It appears that Nebraska football‘s new defensive coordinator may already be showing Shawn Eichorst and Mike Riley some early returns on their investment in him.
Amid reports of Mick Stoltenberg picking up the nose tackle role in Bob Diaco’s new 3-4 scheme, there’s talk of a slew of linebackers stepping up.
We’ve also seen what could be called at least a notable — if not significant — move of last year’s No. 2 cornerback (Joshua Kalu) to free safety making room for his former backup (Lamar Jackson) across from No. 1 cornerback Chris Jones.
If that isn’t enough, an early enrollee is making a case that’s not unlike junior Dedrick Young’s prior to his true freshman season.
Avery Roberts, arguably one of Nebraska’s best recruits from this past cycle along with Tyjon Lindsey, is reportedly already making the decision to keep him off the field this fall a very tough one.
Roberts has been running with the twos most often this spring along with sophomore Mohamed Barry.
Barry’s name has come up in conversation multiple times over the past year as his film was extremely impressive coming out of high school. Fans wanted to know when this potential playmaker would get a chance to show what he can do.
Ask no longer.
Both Roberts and Barry have been wreaking havoc recently and despite being thrown into the midst of a scheme change, let alone the shift to the speed of college football, these two are thriving.
I would be remiss to leave out sophomore JoJo Domann.
Kalu has the edge in experience, but Domann is letting the junkyard dog mentality that allowed him to thrive on special teams last season be his guide when it comes to his role as a hard-hitting safety.
He’s had a number of good practices this spring. These have included following quarterbacks to the point of interceptions and tracking running plays down for eventual stops resulting in minimal yardage and even tackles for loss.
All eyes may be on the quarterback battle between Tanner Lee and Patrick O’Brien, but consider glancing over to the safety spots during the April 15 Red-White Spring Game.
It’s refreshing to see Diaco’s handiwork already paying off. It appears that certain individuals are already thriving thanks to his coaching and the cream is beginning to rise to the top.
Regardless of who’s playing where on defense, there’s a sense of intensity that hasn’t been seen in years. Consider that another benefit of having a coach whose words are like audible Red Bull leading the defensive charge.
Feel free to drink the Kool-Aid for now when it comes to the developing Blackshirts.
While there will no doubt be some growing pains when live action comes, not only does Nebraska have some quality young talent, it will have solid depth ready to step up and become battle-tested.
Next: Nebraska Football Enters the Pigskin Madness Playoff
Hopefully that should sell a few more tickets to the Spring Game.
Just in case you’re all excited and want to grab some (or more), you can do so here.