4 encouraging things from Nebraska football spring practices

Spring ball arrived for Nebraska football this week, and even though there won’t be a spring game at the end for fans to attend, it’s still a critical time for the program.

Fans did get a look into Nebraska football practice Thursday as the first 30 minutes were open to the media. I get that it’s not close to a game, but that’s more than most fan bases get.

And we still can learn a lot, even in just a few minutes. Of course, we talked about our impressions from Nebraska’s open practice on Thursday. However, looking back at the first full week of spring ball for the Huskers, here are four things that fans should be most encouraged about.

Dylan Raiola

Too much was made about Matt Rhule’s comments. However, Dylan Raiola was too heavy last season, and he looks spectacular.

According to Dana Holgorsen, he has taken on more of a leadership role. Raiola should be better this season, not only physically, but mentally, too.

The game will slow down for him, and when it does, Nebraska football should flourish. The success is this program is tied to Raiola, so it’s good to see him have a good offseason.

The defensive line

Matt Rhule has sounded optimistic about the defensive line all offseason. After a week of spring ball, it’s easy to see why. Elijah Jeudy, Keona Davis, and Williams Nwaneri are massive human beings. So is Riley Van Poppel

It’s not hard to believe that NFL teams were after strength coach Corey Campbell, because Nebraska is starting to look like an NFL team.

Size isn’t everything but one of my concerns was the loss of sheer mass in Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson. 300-pounders still matter a lot in college football, but it looks like Nebraska football has a couple.

All these players need to reach their potential. Depth is still a concern, but I’m much less concerned than I was before the start of spring ball.

Nebraska football has “ferraris” at wide receiver

The early returns on the wide receiver room are that Nebraska football is loaded. Raiola referred to the wide receivers as “ferraris.”

Dane Key, Nyzai Hunter, and Hardley Gilmore — three transfers — all look the part. Cortez Mills continues to stand out, as does freshman Isaiah Mozee. Jacory Barney should be even better this season. Quinn Clark is another pass catcher to watch.

Raiola might be the best passing quarterback Nebraska has ever had, and the Huskers have surrounded him with a worthy group of wide receivers.

The running backs

Nebraska football fans have debated whether the Huskers need to add a running back in the spring transfer window, but after Rhule’s comments this week, it seems less likely.

It’s hard to judge running backs unless they are going 100 percent, as in live tackling. But they look like dudes. Jamarion Parker looks ready to contribute right away. Rhule gushed about Kwinten Ives. Mekhi Nelson is also “dynamic” according to Rhule, and we all know what Emmett Johnson can do.

The Huskers should be low on roster spots this spring, so if they add anyone, I’d save a spot for a defensive lineman, not a running back.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.