Nebraska football 2017: Projected Cornhuskers depth chart
Defense
Notable Losses:
Unlike the offense that is almost brand new for Nebraska, the defense will have some similar faces. There will be some new ones as well, but it won’t be as much overturn. The big loss is defensive end Ross Dzuris. He led the team in sacks last season. Kevin Maurice was huge in the middle of the defensive line and will be missed as well. In the back end of the defense, Nate Gerry will certainly be missed for his ability to wrap up and get turnovers.
DT: Carlos Davis, RS Sophomore
DT: Mick Stoltenberg, RS Junior
DE: Freedom Akinmoladun, RS Junior
After four seasons last year, Freedom Akinmoladun is a defensive end that is going to quickly make a name for himself. It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see him get some national attention and perhaps approach a double-digit sack season if he is able to progress as expected. The Davis Brothers will make an impact at the defensive tackle spot while Mick Stoltenberg continues to be a household name.
OLB: Luke Gifford, RS Junior
LB: Dedrick Young, Junior
LB: Chris Weber, Senior
OLB: Marcus Newby, Senior
This is one of the deepest positions on the Nebraska roster. Depth all over the place allows the Cornhuskers to rotate in and out a variety of players. Newby is the star of this group and should have a big season.
CB: Chris Jones, Senior
S: Kieron Williams, Senior
S: Joshua Kalu, Senior
CB: Lamar Jackson, Sophomore
Nickel: Dicaprio Bootle, RS Freshman
If the linebackers are the deepest spot on the roster for Nebraska, the secondary is without a doubt the best position group for the team. Joshua Kalu and Chris Jones are two dynamic defensive backs that love to break up passes. They’re both going to be NFL bound and playing with an intensity that will be tough for opposing receivers to match.
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Special Teams
K: Drew Brown, Senior
P: Caleb Lightbourn, Sophomore
KR: Tre Bryant, Sophomore
PR: De’Mornay Pierson-El, Senior
Brown as a senior provides that experience a team looks for from their kicker. Bryant is the star of the kick return show here, as his speed allows him to be a dynamic threat to return one all the way at every turn.