With Nebraska football's fall camp officially underway, it's time for players to start stepping up and showing they are leaders. While some of those leaders are expected to be longtime players who will take younger players under their wings, there are plenty of openings for younger players to step up themselves, including sophomore wide receiver Jacory Barney.
After Thursday's practice, coaches like offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and wide receivers coach Dakiel Shorts took to the podium talking about Barney’s growth and potential, the Miami native spoke for himself with a bold claim: "I'm going to lead the nation in punt returns this year."
Bold punt-return goal highlights Nebraska’s renewed special-teams mindset
When asked how he feels heading into year two as a Husker, the Nebraska football wide receiver responded confidently: “I feel like I’m playing fast, [and I] got a little bigger.”
In his true freshman season last year, Barney attempted just three punt returns over 13 games. Those returns led to just a total of 13 yards. He's got his sights set for a much bigger performance in 2025.
“I believe I'm going to lead the nation, so that is what I’m working towards. I know the work I am putting in every day and I believe in (Coach Mike Ekeler) and how serious he is about what he does. I'm the guy he needs.”
The arrival of Mike Ekeler looks like it's got some of the Huskers thinking differently about special teams already. Barney is one of the guys who seems to have taken the coach's words to heart.
“That's a big portion of the game,” Barney said. “If you can strike on a punt return, the fans will enjoy that and that can really change the game. It can be a winning moment and a spark to get us going… If we got a dangerous guy back there, people will be scared, which leads to blocks and creating more winning moments.”
Barney is talking a good game about scaring the nation. Hopefully, he and his Nebraska football can back it up later next month.