Nebraska Football: Coaches’ New Year’s Resolutions
By Matt Koeppe
The “Move the Ball” Guys
Reggie Davis
The Big Red’s running back coach should make a resolution to find a big play back. During the past two seasons, Imani Cross (2015) and Terrell Newby (2016) did an admirable job of being every down backs.
However, Nebraska has lacked a big-play threat out of the backfield since Ameer Abdullah (2014). Mike Riley has made it clear that he wants the run game to be a focus. Whether it’s a guy on the roster like Tre Bryant or Mikale Wilbon (or perhaps someone that’s not yet on the team), Davis needs to find a home run back to keep some pressure off of the passing game.
Keith Williams
The wide receivers coach probably makes it a goal each year to out “mean mug” everyone in pictures. However, Williams will have to replace 79 receptions and 1,313 yards after the departure of seniors Brandon Reilly, Jordan Westerkamp, and Alonzo Moore.
Williams is known for putting out videos on twitter about technique for wide receivers. Some believe this is all talk. Time for “Coach Dub” to pledge to put his money where his mouth is and show he can develop young guys like Stanley Morgan, De’Mornay Pierson-El, J.D. Spielman, and Bryan Reimers into playmakers.
Mike Cavanaugh
The offensive line coach needs to make a resolution to let the young guys eat. Throughout 2016, fans heard about the young talent still being developed. Time for Cavanaugh to get those guys going, as some, like Jalin Barnett, Matt Farniok, and John Raridon have a chance to compete for serious playing time in the 2017 season.