LINCOLN — Nebraska defensive line coach Tony Tuioti has a list of words he uses in recruiting to describe a prospect’s game. One of Tuioti’s top targets for the 2021 class, Ru’Quan Buckley, is a big fan of the list.
“He says I’m very aggressive and relentless,” said the three-star defensive end from Grand Rapids, Michigan. “He’s got a whole list of words that he checks off with guys.”
The more qualities a player fits, the higher he presumably is on Tuioti’s board. Buckley, who has scholarship offers from at least one team in every Power Five conference, is one name to watch as Nebraska continues to work on the second half of its 2021 recruiting class.
Fourteen commits are already in the class, with seven linebackers and defensive backs. Zero have been defensive linemen, and while NU’s depth at the position is strong for the next two years — thanks to six juniors — Nebraska will want to add several linemen to this class so depth remains strong starting in 2022.
Buckley, who visited Nebraska in the winter before the pandemic shut down recruiting, is a bit of a late bloomer. His recruitment took off in recent months after his junior-season film showed a dominant two-way lineman who could drive-block on offense and chase quarterbacks on defense.
Nebraska may have another advantage, too: It wants the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Buckley to play defensive end, which is his preferred position. His other two top schools at the moment, Minnesota and Florida State, would allow him to try playing defensive end before most likely placing him at offensive tackle, where he is viewed as an equally strong prospect. Buckley is a defensive end at heart, though, and has picked up some pointers from Tuioti on hand placement, among other things.
"I like how Coach T teaches,” Buckley said. “He’d teach me well about techniques.”
Buckley is among the many defensive line prospects still out there for Nebraska to land.
According to the 247Sports database, NU has offered 83 defensive tackles and defensive ends in the 2021 class, as of this week, with 49 already committed to other schools. Of the remaining 34 prospects, several have developed long-term relationships with the Husker coaching staff. Buckley is one. Others:
» Robert Jackson, 6-6, 260, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Nebraska rarely has luck in Pennsylvania — even less so in Philly — but Jackson placed NU in his top 10 in June. He’s a good student with a 7-foot-2 wingspan.
» Mike Leatherdale, 6-3, 310, Wayne, Nebraska: The northeastern Nebraska product doesn’t have any choice offers at the moment — Division II, mostly — so perhaps he’s a preferred walk-on candidate at NU. He’d be a heck of a pickup in that context, a big, athletic guy who, if he goes to junior college, is probably emerging from it with Power Five offers.
» Michael Mokofisi, 6-3, 300, Woods Cross, Utah: The nose tackle prospect visited Nebraska for the Huskers’ loss to Wisconsin last season. Many of the top recruits in Utah have committed to out-of-state schools — including Husker offensive tackle commit Branson Yager of Grantsville — so the home-state Utes and Cougars will likely make a push.
» Tobechi Okoli, 6-5, 250, Kansas City, Missouri: Nebraska hasn’t landed a recruit from Missouri since 2017, and nothing in KC since 2016 with Boe Wilson. Okoli is raw, but his potential is similar to that of the Davis twins and Maliek Collins, all of whom came from the KC metro area. He’s been offered by USC, Georgia and Auburn for a reason. His high school defensive coordinator is former Husker Michael Rose-Ivey.
» Mandela Tobin, 6-4, 270, San Diego, California: He lives on the West Coast, but Tobin has consistently shown the most interest in Midwestern schools like NU, Kansas and Kansas State. He’s on the leaner side, but he’s quick and does a nice job of blowing up plays in the backfield. Tobin said he's being recruited for a “hybrid” role that includes him playing defensive end and a 3-technique tackle spot when Nebraska rolls into a 4-3 look.
Tobin has taken a virtual visit with Nebraska — his mom liked NU’s academic presentation, Tobin said — and hears almost daily from NU defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. Tuioti calls once a week and Husker recruiting coordinator Ryan Held is part of the conversations, as well.
Tobin hasn’t released an official top group yet, but Nebraska is in it with KU, K-State, Fresno State and Colorado State, among others. He plans to make a decision this fall and play his senior year of football, which in California won't likely begin until December or January.
