Two freshmen defenders to watch for Nebraska football

It’s not a huge secret that Nebraska football could use a little more depth at cornerback. Tommi Hill, an All-Big Ten selection in 2023, rested on Saturday, which allowed some others to shine.

Marques Buford, who has started games at corner and safety for Nebraska football during his career, got snaps with the No. 1 defense along with Jeremiah Charles, a rising sophomore.

Ceyair Wright, a 17-game starter for USC, was with the No. 2 defense. Wright is a name to watch over the next month or two. Even if it takes a few games into the season, once he gets his feet wet, the Huskers could have something in the former top-100 recruit.

Hill, Wright, Buford, and Charles are the top options right now at cornerback, with Blye Hill currently out with an injury, but Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule also mentioned two freshmen who could be in the mix for playing time at corner.

Freshmen standing out at corner for Nebraska football

While the Huskers signed a bunch of defensive backs in the 2024 class, two are standing out so far — Larry Tarver Jr. and Amare Sanders.

They weren’t super highly-ranked prospects. Sanders was ranked No. 836 overall. Tarver was ranked 913th overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings but Rhule mentioned the two Florida defensive backs in his pre-practice press conference and according to Brian Christopherson of 247 Sports, it was easy to see why during the Nebraska football open practice. 

Prior to the practice, Amare Sanders and Larry Tarver Jr. both received a mention from Rhule in the corner conversation. Understandable after watching the practice. This Miami-based true freshmen crew has jumped right in.

— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) August 4, 2024

Nebraska football flipped Tarver from Maryland later in the 2024 cycle. They also landed Sanders too and it will be interesting to see if either can play meaningful snaps this season.

Cornerback is one of those positions where some guys just have natural ability. Malcolm Hartzog comes to mind. He was a low-ranked three-star recruit and had a breakout season as a freshman with three interceptions.

Sanders and Tarver might not be able to make that kind of impact, but with a cornerback room thin on experience, they might get a chance to show what they can do.

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