Nebraska Football: 3 offensive breakout candidates for spring ball

Spring practices are almost here, and Nebraska football is getting set to embark on a season that has a ton of promise. There are several new faces within the program, especially on the offensive side of football.

The Huskers really made an effort to recruit the high school ranks, while tying up any loose ends via the transfer portal. As a result, they were able to put together a well-rounded roster on both sides of the football.

Of course, the offense is headlined by the addition of quarterback Dylan Raiola. However, there are several new faces at the running back and wide receiver positions and they could use spring to really separate themselves from the rest of the group.

With that in mind, we take a look at three breakout candidates to watch for during spring practices.

Dante Dowdell

Dante Dowdell is a name that can break out for Nebraska football over the course of spring. Rahmir Johnson and Gabe Ervin are both missing spring ball with injuries. Now, Dowdell has a chance to step up.

Dowdell was brought in as a top transfer for Nebraska in January. The Huskers needed another running back in the room, and they were able to land him. He was misused at Oregon, as he only recorded 17 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown in six games.

The running back was a highly-rated recruit at the high school level, and was one of the top running backs in Mississippi during his time there. He rushed for 5,301 yards and 65 touchdowns. It would be a stretch to say that Oregon misused him, and did not let him reach his full potential.

Now, Dowdell will have a chance to make an impact early, as both premier Johnson and Ervin will be out for spring practices. On top of the injuries, Dowdell also has a higher ceiling then Ervin and Johnson. He was thought to be the top running back on the roster prior to Johnson and Ervin’s injuries. Now, he has a chance to prove it, as he has opportunity to see extended reps during the spring.

Jaylen LIoyd

Jaylen LIoyd not to show a little bit of what he could do last year for the Nebraska football proram. His speed and elusiveness were on full display.

He did not exactly put up big numbers. He tallied six catches for 237 yards and three touchdowns. Nevertheless, he made his receptions. He averaged 39.5 yards per reception. Lloyd also showed a bit of his elusiveness and the running game, carrying the ball four times for 11 yards.

Nebraska football got new wide receiver targets via the transfer portal in Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks. They undoubtedly will have an opportunity to start for Nebraska football. Nevertheless, Lloyd could separate himself in the wide receiver room. Building off of what he did last year is going to be extremely important for him.

With Raiola under center, things are going to be easier under center for wide receivers, Lloyd included. His speed matches up well with Raiola’s skill set. Nevertheless, connection begins in spring practices. The receiver room has depth now, and this is LIoyd’s chance to separate himself from the rest of the pack. He could really break out this spring, and show that he is not just a freshman wonder.

Kwinten Ives

Kwinten Ives is a player that has a chance to make the most out of an unfortunate opportunity with the injuries at the running back position. He saw more action at kickoff return than running back last season, and now he could have a chance to make himself a part of the rotation.

He ran for 1,617 yards and 26 touchdowns as 157 carries for Palmyra High School in New Jersey. His speed and ability to burst through the whole indicate that he can play at the Big Ten level. He was one of the first recruits for the new coaching staff, and he flew under the radar.

I thought he would have the opportunity to see some action last season at the running back position, and he at least was able to do so a bit. Nevertheless, he has a golden opportunity to really make himself a part of the rotation, and assert himself in the room. Depth at the running back position is going to be needed, and this is where Ives could step in.