb Benning as a Starter
• 21:40 – Running Back Battle: Mekhi Nelson & Isaiah Mozee
• 25:10 – Offensive Line Depth & Questions
• 25:38 – Gunnar Gottula: How Does He Develop?
• 28:09 – Nebraska Special Teams Ranked No. 22 by Phil Steele
• 29:22 – Adam’s Questions for Husker Fans

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