Nebraska Cornhuskers success depends on wide receivers
Every so often, a team out performs their preseason expectations, and makes believers out of an entire nation. One team on that radar in 2015 are the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Along with a whole new coaching staff, the Cornhuskers have worked on revamping the offense under Mike Riley. A week before the season commences, the Cornhuskers offensive line is starting to gel, according to Nebraska.247sports.com. Therefore, everything should be falling into place shortly.
Although Riley maintains that he will use Tommy Armstrong’s strength as a runner, there’s a strong indication that the Cornhuskers will showcase an entirely new passing game this season. Of course quarterback play will be the biggest factor to a great Nebraska offense, but it will be the wide receivers that are counted on immensely from the outset.
Are the Cornhuskers’ receivers expected to turn into Brandin Cooks and Markus Wheaton overnight? Not exactly, but Nebraska is a team loaded with talented playmakers on the outside. Under the tutelage of coach Riley at Oregon State, the two receivers combined for 2359 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2012. As a unit, the Cornhusker wide outs have the promising ability to reach this level.
Coming into the preseason, the Cornhuskers were expected to have a dynamic group of playmakers on the outside, but injuries have tempered those expectations throughout fall camp. Arguably, Nebraska lost their most explosive player De’Mornay Pierson-El, with a foot injury for at least a month into the season. Pierson-El is a top notch special teams player, and he was ready to join the ranks as one of the best receivers in the country. Despite his lack of game experience on offense, Pierson-El already displayed a unique talent to get open. He will be missed early-on, but there are chances for other receivers to take advantage of their opportunities.
Jordan Westerkamp is Nebraska’s most productive wide receiver, and he has been tabbed to takeover the punt returning duties this fall. Coming off of 44 receptions and five touchdowns his sophomore year, Westerkamp can have a superior 2015 season. However, it’s the other guys that must make a name for themselves.
Fellow juniors, Alonzo Moore and Brandon Reilly might be the key to a dominant unit. Each player has had their moments, but they haven’t come close to reaching their pinnacle. Reilly has speed to burn, while Moore is very elusive in the open field.
Jamal Turner has a second chance at a senior season
A trio of seniors, Taariq Allen, Sam Burtch, and Jamal Turner have one final chance to make their mark as a Cornhusker. Last season, Turner and Burtch had to deal with major injuries, so a promising year was lost. Turner caught four passes before succumbing to an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, Allen caught eight passes during his limited action. There’s no question, their presence can set the tone for the younger guys.
Still, there’s one guy that doesn’t need that added motivation. Freshman Stanley Morgan Jr. has been a standout throughout fall camp, and he is in position to make a contribution from Day 1. Due to Pierson-El’s injury, Morgan has turned from a luxury to a necessity for Nebraska. One question remains, how will he perform once the lights come on? So far, all signs point to a productive first year.
Although Nebraska’s success depends on wide receiver production, they must continue to do the other things to keep the ‘Big Red’ train rolling. After all, the Cornhuskers bread and butter has been built upon the running game. Yet, the more big plays they make downfield, the more off balance the opposing defenses will become.