“Nebraska’s a top contender, for sure,” Tobin said. “You can’t go wrong with them. It’s the rich history of football and the fan base is just crazy. I’ve never seen a fan base so passionate. And now, with Scott Frost, they’re building back the program to where it has always been. It’s exciting.”
» Davon Townley, 6-7, 220, Minneapolis, Minnesota: A converted basketball player who averaged 17.5 points and 9.4 rebounds for his team last year, Townley is a little skinny, but as a high three-star he’s underrated as a football prospect. Nasty, quick, all over the place. Townley told 247Sports former Gophers receiver Tyler Johnson is his cousin.
» Derek Wilkins, 6-4, 250, Rancho Santa Margarita, California: The Huskers have their work cut out for them trying to pull one of the best defensive ends on the West Coast. But Wilkins put NU in his top six (along with Cal, Stanford, Washington, UCLA and Boston College) so there’s a chance for a strong, thick-bodied lineman who’d fit NU’s 3-4 scheme. Wilkins had 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season.
Honorable mention: We highlighted 20 notable players who didn't make the cut for the top 50 but could still have an impact this season. They are (in alphabetical order):
Brody Belt, Jared Bubak, Turner Corcoran, Chase Contreraz, Niko Cooper, Levi Falck, Will Farniok, Christian Gaylord, Keem Green, Keyshawn Greene, Demariyon Houston, Sevion Morrison, Mosai Newsom, Will Nixon, Nouredin Nouili, Noa Pola-Gates, William Przystup, Logan Smothers, Eli Sullivan, Ronald Thompkins.
50. Blaise Gunnerson: The true freshman's position remains somewhat fluid since he could line up as a defensive end or outside linebacker. His strength as an edge rusher is much more certain. Click here to read more.
49. Brant Banks: Many fans may know Banks from his three minutes of action with the Nebraska men’s basketball team in last spring’s Big Ten tournament. This fall he will make his case to be the backup at one of the most important positions in football. Click here to read more.
48. Broc Bando: Spring was supposed to be a “prove it” opportunity for the former Lincoln Southeast standout, but now fall camp will be perhaps the last best chance for Bando to secure a role in Nebraska’s two-deep depth chart. Click here to read more.
47. Pheldarius Payne: Nebraska coaches sought a change-of-pace presence on their defensive front and found one in Payne, a junior college transfer. Quickness — with an innate ability to make blockers miss in short spaces — will be what can get him on the field. Click here to read more.
46. Chris Hickman: Once considered a future staple for Nebraska at tight end, Hickman expanded his role late last season to include wide receiver. Where exactly he settles — or if he settles anywhere — remains unknown for the former three-star prospect from Omaha Burke. Click here to read more.
45. Connor Culp: In Nebraska’s wide-open kicking competition, Culp is perhaps the most high-profile contender and certainly the most experienced at the Division I level. The LSU transfer has found a starting opportunity in Lincoln. Click here to read more.
44. Javin Wright: The son of former Blackshirt Toby Wright may be Nebraska's most versatile defender, capable of playing in the secondary or as an outside linebacker. Click here to read more.
43. Quinton Newsome: Newsome impressed enough in one season that he was among three of Nebraska’s 2019 scholarship recruits to not redshirt their first year in college. His role will likely expand significantly in the coming months. Click here to read more.
42. Zavier Betts: The lone in-state scholarship signee in Nebraska’s 2020 class, Betts joins the roster as potentially a quick-impact player. He offers a combination of length and elite explosiveness the Huskers have had little of in recent years. Click here to read more.
41. Myles Farmer: He is primed to make an immediate and potentially lasting difference in the Nebraska secondary. A physical, hard-hitting safety, Farmer has a reputation around North Stadium for being inquisitive and self-motivating. Click here to read more.
40. Luke Reimer: Reimer is why you try to build a solid walk-on tradition, because the inside linebacker is sniffing a scholarship in a few years if he continues to play the way he did as a freshman. Click here to read more.
