Nebraska Football: Ethan Piper making headway on the offensive line

Nebraska fans celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Nebraska
Nebraska fans celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Nebraska

The emergence of Piper could be huge for Nebraska football.

As Nebraska football gets set to take on the Northwestern Wildcats next Saturday, there are some players who are making an impact so far. With only one game under the belt of Nebraska football, it’s been easier to take a look at the film and really break down some impressive performances. Offensive lineman Ethan Piper was one player that really stood out.

Piper was part of a line that featured several new faces upfront. The push that the line got was noticeable, and it certainly led to some sustained drives on the part of Nebraska football.

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For his part, Piper is getting his first real action as a member of the Nebraska football program. The six-foot-four, 275 pound lineman was a three-star recruit as a prospect. He was the 90th overall defensive tackle in his class, and the fifth overall player in his class from the state of Nebraska. He officially committed to the Nebraska football program on March 5, 2018.

Now, he has completely flipped sides of the football. Although his position is a little bit different, he is still making an impact. Not only that, the veterans are taking notice. Senior Brendan Jaimes was one of them. The fact that a younger player like Piper was able to get the attention of Jaimes is certainly a positive. He was very impressed with the youngster, something that seems to be a theme among the veterans of the line.

"“I saw a younger, inexperienced guy who just wanted to play football. You know, I think that’s his mindset,” Jaimes said. “I don’t think he cares where the coaches put him as long as he’s on the field. Making things happen. Obviously with inexperience, there’s things you need to work on that all young guys need to work on – even some of the older guys. Just like footwork and different types of technique and stuff. But overall I think he played really well.”"

I personally liked what I saw from Piper. I think as long as he continues to develop and play at a high level, he will develop into a very good football player. He is definitely more of a project player. That is not a bad thing, he definitely has talent. The more bodies Nebraska can stockpile on the line, the better it is for the depth and strength of the program.

I’ll be interested to see how he does against Northwestern next week, and if he can develop throughout the course of the season. If he can, Nebraska will have more talent on the line. With how explosive this offense can be, that is certainly a positive.