Highlights, impressions from Nebraska football open practice

Nebraska football was back on the practice field and invited the media to an open portion of practice for the first 20-30 minutes.

It was interesting to catch a look at all the new faces. Williams Nwaneri looks physically imposing. So does Elijah Jeudy. Matt Rhule said he is 300 pounds in his press conference this week, and he looks it.

Of course, the wide receiver room is impressive. Jacory Barney, Dane Key, and Hardley Gilmore each looked impressive on Thursday. Freshman Isaiah Mozee also had a nice reception in one-on-ones.

We got our first look at Nebraska's revamped WR room. Even with the hype around additions like Dane Key, Hardley Gilmore and Cortez Mills, it was freshman WR Isaiah Mozee who stole the show

Couple impressive grabs from the Lee's Summit (Mo.) North product this morning in 1on1s pic.twitter.com/CXauo91Ddv

— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) March 27, 2025

Mozee is a little overlooked in this class with all that attention paid to the transfer wide receivers and Cortez Mills, but he will be hard to keep off the field. Quinn Clark is looking good, too.

Fun rep between Cortez Mills and Andrew Marshall. pic.twitter.com/1cBoZP2Egv

— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) March 27, 2025

The early returns are positive on offensive line transfers Rocco Spindler and Elijah Pritchett. Grant Brix is also getting work at offensive tackle, which is a positive. He isn’t needed at guard with Spindler and could be a factor there, as could Henry Lutovsky.

First look at Alabama transfer tackle Elijah Pritchett (57) working with his position coach Donovan Raiola. pic.twitter.com/dcKmIld1VG

— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) March 27, 2025

The running back room looks good. Rhule said the Huskers like what they have in the running back room earlier this week, and you could see why on Thursday. Emmett Johnson torched a linebacker on a pass route, and the other running backs had linebackers “on skates.”

Jamarion Parker got multiple mentions as a guy who impressed. I’ve continued to pump him up but really feel he could be the best running back recruit Nebraska has landed in a long time. Like Isaiah Mozee, another blue-chip from Missouri, don’t be shocked if Parker outplays his ranking or plays early.

The cornerbacks have also improved. Even facing a talented wide receiver room, they won multiple one-on-ones, according to Mike’l Severe. Malcolm Hartzog was joined in the nickel by Mario Buford and Larry Tarver Jr. Those are both players on the rise and could be next in line to start after Hartzog.

Nebraska had a few DBs working in at nickel during LB drills

Spotted Malcolm Hartzog (#7), Mario Buford (#31), and Larry Tarver Jr. (#18) rotating in at the overhang spot. Early look at what the fifth defensive back spot will look like in John Butler's defense. pic.twitter.com/7AQapkDmsT

— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) March 27, 2025

Overall, you don’t want to overreact, but the early impressions are good. I’m getting more confident in the ability of Jeudy and Riley Van Poppel to hold up on the interior of the defensive line.

Could watch Terry Bradden teach football all day. So much energy. So much technique.

Working with rising sophomore Keona Davis here.

“TRAIN WRECK, Keona. TRAIN WRECK.” pic.twitter.com/nthe2RBzii

— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) March 27, 2025

They might not be Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson, but Van Poppel looks due for a breakout season, and they could be closer than expected. The talent is there too with Williams Nwaneri, who looks like an absolute beast. Keona Davis is another name to watch.

New Nebraska DL coach Terry Bradden working with Missouri transfer DL Williams Nwaneri (96).

The redshirt freshman Nwaneri certainly looks the part at 6-7 and 255-plus pounds. Dasan McCullough said he was 270.

Would be huge for the defense if Nwaneri puts it all together. pic.twitter.com/4s1jZpCFHB

— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) March 27, 2025

It’s a bummer that Nebraska football won’t have a spring game, but there is still plenty for fans to be optimistic about in March.

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