39. Casey Rogers: Casey Rogers has looked game ready for some time now. But with the stack of talent in front of him, he didn’t have a lot of chances to prove it. This year he will. Click here to read more.
38. Rahmir Johnson: The running back position is set with Dedrick Mills as the No. 1 guy, but it’d go a long way for Nebraska if Johnson was able to find a regular place on the field. Click here to read more.
37. Nick Henrich: Nebraska’s 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year appears to be back and healthy, and ready to fight for playing time at inside linebacker. Barrett Ruud has been high on Henrich, who has the added pressure of being a scholarship in-state kid from Omaha. Click here to read more.
36. Trent Hixson: Hixson earned a scholarship after winning a starting position on the offensive line last year. But he'll have to fend off some competition if he wants to start again in 2020. Click here to read more.
35. Braxton Clark: Clark is a presence in every room he's in, fitting of a Big Ten corner. He'll have all the chances in the world to take a key role in Nebraska's secondary next season. Click here to read more.
34. Marcus Fleming: With the absence of JD Spielman, Nebraska will be searching even harder for a spark in the return game and through the air. Fleming might be the piece NU’s been looking for. Click here to read more.
33. Daniel Cerni: Nebraska has been searching for answers all over special teams. NU hopes Cerni, who is from Canberra, Australia, can fix some of the punting issues. Click here to read more.
32. Eteva Mauga-Clements: After three seasons in the junior college ranks at Diablo Valley College, Mauga-Clements comes to Nebraska looking to steal time at inside linebacker. NU thinks it has a steal here, and he very well could be. Click here to read more.
31. Ethan Piper: Piper might end up being a real asset for the offensive line. He could play any of the three interior spots, and history shows he’ll find the field at some point based on the frequency of lineman injuries in recent years. Click here to read more.
30. Boe Wilson: Wilson has started the last 21 games at right guard but he'll likely have to compete for a starting in 2020. He has generally been a reliable run blocker, especially in short-area plays. Click here to read more.
29. Luke McCaffrey: Welcome to the most intriguing player on the Countdown. McCaffrey flashed just enough in four games last season to pique the interest of Husker fans for 2020. Click here to read more.
28. Marvin Scott: There's an open competition to be the No. 2 back, and Scott is in that mix. He rushed for more than 2,700 yards over his final two seasons and showed a downhill, no-nonsense style with power and a nice amount of elusiveness. Click here to read more.
27. Austin Allen: NU will have one of the best tight end groups in the Big Ten. Allen, who has steadily improved as a blocker and pass-catcher, is one reason why. Click here to read more.
26. Kade Warner: Warner becomes one of the few receivers at NU who knows Scott Frost’s offense inside out. So even if there is more talent on the roster, Warner’s know-how would favor him playing quite a bit, especially early. Click here to read more.
25. Garrett Nelson: Of the five Nebraskans who signed scholarships in NU's 2019 class, Nelson (Scottsbluff) made the most immediate impact, playing in 11 of 12 games with 15 tackles. Nelson’s energy and hustle were his best attributes as a true freshman. Click here to read more.
24. Travis Vokolek: Nebraska’s 2019 Offensive Scout Team MVP is a Rutgers transfer. The Huskers’ depth chart didn’t exactly need him, but tight ends coach Sean Beckton wanted him, which should give a sense of how much Vokolek was valued by Nebraska's coaches. Click here to read more.
23. Damion Daniels: He played a little bit more in 2019 — typically as a backup to his older brother Darrion — but he didn’t make a ton of plays (13 overall tackles) and usually played just a handful of snaps at a time. Though he could be NU’s starting nose in 2020, he’ll be pushed big time by junior college transfer Jordon Riley. Click here to read more.
22. Bryce Benhart: It’s time for a ballyhooed Husker offensive line recruit to pan out in a big way. Maybe Benhart — one of the country's top O-line prospects in the 2019 class — is that guy. Click here to read more.
