Nebraska Athletics photo
Husker Secondary and Special Teams Need Makeovers
It should be no surprise that every phase on the Husker football program is going to need an upgrade this fall if the Huskers are going to have a winning season. The secondary and special teams are no exception.
Last year (and most of the prior 10 years), Nebraska has been a really bad football team. So, it's hard to find many rainbows when it's constantly pouring.
One of the points I've been trying to make is when (not if) Matt Rhule and his staff turn around the Husker football program, the coaches (and players) will have really achieved something. Win seven games or more this fall, and Husker fans should be dancing in the streets. And what if NU "just" goes 6-6 and plays in a bowl game this fall? Will some Husker fans be disappointed? Maybe. But NU hasn't played in a bowl game since Mike Riley's 2016 team lost to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. If the Huskers go bowling, embrace it. Be thankful.
And maybe do a little dancing in the streets.
I think NU will be eligible for postseason play this fall. But it's going to take maximum effort by all the players, coaches and trainers to do so.
The last two rooms we'll look at before the '23 season begins are the Husker secondary and special team rooms.
We already know the Huskers finished last year ranked #100 in the nation in total defense. More bad stats: the Huskers also ranked #92 in Turnover Margin and #79 in Interceptions made.
Secondary
Coach: Evan Cooper (First Year At Nebraska)
Evan Cooper
Nebraska Athletics photo
Cooper's group took an unexpected and untimely hit late last month when starter DB Myles Farmer was suspended from the team. Since then he entered the portal and has landed at Syracuse University. Last year, Farmer posted some pretty good numbers including Total Tackles: 73, Assisted: 35 and Unassisted: 38.
The good news is the cupboard isn't bare. Returning are Rovers Isaac Gifford and Javin Wright. At the Left Cornerback spot Quinton Newsome and converted receiver Tommi Hill return.
At Strong Safety, transfers Omar Brown and Corey Collier will be in the mix. At Free Safety, Phalen Sanford and Ashton Hausman return. Last year's starter, Marquez Buford has been recovering from an ACL tear he sustained in a season-ending injury last fall.. Nebraska could use his talent and experience in '23..
At Right Cornerback is last year's starter, Malcom Hartzog. He'll be backed by two transfers, Javier Morton and DeShon Singleton.
The time is now for the secondary to become a primary concern.
Special Teams
Coach: Ed Foley (First Year at Nebraska)
Ed Foley
Nebraska Athletics
2022 Standings
Special Teams: #69 (#128 in 2021) (Bill Busch took over ST and DC for Mickey Joseph last season)
Field Goals: #96
Kickoff Returns: #108
The good news in this room is that punter Brian Buschini (44 yard average in '22) returns. Place kicker Timmy Bleekrode will likely handle the PK duties. His backup will be true freshman Tristan Alvano from Omaha Westside. Who can forget his performance in last November's Nebraska Class A Football Championship game in which his 45 yard field goal with seconds remaining secured the win for Omaha Westside? He kicked five field goals in that game all using college goal posts. Coaches have said Alvano has an NFL leg. Husker fans willl get a "kick" out of him.
Handling the kickoffs will be a battle between Alvano and Bleekrode. The Long Snapper will likely be Florida transfer, Marco Ortiz (6-4, 250). Brendan Franke from Gretna, Nebraska handled the KOs last year, but transferred in the off season.
It looks as though 5-9, 180 pound Billy Kemp IV will be the Husker punt returner while Tommi Hill and Anthony Grant will likely return kicks.
All things considered, there is talent in both rooms. Let's just hope the learning curves are not too steep this fall.
How 'Bout Them Huskers
This week Will and I talk about Husker volleyball'a upcoming season as well as Zavier Betts leaving the Husker football team. I also give my review of "Day By Day"- a documentary about Tom Osborne's first national championship team. We also take an in-depth look at the Husker secondary and special teams rooms.
