Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Kick Return/Punt Return)

For the next 2 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.

Nebraska’s decision on who would start at kick and punt returner came down to the kickoff of the 2011 season. The coaches narrowed the list down to five players, and ultimately opted for true freshman running back Ameer Abdullah, who started most of the season, except due to injury. While Abdullah looks like the obvious choice to win the kick and punt return duties again, Nebraska is still loaded with athletes that have the speed and playmaking ability to jump Abdullah if they can show it on the field.

The Front Runner

Ameer Abdullah started the 2011 season for the Huskers and earned a spot on a few All-Big Ten teams as a freshman. Abdullah proved his worth early in 2011 when he returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Fresno State when the game was close. His speed and field vision make him a threat on nearly every return, and although the Huskers have talented athletes across the board, none of them have quite the vision as a returner that Abdullah possesses.

The Number One Contender 

Kenny Bell is arguably Nebraska’s best athlete. His raw speed and acceleration are unmatched at Nebraska. Though he figures to be Nebraska’s top receiving threat this season, it’s safe to say coaches will try and get Bell on the field in the return game as well. While he isn’t the playmaker Abdullah is on returns, Bell’s speed alone is enough to get him some action.

Incoming Freshman

There aren’t a lot of freshmen that could see the field as returners for the Huskers in 2011. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Taariq Allen could work his way into the lineup if he were to make up some incredible ground on the rest of the team this offseason, but it looks like this position is going to be held down pretty well by the incumbents.

Depth Chart Prediction

1.Ameer Abdullah

2. Kenny Bell

3. Tim Marlowe

By Chris Peters

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

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