21. Ty Robinson: If you’re looking for a young guy to make a really big leap, Robinson may be your man. He didn’t play a ton last season — NU wanted to preserve his redshirt on a defensive line that had plenty of experience — but his brief flashes were promising. Click here to read more.
20. Deontai Williams: When Williams is healthy, he makes plays. Now armed with a robust knowledge of NU’s scheme, he's a strong bet to start opposite fellow senior Marquel Dismuke. Click here to read more.
19. Alante Brown: Brown would like to pick up where he left off in the spring, when he impressed coaches with his speed and versatility after two practices. His strengths match up well with Nebraska’s needs. Click here to read more.
18. Will Honas: He and fellow senior Collin Miller are the unquestioned veterans of the linebackers now and will set the tone for what the group becomes in 2021 and beyond. Yet another Blackshirt with the talent and chance to make a big jump in the coming months. Click here to read more.
17. Marquel Dismuke: Dismuke started every game last season and produced a career-high 67 tackles (tied for third on the team) while proving trustworthy as a run stopper and against the pass. Click here to read more.
16. Deontre Thomas: Thomas cracked the line’s regular six-man rotation last year. What’s next? Now opportunity is knocking again on a D-line that must replace all three starters. After years of paying his dues behind the scenes, Thomas has as good a chance as anyone. Click here to read more.
15. Jack Stoll: Stoll has been the most productive tight end on the team the previous two seasons. The question now is whether the fifth-year player will build on last year’s output or maintain his steady performances as a blocker and pass catcher through 24 straight starts. Click here to read more.
14. Jordon Riley: Known for occupying blockers against the run, Riley will begin at nose tackle before learning other positions on the front. He joins what should be a robust competition along the line. Click here to read more.
13. Caleb Tannor: Tannor will likely get many more chances to be a playmaker — and an edge rusher in particular. Two full years immersed in the defense should also help his cause. Click here to read more.
12. Cameron Jurgens: The investment from player and program appears ready to pay off. O-line coach Greg Austin said Jurgens has a “command presence” about him these days, making him the on-field leader of the line who can mentally handle game speed in real time. Click here to read more.
11. Collin Miller: Few current Huskers have endured as much football change as Miller, but he thrived in the stability at inside linebacker last season, making his first 12 career starts and tying for third on the team with a career-best 67 tackles (seven for loss). Click here to read more.
10. Matt Farniok: Farniok can do serious damage to a linebacker at the second level when he reaches it, and when Nebraska chooses to run that QB dart play, he’s a devastating lead blocker. He’s also become a leader of the line and the offense. Click here to read more.
9. Ben Stille: Stille, the taciturn, tough leader of the defensive line, is the kind of guy who will sacrifice statistics for a winning season. His redshirt season in 2016 was NU’s last winning year, and Stille would clearly love for his senior season to be the same. Click here to read more.
8. Dicaprio Bootle: One of the most consistent, smartest and toughest players on the team, Bootle has been a starter for three seasons and a real leader for the last two. He’s almost a lock to be a captain in 2020 as he tries to become a lockdown corner. Click here to read more.
7. JoJo Domann: Nebraska’s Swiss Army knife on defense, Domann can do a little bit of everything. He can blitz, play coverage, spy a quarterback, knife off an edge toward a ballcarrier. He can take chances and get away with them, making big plays in the process. Click here to read more.
6. Omar Manning: What will Nebraska get in Manning? A hungry player with NFL potential. A willing, physical blocker. A deep threat who can draw a safety away from the middle of the field. Click here to read more.
5. Dedrick Mills: He runs angry, breaks tackle at the second level and has worked on his pass-catching skills. Teammates appreciate his toughness, too. And he has a chance at a 1,000-yard season. Click here to read more.
4. Cam Taylor-Britt: The junior had three interceptions and four forced fumbles last season. He recovered one. He had six pass breakups, too. Pretty good for a guy who played safety for the first time in his career. Click here to read more.
3. Wan'Dale Robinson: Many of Nebraska’s top recruits haven’t panned out over the last decade, so it was nice to see Robinson, the crown jewel of NU’s 2019 class, prove his recruiting rating true in his first year. Click here to read more.
