The Nebraska football program is undergoing a major transition this spring with a brand new defense and several new assistant coaches.
The Huskers also lost a considerable amount of talent at a variety of positions and should see plenty of competition at every spot.
Spring is naturally a time for position battles to flourish. No matter where a player is on the depth chart, he should get a fair crack at proving himself.
That’s good news for players who are buried underneath more hyped athletes. It may be unlikely for a fourth-stringer to see the field in the fall, but spring provides an opportunity for a surprise move up the totem pole.
Which Huskers are in prime position to make such a leap? In the spirit of March Madness, here are five potential “bracket busters” on the Nebraska football spring depth chart.
Wyatt Mazour, Running Back
Mazour may be largely unknown outside the state of Nebraska, but residents of the Cornhusker State probably know his name by now.
After all, he accounted for over 3,000 offensive yards and 51 touchdowns as a senior in the town of Albion. Small school or not, those are some impressive numbers.
The 5-9, 190-pounder is currently behind Tre Bryant, Devine Ozigbo and Mikale Wilbon, but head coach Mike Riley recently compared him to former Chadron State star Danny Woodhead who’s made a name for himself in the NFL.
If the comparison is anywhere near accurate, Mazour may have a significant role as soon as this fall.
Riley has recently come out and said there is some separation at the running back position, but won’t give details. It’s likely that one of the three front-runners is inching their way ahead.
However, all three have had their issues at Nebraska. If any of them slip up in practice, don’t be surprised if the walk-on jumps in front of them.
Every Nebraska fan loves a good Husker walk-on story. It’s possible we’re seeing the beginning of the next in Mazour.