Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Center)

For the next 14 days HuskerCorner.com will be bringing you an in-depth look at each position for the 2012 season. We will break down  who we think is the front runner for the starting position, the player on the front runner’s heels  for the starting spot and a freshman who could make a splash.

Center — or the “quarterback of the offensive line” — is up for grabs this year. With no clear-cut leader for the starting position, any number of Huskers could step up and fill the need in the center of the offensive line. Expect coaches to try multiple players at center until a leader emerges.

The Front Runner

Cole Pensick backed up 2011 starter Mike Caputo and looks to be the player with the biggest advantage heading into spring practice. Coaches and players alike speak highly of Pensick and say he is more than capable to take over the starting spot. Pensick would have likely started in place of Caputo if the incident accusing Caputo of driving under suspicion of DUI had caused Caputo to miss the Capital One Bowl. While all signs point to Pensick right away, the talent level at the center position is fairly even between four or five players, and any one player could jump Pensick with just one good week of practice.

The Number One Contender 

Justin Jackson moved from defensive tackle back to center this off-season. The position move for Jackson says a lot about Jackson’s potential at the position. Jackson exceeded expectations last season as a defensive tackle, when he earned playing time following the injury to Jared Crick. While there are a number of contenders at center for 2012, Jackson has the most experience and poses the greatest threat for Pensick.

One wild card to keep an eye on, however, is Spencer Long. Nebraska’s starting right guard was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season. Long has reportedly taken some snaps at center, and could wind up moving there for 2012.

Incoming Freshman 

Ryne Reeves, a redshirt freshman center from Crete, has a legitimate chance to start at center for the Huskers. As a high schooler, Reeves was named to Rivals.com’s All-America team. Reeves possesses the type of talent and potential that could allow him to start the beginning of the season as Nebraska’s starting center if he plays his cards right. Spring practice will crucial for Reeves, perhaps moreso than for any player on Nebraska’s roster.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. Cole Pensick

2. Ryne Reeves

3. Justin Jackson

By Chris Peters

Contact the writer at ChrisHuskerCorner@gmail.com or on Twitter @_ChrisPeters

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