For the next 23 days HuskerCorner.com will be bringing you an in-depth look at each position for 2012. We will break down the who we think is the front runner for the starter, the player on the front runners heels for the starting spot, and a freshman who could make a splash. Today we talk Quarterback.
The Front Runner
Junior-to-be Taylor Martinez has started 25 games at Nebraska, and will change rolls next year. He will go from the young and up coming quarterback, to the season veteran. In his career Martinez has completed 278 of 484 passes for 3,720 yards, and 23 touchdowns. In 2011 Martinez rushed for 874 yards, and 9 touchdowns on 188 attempts.
Martinez struggled at the end of the 2010 season after suffering an ankle injury. Martinez revealed during the Capital One Bowl practices that he had suffered another ankle injury at some point towards the end of the 2011 season, and it showed on the stat sheet. Martinez rushed for over 100 yards in Nebraska’s first two games. He went over the 100 yard mark just one more time all season. He did it Nebraska’s 34-27 win over Ohio State. He rushed for 102 yards against the Buckeyes. Martinez averaged 52 yards rushing a game during Big Ten play.
Number One Contender
Brion Carnes only saw playing time in two games in 2011. He completed both passes he attempted, for 26 yards. He rushed the ball twice against Tennessee Chattanooga for -6 yards. He has a long way to come and will have to battle off freshman sensation Jamal Turner for playing time next season. Turner played wide receiver in 2011.
Incoming Freshman
Cibolo, TX. Steele High School quarterback Tommy Armstrong committed to Nebraska on September 19, 2011. All that’s left for him to do is fax his National Letter Of Intent on Feb. 2. He is 6-foot-2, 210 lbs., and undoubtedly is the future of the Husker program.
In his senior season at Steele he completed 106 passes for 1,945 yards, and 29 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He also rushed 152 times for 1,281 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Depth Chart Projection
1. Taylor Martinez
2. Jamal Turner
3. Brion Carnes
(Redshirt Armstrong)
By Jimmie Allen
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