Nebraska football 2019 spring preview: Adrian Martinez can be special

Nebraska had a rough 2018, but the spring offers plenty of reasons to be hopeful for Scott Frost’s team, beginning with sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez.

When Nebraska hired alumnus Scott Frost, he had just turned UCF from a one-win team two years before his arrival into an undefeated team and Peach Bowl winners. The hire quickly lost some of its luster in 2018 after a program-worst start and a 4-8 record. It was a rough year as the rebuild was underway, but not all hope was lost as the Nebraska faithful are optimistic that 2019 will be the year that the Huskers begin to resemble the championship teams Frost was a part of. With spring practices getting underway, let’s take a look at the state of the program.

• 2018 Record: 4-8, 3-6
• Spring game date: April 13

Biggest spring storyline?

Two of Nebraska’s biggest play-makers are gone on offense. Stanley Morgan Jr. was one of the best receivers in program history and led the team in every receiving category last season. His departure leaves tight end Jack Stoll and fellow receiver Mike Williams as the team-leading pass catchers. Both only combined for 367 yards and three touchdowns in 2018.

Running back Devine Ozigbo is also gone. He led the ground game last year with over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Maurice Washington is now the favorite to take over as the starter. Losing two of the conference’s biggest weapons for a team that already struggled the previous year could make things even tougher for Frost in 2019.

The biggest reason for optimism?

Morgan and Ozigbo might have been key weapons on last year’s team, but the biggest story on offense was quarterback Adrian Martinez. As a freshman, Martinez brought firepower to a Nebraska offense that finished ranked 25th in the country.

Martinez threw for over 2,500 yards along with 17 touchdowns and contributed heavily in the running game with 629 yards and eight touchdowns. He was the team’s second-leading rusher. 2018 was a year filled with breakout true freshmen quarterbacks and Martinez was a prime example. Expectations are high as Martinez enters next season as one of the up-and-coming attractions in the Big Ten.

Biggest question mark/concern?

While Nebraska’s offense kept them in games down the stretch last season, their defense struggled mightily. The Cornhuskers finished 94th in total defense last year, surrendering an average of 433.5 yards per game. To make matters worse, five of their top six tacklers are gone. Dedrick Young and Luke Gifford leave at linebacker, while Tre Neal, Antonio Reed and Aaron Williams leave voids in the secondary.

The good news? Leading tackler linebacker Mohamed Barry returns for his senior season. Barry had his best season in 2018, racking up 105 tackles, including ten for losses and picking up two sacks. Khalil Davis will have to step up as the leader of the defensive line after the loss of Freedom Akinmoladun and transfer Deontai Williams is expected to start at safety replacing Neal. A few familiar faces return, but Frost will look towards new ones to improve this defense.

Biggest offseason addition/newcomer?

With Nebraska’s running game taking a blow with the loss of Ozigbo, one player who might make an impact right away is Wandale Robinson. The all-purpose back is the prize of the Cornhuskers 2019 class and for good reason. Robinson is rated as the top all-purpose back in the country and in Kentucky by 247Sports. He scored 45 touchdowns his senior year at Western Hills and Nebraska was able to win him over the hometown Wildcats. Washington might enter spring as the favorite to win the job, but do not be surprised if Robinson makes a serious push for reps.

Biggest game to look forward to?

One game the Cornhuskers had a chance to win down the stretch last year was against Ohio State. Nebraska took an early lead but trailed after the first quarter. However, Martinez guided the offense on a last-minute drive before halftime and Nebraska had the lead 21-16.

With the Buckeyes coming off an upset loss to Purdue, this one appeared to be for the taking. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes battled back in the second half and led 36-24 before Nebraska managed to put together one last scoring drive to make it 36-31.

In a game against one of the best teams in Ohio State, an upset win could have been just what Frost needed to sell this program. With Martinez and Justin Fields at quarterback, this game on Sept. 28 could be one of the better ones in the Big Ten next year. It will also be a good measuring stick early in conference play to see where Frost and his team are headed for the rest of 2019.