Nebraska football has a very good linebacker in Kolarevic.
When I take a look at the Nebraska football linebacker position, there is no doubt that it is one of the deepest on the roster. When you look at the players returning combined with the players at the position who performed well last season, there is a lot of talent there. As a result, some players could be on the outside looking in. This is the case with Chris Kolarevic.
I wrote back in October that he serves as an intriguing depth piece for the program, and I still believe that is the case. A lot of people hear the term “depth piece” and think that is a knock on what the player can do. However, Nebraska football is so deep at the linebacker position heading into 2021 that some players will be on the outside looking in.
So far, it sounds like he is good at defending both the run and the pass. This will be important in the Nebraska football defense. The defense expects a lot out of the linebackers, and Kolarevic appears to have that level of versatility. He is going to be a name that flies under the radar at the position, but he certainly does not lack talent.
In 2018, he played in six games and recorded 65 tackles and a sack for UNI. It sounds like his pursuit ability is strong, and that will bode well for not only spring ball, but down the road as well. As Sean Callahan noted in his spring preview of the linebacker position, Kolarevic is making strides.
"Word is Kolarevic has already shown he can be effective against both the run and pass. There’s no question he’s going to have a role in 2020, but more than likely Honas and Reimer will enter the spring as the starter."
I still think Kolarevic and Henrich will both factor in as well, as Ruud has stated he would like to have four players rotate in and out effectively at inside linebacker.
Kolarevic will undoubtedly get some playing time in the spring. It sounds like he will also get playing time in the fall. The question is, how much time will he get? It sounds like he will be a more situational player.
Kolarevic has his chance to make his mark during the spring ball. I’ll be interested to see how Nebraska football uses him. It will be one of the many interesting storylines during spring ball.