Some young players ‘really pop’ for Nebraska football

One reason I feel good about the future of the Nebraska football program is the way that Matt Rhule and his coaching staff develop players.

We have seen it already this season and truly, it has been on display the past two years. Ty Robinson is one dude who has taken a huge step forward since the arrival of Rhule and D-Line coach Terrance Knighton.

The offensive line has improved tremendously. Guys like Bryce Benhart and Turner Corcoran, among many others, have played better under Rhule than they did under Scott Frost.

We have also seen young guys develop quickly under this staff. Jaylen Lloyd was impressive as a freshman last season, along with guys like James Williams, Cameron Lenhardt, and Princewill Umanmielen.

Nebraska freshman class looks strong

This season, the Huskers have started 5-1 in part because of the play of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola. Jacory Barney and Carter Nelson have also made impacts early this season for Nebraska football.

However, this 2024 class is much stronger and deeper than just those three players. Earlier this week, Rhule talked about some other players who “really pop.”

“You see some guys really, really pop,” Rhule said. “You watch out there and you see a Braylen Prude and see a Caleb Benning and you say to yourself, we’re going to be in really good hands here when these older guys leave just seeing the way we practice.”

Caleb Benning is someone I’ve had my eye on for a long time. He just has future, multi-year starter written all over him. Benning is a defensive back and another, Braylen Prude, who could also have a future at linebacker, also drew praise from Rhule.

Daniel Kaelin did too– here’s what Rhule said about the freshman QB: 

“Especially in a week like this week where he’s playing a lot of reps at quarterback for us, but also playing (Indiana QB Kurtis) Rourke. He’s done a great job. Tremendously accurate, great feet, smart. I was coming out of the meeting rooms (Tuesday) night … there’s not many players in the building, it’s 9:30 at night and Danny is walking out of the quarterback room watching extra tape. I said, ‘Hey, you ready to go if needed to go?’ He said, ‘Absolutely.’ I love his approach.”

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