One of the most fun battles during Nebraska football‘s spring ball will be among the offensive linemen. Seeing who will eventually crack the final two-deep will be a treat.
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Nick Gates: We might as well start off where there is little question that the incumbent keeps his starting spot. Gates has held down the tackle position on the left side of the line as a freshman and there’s no reason to think that changes now. In fact, the biggest question about him right now is will he be back for a fourth spring?
Jerald Foster: When Foster made a miraculous return to his left guard spot last season after a knee injury earlier in the year, Nebraska’s rushing output immediately increased. Much like Gates, he’s probably a shoo-in to keep his starting role.
Tanner Farmer: Now a junior, Farmer had both good and bad moments at the right guard spot in 2016 that he can learn from. Another year in the program along with more time spent in the weight room can only help him. There could be some fun interior battles, but ultimately Farmer probably holds off the competition for now.
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David Knevel: We come to our first major question mark. Knevel started last season at right tackle, but had quite a bit of trouble with faster defensive ends. Cole Conrad eventually started in his place once injures became an issue and much like when Foster snuck back into the lineup, the front five looked a bit better.
Mike Riley mentioned during the March 1 pre-spring practice press conference that Knevel and Conrad are both on even footing for the spot, so this should be a fun back-and-forth to watch.
Cole Conrad: Not much can be said about him that hasn’t been already. He did a fantastic job of filling in for the wounded in 2016, he’ll battle Knevel for a starting gig and if that’s not enough, he can play inside if necessary. He’s the type of lineman that offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh wishes he had five of.
Jalin Barnett: Only a sophomore, Barnett had better get his hustle on, because there’s a slew of young, talented offensive linemen that are just waiting to pass him up on the interior. If he can’t show some massive gains this spring, he may be left in the dust come the fall.
Michael Decker: The center position is wide open, but if anyone has a sliver of an inside track, it’s likely Decker. He performed very well in Dylan Utter’s absence during last year’s spring game and has excellent reflexes off of the snap making him an ideal center.
See More: Previewing the Wide Receivers
John Raridon: Now we get into the notable young guns. Raridon could be one of the frequent fighters for the starting spot at center as Decker only has one year on him in the program. Raridon actually comes in as a legacy.
His father, Scott, was a three-time letter winner as a Husker and John picked up some of the nastiness that his dad brought to the table.
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Matt Farniok: If there’s going to be someone tapping on Knevel and Conrad’s shoulder for a shot to show what he can do, it’s the talented Farniok.
While Conrad has more experience in the system, Farniok matches well in terms of size and has done nothing but learn under Cavanaugh for the past year. There’s a potential upset brewing on the depth chart here.
Boe Wilson: Wilson plays flat out mean. What’s more, he works well from either guard position and even plays center with great skill. While it’s unlikely he surpasses Jerald Foster, look for Cavanaugh to put him against Tanner Farmer and maybe even roll him in at the center position to see if he meshes.
Other Names in the Battle:
Zach Hannon, Sr.; Dwayne Johnson, Sr.; Christian Gaylord, So.; Bryan Brokop, RFr.; Jake Kitten, RFr.; Broc Bando, Fr.