Nebraska Football Spring Camp 2017: Previewing the Wide Receivers

Are you ready for some Savage Professionalism? Nebraska football features a unique wideout teacher in Keith Williams and he’s got three leading receivers to help replace.

More: Five Nebraska Football Players Who Could Surprise in Spring Camp 2017

Say “so long” to Jordan Westerkamp, Bradon Reilly and Alonzo Moore. It’s time for a brand new corps in Lincoln, but we won’t see “Terrifying” Tyjon Lindsey until the fall, so you’ll have to wait on him.

In the meantime, Nebraska’s quarterbacks are going to work with some receivers that are as dedicated to their craft as their teacher. Let’s get right into who you can expect to be on the receiving end of passes from the gun-slingers.

Stanley Morgan: We start the fun with one of the new familiar names. Morgan was a player that seemed to have little difficulty snagging the darts that Tommy Armstrong could rifle. If there was one target that Armstrong went to aside from his roommate, it was Morgan. He was actually the Huskers’ second-leading receiver with 453 yards and two scores.

De’Mornay Pierson-El: DPE’s already a senior. I know, I know, where does the time go? Hopefully he’ll have a year just like the one he did as a freshman. He’ll be asked to carry a bit more of the load this time around, though.

It seems likely that he gets the nod as a starter as he’s got speed to burn and working as a receiver should treat him better than as a return man overall.

J.D. Spielman: Fresh off of a redshirt season, Spielman likely makes a run at a starting position considering that head coach Mike Riley isn’t about to stop pushing for screens and jet sweeps. Spielman has the chance to be something special very early in his career, so don’t be surprised if he steps onto the field versus Arkansas State a good deal.

Bryan Reimers: He had a quiet year in 2016 with only five catches for 75 yards and a score, but the 6-5 210-pounder looks to be a prime candidate for plenty of tosses this season. While not the biggest body out there, he’s one of the tallest receivers which alone means he’ll likely have an opportunity to increase his catch total.

Keyan Williams: Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: Williams is a major unknown at this point, but spring ball is going to tell an early tale. At 5-9 195 pounds, the slot receiver has the size and speed necessary to move the sticks and make defenders look foolish. No need to raise the bar too high since, as I’ve mentioned, we only know the basics about his abilities.

Jaevon McQuitty: Another early enrollee, McQuitty may be able to start chipping away at the waiting line for playing time. A four-star receiver, he’s going to be exciting to watch this spring, especially already having some time in the program.

Keyshawn Johnson, Jr.: The name alone will warrant plenty of eyes during both wideout drills and, well, any point during which he’s on the field. Nebraska’s not hurting for slot receivers at this point and Johnson could use a redshirt year. He still may have some brilliant flashes that will keep people talking until next spring (like that won’t happen anyway).

Other Names in the Battle:

Brett Classen, Sr.; Gabe Rahn, Sr.; Brady Pelzer, Jr.; Zack Darlington, Jr.; Donovan McDonald, So.; Conor Young, So.; Ty Chaffin, RFr.; Todd Honas, RFr.; Ne’Land Smith, RFr.;

Tight End:

Cethan Carter, Sam Cotton and Trey Foster combined for 28 catches resulting in 283 yards and two touchdowns. None of them return.