2. Brenden Jaimes: He’ll likely be one of the best left tackles in the Big Ten because of his pass-blocking skill and overall athleticism, and Jaimes has faced good enough pass rushers along the way to be considered seasoned in the role. Click here to read more.
1. Adrian Martinez: For the third straight year, Martinez is No. 1 on the Camp Countdown. Each year it’s been for slightly different reasons. Click here to read more.
The Husker Camp Countdown of Nebraska's most important players
Our Husker Camp Countdown highlights the 50 most important players on the Nebraska football team.
Honorable mention: We highlighted 20 notable players who didn't make the cut for the top 50 but could still have an impact this season. They are (in alphabetical order):
Brody Belt, Jared Bubak, Turner Corcoran, Chase Contreraz, Niko Cooper, Levi Falck, Will Farniok, Christian Gaylord, Keem Green, Keyshawn Greene, Demariyon Houston, Sevion Morrison, Mosai Newsom, Will Nixon, Nouredin Nouili, Noa Pola-Gates, William Przystup, Logan Smothers, Eli Sullivan, Ronald Thompkins.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
50. Blaise Gunnerson: The true freshman's position remains somewhat fluid since he could line up as a defensive end or outside linebacker. His strength as an edge rusher is much more certain. Click here to read more.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
49. Brant Banks: Many fans may know Banks from his three minutes of action with the Nebraska men’s basketball team in last spring’s Big Ten tournament. This fall he will make his case to be the backup at one of the most important positions in football. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
48. Broc Bando: Spring was supposed to be a “prove it” opportunity for the former Lincoln Southeast standout, but now fall camp will be perhaps the last best chance for Bando to secure a role in Nebraska’s two-deep depth chart. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
47. Pheldarius Payne: Nebraska coaches sought a change-of-pace presence on their defensive front and found one in Payne, a junior college transfer. Quickness — with an innate ability to make blockers miss in short spaces — will be what can get him on the field. Click here to read more.
LACKAWANNA COLLEGE ATHLETICS
46. Chris Hickman: Once considered a future staple for Nebraska at tight end, Hickman expanded his role late last season to include wide receiver. Where exactly he settles — or if he settles anywhere — remains unknown for the former three-star prospect from Omaha Burke. Click here to read more.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
45. Connor Culp: In Nebraska’s wide-open kicking competition, Culp is perhaps the most high-profile contender and certainly the most experienced at the Division I level. The LSU transfer has found a starting opportunity in Lincoln. Click here to read more.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
44. Javin Wright: The son of former Blackshirt Toby Wright may be Nebraska's most versatile defender, capable of playing in the secondary or as an outside linebacker. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
43. Quinton Newsome: Newsome impressed enough in one season that he was among three of Nebraska’s 2019 scholarship recruits to not redshirt their first year in college. His role will likely expand significantly in the coming months. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
42. Zavier Betts: The lone in-state scholarship signee in Nebraska’s 2020 class, Betts joins the roster as potentially a quick-impact player. He offers a combination of length and elite explosiveness the Huskers have had little of in recent years. Click here to read more.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
41. Myles Farmer: He is primed to make an immediate and potentially lasting difference in the Nebraska secondary. A physical, hard-hitting safety, Farmer has a reputation around North Stadium for being inquisitive and self-motivating. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
40. Luke Reimer: Reimer is why you try to build a solid walk-on tradition, because the inside linebacker is sniffing a scholarship in a few years if he continues to play the way he did as a freshman. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
39. Casey Rogers: Casey Rogers has looked game ready for some time now. But with the stack of talent in front of him, he didn’t have a lot of chances to prove it. This year he will. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
38. Rahmir Johnson: The running back position is set with Dedrick Mills as the No. 1 guy, but it’d go a long way for Nebraska if Johnson was able to find a regular place on the field. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
37. Nick Henrich: Nebraska’s 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year appears to be back and healthy, and ready to fight for playing time at inside linebacker. Barrett Ruud has been high on Henrich, who has the added pressure of being a scholarship in-state kid from Omaha. Click here to read more.
