Sam Casaccio
Nebraska Spring Game Preview
The Spring Game is nearly here and it will serve as the first look into a Matt Rhule-led Nebraska football team. Sure, schematically the defense and the offense will hold their cards close to the vest Saturday, but this is still a momentous occasion. The Spring Game will be the first time that Rhule coaches a game at Memorial Stadium in front of the Sea of Red. And even though Rhule will undoubtedly have Marcus Satterfield and Tony White dial back what they call to avoid putting their plays on film, Husker fans can still learn a lot about the growth and development of different position groups after their work in the offseason.
On defense
Seeing Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense for the first time in Memorial Stadium has been highly anticipated. When the Blackshirts take the field, all eyes will be on the new look of the Huskers’ defensive front. Not only does the defensive line need to learn a new scheme, but with the departures of Garrett Nelson, Caleb Tannor and Ochuan Mathis, the Huskers lose much of their production on the defensive line from last season. Seeing players like Ty Robinson, Stephon Wynn and Nash Hutmacher take a step forward will be vital to the Blackshirts having a disruptive defensive front.
The “Jack” hybrid outside linebacker position that requires a player to be able to stop the run, pass rush, and play in coverage will also be on full display. Though players like Jimari Butler and MJ Sherman have already been associated with the role, seeing who else plays this position and how it fits into the defense as whole will definitely be something to watch.
On offense
A lot of excitement surrounds seeing Jeff Sims play quarterback in front of the Husker faithful, and rightfully so. Though nothing will be decided in the quarterback competition with returning starter Casey Thompson sidelined through spring football with a shoulder injury, Sims can gain some ground in that competition with an impressive showing Saturday.
Possibly more important than Sims’ play during the Spring Game will be the play of the players protecting him. Throughout all spring, Rhule has touted the improvement of the offensive line. Against a defensive front that is learning a new scheme and has graduated much of its production from last season, opening holes for a talented running back room to showcase their abilities and protecting whoever is in at quarterback will be paramount to showing the improvement Husker fans have heard so much about this spring.
With Trey Palmer’s departure to the NFL, Nebraska will need to find another deep threat at wide receiver for the 2023 season. Given that Palmer holds the record for most receiving yards in a season by a Husker, these will be big shoes to fill. Will Marcus Washington take a step forward into this role after a solid season for the Huskers last year? Perhaps Billy Kemp, the transfer from Virginia, is up to the challenge. Or maybe athletic players like Zavier Betts or Isaiah Garcia-Casteneda will break onto the scene each with their second stint on the Huskers. The Spring Game will be a huge opportunity for these players to show off their big play ability.
Tune in to the Husker Heisman Huddle to hear more on the Spring Game from Heisman Trophy winners Eric Crouch and Johnny "the Jet" Rodgers. Make sure to like and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app (Spotify, iHeart, and Apple Podcasts).
