Nebraska Football Spring 2017: Five Players Who Must Step Up
De’Mornay Pierson-El, Wide Receiver
Pierson-El came to the Nebraska football program as a lightly-recruited athlete, but he exploded as a true freshman punt returner. The dynamic speedster gashed coverage units, averaging over 17 yards per return and taking it to the house three times. He also started getting involved in the passing game that season.
DPE was a surefire superstar. Unfortunately, the injury bug got the best of him during his next two years.
A foot injury kept him out of the start of his sophomore season, and then a devastating ACL tear against Purdue ended it. Since then, Pierson-El has been trying to get back to the form that made him deadly as a freshman.
More from Nebraska Football
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
- Nebraska Football: Trio of big contributors banged up after NIU
He won’t have much competition for the punt return job, and indications are he’s finally back to his old self.
However, he needs to have a sharp spring at receiver in order to hold off some young guns.
The senior will have to prove he’s the top option across from Stanley Morgan or in the slot. That won’t be easy with guys like Bryan Reimers, JD Spielman, Jaevon McQuitty and Keyshawn Johnson Jr. competing for those spots.
In the fall, the ante will be upped with the arrival of prized receiver prospect Tyjon Lindsey. Lindsey’s open-field ability is truly elite, and he’ll push for playing time right away.
Pierson-El’s route-running, blocking and hands all need to impress this spring if he is going to stay up front in the pecking order.