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Nebraska Football Spring 2017: Five Players Who Must Step Up

By Kraig Lundberg

Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers kick returner De'Mornay Pierson-El (15) runs against Oregon Ducks linebacker Danny Mattingly (46) in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers kick returner De'Mornay Pierson-El (15) runs against Oregon Ducks linebacker Danny Mattingly (46) in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

David Knevel, Right Tackle

Knevel finally broke into a starting role as a junior, and he played pretty well. After injuries derailed his season, however, walk-on Cole Conrad emerged in his place.

Now, as a senior-to-be, Knevel will not only have Conrad gunning for his job, but redshirt freshman Matt Farniok will get looks as well. Conrad performed admirably last season and could be the next big walk-on-turned-stud. Plus, Farniok was one of the top players on Nebraska’s board in 2016, so you can bet the staff is excited about him. 

On top of all that, Knevel will have to get past his lingering injury issues. He showed toughness last season, but he had to exit early multiple games in a row due to a bum ankle. No matter how good he is, the 6-9 behemoth isn’t going to be effective unless his ankle is fully healed.

Knevel has one last go-round in his Husker career. He’s always been full of potential, but what will his legacy be at Nebraska? He needs a strong senior season to cement a solid one. In order to stay ahead of the pack, Knevel needs an impressive, injury-free spring.

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