3 things we learned from Nebraska football open practice

Nebraska football held an open practice for fans on Saturday night who were willing to purchase a ticket for $25. Per NCAA rules, the Huskers weren’t able to practice fully in pads.

However, there were still some team periods and some chances for observers to see the offense go against the defense. Obviously, Nebraska was limited in what it could do, but here are some of the things we learned on Saturday night about the Huskers.

A battle for QB2 could be interesting

Dylan Raiola was the first quarterback on the field and basically took all of the reps with the first team. It continues to look and feel like the starting quarterback.

Raiola throws the first tuddy of the day #CTESPN #huskers pic.twitter.com/9oe2Dp3l8x

— CTESPN NEBRASKA (@CTEspnNebraska) August 3, 2024

The former five-star quarterback came out and threw a touchdown pass on the first drive. It’d be stunning if Raiola didn’t start but the Huskers got some flashes from Jalyn Gramstad, who threw two touchdown passes in the practice. 

Heinrich Haarberg got the reps with the No. 2, but god forbid if there is any injury, and a backup quarterback is needed, Gramstad could be a nice option. Daniel Kaelin had some rough moments but it was one practice. We shouldn’t forget that and he’s still a freshman.

Interesting depth chart observations

When it comes to the running backs, linebackers, and offensive linemen especially, it’s hard to judge until the pads come on. Emmett Johnson and Rahmir Johnson worked with the No. 1 offense, but it feels like Emmett Johnson would start game one tomorrow.

However, it’s still 28 days away. Gabe Ervin, Dante Dowdell, and Rahmir can work their way into the mix. Johnson could be the ideal third-down back for the Huskers and remember, with Raiola and a more pass-based offense, pass protection (blitz pickup) will be vital for whoever wants to see the most snaps.

It really will be no block, no rock.

We talked earlier on Saturday about Turner Corcoran playing tackle, but on Saturday at least, he lined up with the No. 1’s ahead of Teddy Prochazka.

Justin Evan-Jenkins, Ben Scott, Micah Mazzccua, and Bryce Benhart were the other starters. Is that going to be the final starting five? It’s possible. But it’s still too early to make too much out of the “depth chart” we saw on Saturday night.

That left tackle battle will be interesting to watch though.

Marques Buford a factor at cornerback

We said you shouldn’t be surprised if Marques Buford, who played cornerback earlier in his Nebraska football career, was in the mix for the starting job at corner, and he was with the No. 1 defense on Saturday.

Ceyair Wright was with the second unit and he just joined the team recently. That’s a good sign. Jeremiah Charles also played with the No. 1 defense to start, but keep in mind Tommi Hill rested.

That leaves Buford, Charles, and Wright to compete for the second, third, and fourth cornerback jobs, in addition to some of the youngsters.

Buford started games at safety for Nebraska football a couple of years ago, but all of the depth there, it makes sense to get Buford snaps at corner.

You can never have enough depth there. Keep an eye on Wright. I still wouldn’t be shocked if he started for the Huskers on Aug. 31.

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