Ceyair Wright has been a revelation for Nebraska football

Depth is an important thing, especially for a Big Ten football program. Nebraska football learned that lesson once again at cornerback.

Some NFL draft experts have projected Tommi Hill as a first-round pick. He missed last Saturday’s game against Purdue and has been dealing with plantar fascia. It’s a tough injury, and if Hill can play, he’ll have to play through pain.

The veteran wasn’t able to last Saturday. But, it didn’t end up hurting Nebraska football and a huge reason for that was the stellar play of Ceyair Wright.

Ceyair Wright has been a huge find for Nebraska football

Wright had to come in during the Illinois game on defense and acquitted himself well. He had a pass breakup and forced a fumble. On Saturday, Wright was productive again for Nebraska football with two pass breakups and five tackles.

The former top-100 recruit started for Nebraska football for the first time against Purdue. But whenever he’s seen the field, he’s been productive. In addition to his 12 total tackles and a tackle for loss, Wright has allowed just eight receptions for 63 yards on 14 targets.

The junior is 6-foot, 180 pounds and while I love Marques Buford, it’s clear who should be starting Tommi Hill whenever he returns to the lineup — Ceyair Wright. As long as Hill is out, Wright is essentially going to be the No. 1 cornerback for the Huskers, which also speaks to the overall lack of depth.

That’s why Nebraska football had to move a safety (Buford) to cornerback at the start of the season in the first place. Now, Buford can go back to more of a nickel/dime role. He’s fine as your third or fourth cornerback, but it was clear in the Illinois game that better teams would be able to take advantage of that matchup.

But with Wright playing opposite Hill that won’t be the case. It’s only been a couple of games, but it feels like Nebraska football is about to do with Wright what it did with Hill — meaning turn around his career and help him become an early-round draft pick.

Wright might not be talked about as a first-round pick next season like Hill is now, but he’s got all the tools to be a day-two draft pick and he should start every single game from here on out if healthy.

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