KAYLA WOLF/THE WORLD-HERALD
36. Trent Hixson: Hixson earned a scholarship after winning a starting position on the offensive line last year. But he'll have to fend off some competition if he wants to start again in 2020. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
35. Braxton Clark: Clark is a presence in every room he's in, fitting of a Big Ten corner. He'll have all the chances in the world to take a key role in Nebraska's secondary next season. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
34. Marcus Fleming: With the absence of JD Spielman, Nebraska will be searching even harder for a spark in the return game and through the air. Fleming might be the piece NU’s been looking for. Click here to read more.
AL DIAZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
33. Daniel Cerni: Nebraska has been searching for answers all over special teams. NU hopes Cerni, who is from Canberra, Australia, can fix some of the punting issues. Click here to read more.
THE WORLD-HERALD
32. Eteva Mauga-Clements: After three seasons in the junior college ranks at Diablo Valley College, Mauga-Clements comes to Nebraska looking to steal time at inside linebacker. NU thinks it has a steal here, and he very well could be. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
31. Ethan Piper: Piper might end up being a real asset for the offensive line. He could play any of the three interior spots, and history shows he’ll find the field at some point based on the frequency of lineman injuries in recent years. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
30. Boe Wilson: Wilson has started the last 21 games at right guard but he'll likely have to compete for a starting in 2020. He has generally been a reliable run blocker, especially in short-area plays. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
29. Luke McCaffrey: Welcome to the most intriguing player on the Countdown. McCaffrey flashed just enough in four games last season to pique the interest of Husker fans for 2020. Click here to read more.
KAYLA WOLF/THE WORLD-HERALD
28. Marvin Scott: There's an open competition to be the No. 2 back, and Scott is in that mix. He rushed for more than 2,700 yards over his final two seasons and showed a downhill, no-nonsense style with power and a nice amount of elusiveness. Click here to read more.
LOLA GOMEZ/DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
27. Austin Allen: NU will have one of the best tight end groups in the Big Ten. Allen, who has steadily improved as a blocker and pass-catcher, is one reason why. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
26. Kade Warner: Warner becomes one of the few receivers at NU who knows Scott Frost’s offense inside out. So even if there is more talent on the roster, Warner’s know-how would favor him playing quite a bit, especially early. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
25. Garrett Nelson: Of the five Nebraskans who signed scholarships in NU's 2019 class, Nelson (Scottsbluff) made the most immediate impact, playing in 11 of 12 games with 15 tackles. Nelson’s energy and hustle were his best attributes as a true freshman. Click here to read more.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
24. Travis Vokolek: Nebraska’s 2019 Offensive Scout Team MVP is a Rutgers transfer. The Huskers’ depth chart didn’t exactly need him, but tight ends coach Sean Beckton wanted him, which should give a sense of how much Vokolek was valued by Nebraska's coaches. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
23. Damion Daniels: He played a little bit more in 2019 — typically as a backup to his older brother Darrion — but he didn’t make a ton of plays (13 overall tackles) and usually played just a handful of snaps at a time. Though he could be NU’s starting nose in 2020, he’ll be pushed big time by junior college transfer Jordon Riley. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
22. Bryce Benhart: It’s time for a ballyhooed Husker offensive line recruit to pan out in a big way. Maybe Benhart — one of the country's top O-line prospects in the 2019 class — is that guy. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
21. Ty Robinson: If you’re looking for a young guy to make a really big leap, Robinson may be your man. He didn’t play a ton last season — NU wanted to preserve his redshirt on a defensive line that had plenty of experience — but his brief flashes were promising. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
20. Deontai Williams: When Williams is healthy, he makes plays. Now armed with a robust knowledge of NU’s scheme, he's a strong bet to start opposite fellow senior Marquel Dismuke. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
19. Alante Brown: Brown would like to pick up where he left off in the spring, when he impressed coaches with his speed and versatility after two practices. His strengths match up well with Nebraska’s needs. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
18. Will Honas: He and fellow senior Collin Miller are the unquestioned veterans of the linebackers now and will set the tone for what the group becomes in 2021 and beyond. Yet another Blackshirt with the talent and chance to make a big jump in the coming months. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
17. Marquel Dismuke: Dismuke started every game last season and produced a career-high 67 tackles (tied for third on the team) while proving trustworthy as a run stopper and against the pass. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
16. Deontre Thomas: Thomas cracked the line’s regular six-man rotation last year. What’s next? Now opportunity is knocking again on a D-line that must replace all three starters. After years of paying his dues behind the scenes, Thomas has as good a chance as anyone. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
15. Jack Stoll: Stoll has been the most productive tight end on the team the previous two seasons. The question now is whether the fifth-year player will build on last year’s output or maintain his steady performances as a blocker and pass catcher through 24 straight starts. Click here to read more.
