Nebraska Football: Which Position Will Be Most Exciting in Spring Camp?

With both sides of the Nebraska football team getting new looks this year, this spring’s competition is going to be fierce. Which position group’s battles will be the most exciting in 2017?

Nebraska Football Spring Camp 2017: Previewing the Quarterbacks

Nebraska will be replacing Tommy Armstrong, Jr. at quarterback, loses 2016’s leading rusher in Terrell Newby, three of the top four most prolific wide receivers depart and that’s just on the offensive side.

There’s also the task that new defensive coordinator Bob Diaco is undertaking of installing his 3-4 defense. Keep in mind there are five early enrollees looking to make a statement this spring as well.

What will be the most exciting position group to watch this spring? Here’s what the Husker Corner crew says:

Brandon Cavanaugh:

Nebraska’s success and struggles last season began up front and I believe this continues heading into 2017. When offensive guard Jerald Foster returned last year, there was an immediate uptick in production, so offensive line is where my eyes are going to be affixed most during the spring.

I’m especially excited to see how redshirt freshmen Matt Farniok, Bryan Brokop and Boe Wilson perform as I believe that all three could break into the two-deep rotation. I’m particularly fond of what Wilson can do on the interior and think he could give Michael Decker a run for his money at center.

Matt Koeppe:

The running back battle really grabs my attention and sparks excitement. The coaching staff has stressed the importance of running the ball. Right now, there is not one clear leader at the position. Will they have to go with a group approach?

Tre Bryant and Devine Ozigbo are the top returners from last year. Mikale Wilbon has shown flashes but seems to always take one step forward and two steps back. Can senior Adam Taylor finally work his way into a prominent role? With so many unanswered questions and no clear-cut starter, the spring battle should be full of anticipation.

Kraig Lundberg:

My knee-jerk reaction is the quarterbacks but the competition could be even more fierce at wide receiver. Three outstanding seniors leave the program, and the only player who presumably has a starting spot on lockdown is junior Stanley Morgan.

It’ll be intriguing to see upperclassmen like DeMornay Pierson-El and Bryan Reimers battle for playing time with scout team stud JD Spielman and incoming freshmen Jaevon McQuitty and Keyshawn Johnson Jr.

Evan Hummel:

I’m most excited for quarterback battle. I still give the edge to Tanner Lee based on experience, but I think Patrick O’Brien will give him all he can handle this spring. This team goes as far as their quarterback can take them, that’s why it’s the most important and most intriguing to me.

Frank Soukup:

Obviously, most people are going to have their eyes on the quarterbacks, but I’ll have mine on a different skill position. The wide receiver corps is going to be another big question mark during this offseaosn’s transition. Having lost three of the top four wideouts from last year’s team is going to mean a chance for quite a few people to step up and make an impact in 2017.

You still have Stanley Morgan and Demornay Pierson-El coming back, but who else is going to make the leap and push for playing time this year? Bryan Reimers made some great catches last year, but he is very young and was pushed into service.

JD Spielman had a lot of buzz during fall camp last year and could be a great addition to the group, then you also have Jaevon McQuitty and Keyshawn Johnson Jr. coming in for spring. Johnson will most likely need some conditioning in the weight room before he is ready to contribute.

Sean Martin:

Six of the top eight receivers from the 2016 Huskers need to be replaced and that will be no easy chore.

This includes Jordan Westerkamp, Brandon Reilly, Alonzo Moore, along with running back Terrell Newby and tight ends Cethan Carter and Sam Cotton, a group that accounted for 62 percent of all receptions last season.