Nebraska Football: 3 thoughts heading into spring practice

Nebraska Football spring practices are almost here, and this spring practice period has quite the build-up, with a lot of anticipation and a lot of hope. Playmakers have been added on both sides of the football, led by Dylan Raiola. After a difficult 5-7 season Nebraska football looks to rebound in what is going to be a crowded conference.

Practices are set to begin on March 24, and we are going to get our first look at what is a loaded freshman class. Names like Carter Nelson will not be on campus, as he elected to finish out his senior season and enroll in the fall. Other names like Malachi Coleman and Gabe Ervin will not participate in spring practices due to injury.

Nevertheless, there will be plenty of storylines and position battles to watch over the course of the next couple of weeks. Today, we are going to take a look at three particular storylines worth keeping an eye on.

The development of the Nebraska Football quarterback room

The development of the quarterback position is going to be very important for Nebraska football. Things appeared to be off to a good start as head coach Matt Rhule had high praise for freshman QB Dylan Raiola, per Mitch Sherman of The Athletic.

“You can see a fire and a competitevness in Dylan (Raiola). He wants to be at the top.”

The coach noted that he also saw the same traits in quarterback Daniel Kaelin. Having two Elite 11 quarterbacks in the room is an asset for Nebraska football. Also an asset is quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas. He will be tasked with the development of the quarterback room in particular.

The development of the young quarterbacks over the course of spring practice is certainly going to be storylines to watch for. In particular, Raiola’s development will be important as he looks to solidify his role as the starter.

The development of the room overall is going to be crucial. Nebraska football has not done a good job over the past couple of seasons of developing a complete room. This was especially apparent when Adrian Martinez was in Lincoln. The best programs have competitive and productive quarterback rooms.

The Huskers have a chance to have one of those rooms. That being said, the development process starts now.

This defensive unit is absolutely loaded

Defensive coordinator Tony White has a lot to work with as he enters his second spring ball with Nebraska. Last year’s defensive unit was extremely strong, as we know. This year’s unit has a chance to be even stronger.

Just look at the returning players. You have Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher on the defensive line. Isaac Gifford is coming back at the safety position after having a solid year last year. Cameron Lenhardt and Princewill Umanmielen will return, with the latter looking to make a big-time impact after a strong freshman campaign. He tallied 22 apples, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack on the year.

Malcolm Hartzog will be returning veteran in the secondary, as he looks to continue a solid career. He is another guy that, along with Gifford, will help hold down defensive backfield while some of the younger players develop.

The 2024 recruiting class will give white players to work with as well. Willis McGahee IV, Vincent Shavers, Blye Hill, and Stefon Thompson are names I am definitely watching in the 2024 class. Let’s not discount Mario Buford either.

The defensive unit itself is absolutely loaded, and is probably one of the most complete units the program has had in years. The defensive unit has a chance to be absolutely dominant once again. Who stands out over the course of the spring will be very telling, as there is not a shortage of talent on the unit itself. This will create tremendous competition.

Kicking development will be important

Tristan Alvano needs to have a big spring. He is not in danger of losing his job, but his development is going to be extremely important.

Alvaro showed flashes of what he could do last season. He went nine-of-15 on field goals and made all 27 of his extra points. One of the highlights of his season was connecting for a 55-yard field goal against Purdue last October. That was the longest field goal by a freshman in Nebraska history.

Six missed field goals are not something you want to say. However, Alvano took his lumps and still continued to kick at a high level. News about him over the course of spring practices is going to be interesting to follow.

Those calling for him to lose his job last season have to understand that Nebraska has not had a kicker like him in quite some time. He has the chance to give the kicking position consistency long-term. It’s going to be exciting to see him this coming season, as he continues to get better.

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.