Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Minnesota Gophers: Five Players to watch

DPE

3. De’Mornay Pierson-El – WR/PR: When Nebraska sees De’Mornay Pierson-El back to return punts, they should be ready for a huge day. Until then, Pierson-El is just another player trying to get acclimated to playing football again. Still, his emergence is coming soon.

Pierson-El had his best practice of the season on Tuesday, and he’s starting get the feel for the game again. After two games back, DPE registered three catches for 37 yards. Maybe he’ll explode on the Golden Gophers defense. Maybe he’ll continue to make important strides, leading to a breakout performance later in the season.

No matter how well DPE plays, the Nebraska Cornhuskers need to move the ball efficiently. If they have to get the other receivers back in the mix, so be it. Since Pierson-El’s return to the lineup, the Huskers have been horrendous in the passing game. Therefore, it’s time for Pierson-El to show progress in multiple ways.

During his only rushing attempt, DPE was stopped for a loss of three yards. Throughout the first month of the season, Alonzo Moore and Brandon Reilly were performing the jet sweep well. The play was non-existent in two attempts last week.

In addition, Jordan Westerkamp has been a no-show in the last two games. Before the season, Pierson-El and Westerkamp were supposed to be a dynamic duo. While the injury to Pierson-El hurt those prospects, it elevated the rest of the receivers in non conference play. Coach Riley and the offense must find ways to get everybody involved this weekend.