Nebraska football has a really bright future at cornerback

One of the most interesting position battles for the Nebraska football team heading into the 2024 season comes at cornerback.

The Huskers are set at safety. Loaded might be a better term with Isaac Gifford, Marques Buford, DeShon Singleton, and Koby Bretz. Singleton is out this spring due to the same injury that forced him out last season, but he’s expected back for the fall.

Malcolm Hartzog is also in the mix at safety and cornerback. Last season, Hartzog started games at both positions. At times, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule said he didn’t know if guys were playing cornerback or safety, which isn’t something he minds.

Hartzog is the best example of that. He’s more of a hybrid defensive back in my mind — a true nickel that is its own starting position on just about every defense. However, that also opens up the No. 2 cornerback spot behind Tommi Hill as one where another starter needs to emerge.

Nebraska football has promising young talents at cornerback

The ideal scenario for Nebraska football is having Hartzog as the true hybrid, plus 3-4 solid players at cornerback and safety. One of those guys at cornerback is going to be Ethan Nation.

Nation, a 5-foot-10 cornerback from Georgia, played in seven games for Nebraska football a season ago, mostly on special teams. He saw time as a punt returner but was on the two-deep at cornerback late in the season. He’s quick and has great ball skills — intercepting 12 passes as a high school player. He also caught 16 touchdowns and had over 1,000 yards receiving.

I love cornerbacks who have also played receiver. It tends to help the way they track and play the ball. Nation isn’t huge but he’s quick enough to excel in man coverage and is generating positive buzz this spring.

Dwight Bootle, another freshman from the 2023 class, is another name to know. He played in three games last season before a season-ending injury. FCS transfer Blye Hill should also be in the mix at 6-foot-2. Playing for St. Francis last season, he had six pass breakups and two interceptions.

Between those three players, the battle should be heated. It wouldn’t surprise me if any of those guys started next fall and with three talented sophomores, plus the freshmen, the future is bright at cornerback.

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.