Relative Nebraska Football newcomers making noise on defense
New Nebraska Football defenders, Blye Hill & Chief Borders, impress in spring practices. Coach Rhule hints at starting roles for the duo.
The Nebraska Football Spring Game is still a week away, but who will be contributors during the 2024 season is coming into focus. While most of the focus the last few weeks have been on the offense and especially who is starting at quarterback, there are some offseason fights for playing time on defense as well.
During the same press conference that Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule talked about how well his offense played in a recent scrimmage, he also mentioned some defenders that stood out. Among the guys that got plaudits was one guy who is brand new to the Huskers and one who still counts as a relative newcomer.
Relative Nebraska Football newcomers get praise from head coach
One of the defenders who is impressing Cornhuskers coaches the most is one of its newest defensive backs. Blye Hill came over in the transfer portal this winter, and he stood out immediately because while he has college experience, it’s at the FCS level.
Some fans were obviously concerned about whether or not HIll could step in and provide an impact. Rhule’s comments should put those concerns to rest. On Saturday, the Huskers head coach said that if the season were to start today, Hill would be a starting corner.
He’d be starting opposite the other Hill on the team. The starters are said to be Tommi Hill and Blye Hill, though obviously, things can change before now and August 31.
“Blye looks excellent out there. He's big, he's physical, he's long, he's competitive, he's smart and pays attention. He focuses and has a short memory,” Rhule said during his press conference.
The other Nebraska Football defender who has stood out in the spring is another transfer, one who came over last year. Chief Borders might finally be ready to make a name for himself in a way that doesn’t involve social media.
Borders has played quite a bit of Jack in Tony White’s defense so far. Rhule called the former Florida Gator “a problem” for the offense. He’s also recognized as one of the most improved players of the spring.
In 2023, Borders did get a decent amount of playing time. He saw 147 snaps, but only racked up 3 tackles. Most of those snaps tended to be on special teams.
If things keep going the way they are for Borders, he’s going to have a chance to make much more of an impact. And if he and Hill are both making noise, the Nebraska football defense is only going to be better in 2024.