KAYLA WOLF/THE WORLD-HERALD
14. Jordon Riley: Known for occupying blockers against the run, Riley will begin at nose tackle before learning other positions on the front. He joins what should be a robust competition along the line. Click here to read more.
NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
13. Caleb Tannor: Tannor will likely get many more chances to be a playmaker — and an edge rusher in particular. Two full years immersed in the defense should also help his cause. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
12. Cameron Jurgens: The investment from player and program appears ready to pay off. O-line coach Greg Austin said Jurgens has a “command presence” about him these days, making him the on-field leader of the line who can mentally handle game speed in real time. Click here to read more.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
11. Collin Miller: Few current Huskers have endured as much football change as Miller, but he thrived in the stability at inside linebacker last season, making his first 12 career starts and tying for third on the team with a career-best 67 tackles (seven for loss). Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
10. Matt Farniok: Farniok can do serious damage to a linebacker at the second level when he reaches it, and when Nebraska chooses to run that QB dart play, he’s a devastating lead blocker. He’s also become a leader of the line and the offense. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
9. Ben Stille: Stille, the taciturn, tough leader of the defensive line, is the kind of guy who will sacrifice statistics for a winning season. His redshirt season in 2016 was NU’s last winning year, and Stille would clearly love for his senior season to be the same. Click here to read more.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
8. Dicaprio Bootle: One of the most consistent, smartest and toughest players on the team, Bootle has been a starter for three seasons and a real leader for the last two. He’s almost a lock to be a captain in 2020 as he tries to become a lockdown corner. Click here to read more.
KAYLA WOLF/THE WORLD-HERALD
7. JoJo Domann: Nebraska’s Swiss Army knife on defense, Domann can do a little bit of everything. He can blitz, play coverage, spy a quarterback, knife off an edge toward a ballcarrier. He can take chances and get away with them, making big plays in the process. Click here to read more.
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
6. Omar Manning: What will Nebraska get in Manning? A hungry player with NFL potential. A willing, physical blocker. A deep threat who can draw a safety away from the middle of the field. Click here to read more.
KILGORE COLLEGE ATHLETICS
5. Dedrick Mills: He runs angry, breaks tackle at the second level and has worked on his pass-catching skills. Teammates appreciate his toughness, too. And he has a chance at a 1,000-yard season. Click here to read more.
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4. Cam Taylor-Britt: The junior had three interceptions and four forced fumbles last season. He recovered one. He had six pass breakups, too. Pretty good for a guy who played safety for the first time in his career. Click here to read more.
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3. Wan'Dale Robinson: Many of Nebraska’s top recruits haven’t panned out over the last decade, so it was nice to see Robinson, the crown jewel of NU’s 2019 class, prove his recruiting rating true in his first year. Click here to read more.
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2. Brenden Jaimes: He’ll likely be one of the best left tackles in the Big Ten because of his pass-blocking skill and overall athleticism, and Jaimes has faced good enough pass rushers along the way to be considered seasoned in the role. Click here to read more.
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1. Adrian Martinez: For the third straight year, Martinez is No. 1 on the Camp Countdown. Each year it’s been for slightly different reasons. Click here to read more.