Vince R.
New member
I want to start a discussion around which players we think will resurrect their careers/flourish with the new staff. I believe there is so much untapped talent on our roster and that it would be unfair to count anyone out. With that said, I wanted to name a few guys on the roster and hear what you all have to say as well.
Colin Miller
What we know- He was a late addition in the 2016 class. He came in with little hype but really turned heads when he arrived. Many argued he was the best or one of the best defenders in that class. He has excellent size and it appears that if he can stay healthy, then he has a chance to make a splash. I look forward to seeing what a new strength program does for him. He could bring something new to the LB crops that we haven't seen in a few years.
Tony Butler
What we know- Tony, also apart of the 2016 class, is another player that received good reviews when he showed up. He has tremendous size and build at corner but kept switching positions throughout the last two years. Coming in, his hips were a bit of a concern and he too could benefit from the new strength program. Tony was talked about quite a bit. I feel like Nebraska has somebody here who could contribute a lot quicker than many believe.
Jalin Barnett
What we know- Jalin came in with very high expectations. It was noted that he did struggle in the all-star game. Still, he has the physical attributes to play at this level. He did come in overweight and it seemed to snowball from there. I felt like the previous staff shelved him too quickly (they did that a lot by the way). With a fresh start, and a trimmed frame, he could be someone on the rise.
Freedom Akinmoladun
What we know- In my opinion, Freedom has been the most poorly managed player on the roster (Nick Gates was next). He is a next level talent and MR/Diaco wasted a pivotal period of his career. They blew him up beyond his frame to fit Diaco's scheme. Look at his muscle tone in his RSFR year compared to now. He lacked speed coming off the edge in the small opportunities he had. Pair that with a scheme that did not fit his skill set. Freedom getting back to the old Freedom would be a huge plus into the Defense this year. I want the best for him because by all accounts he is seen as a great character guy with a lot of talent.
John Rairdon
What we know- John's career so far has been a bit of a mystery. As a recruit, he flirted with 5 star status and drew rave reviews by everyone who watched him play. Once he arrived to Nebraska, many alluded to him being a really good player already. The knock on him was his strength and that time was going to benefit his growth. I wonder though, much like Michael Decker, he was shelved for no particular reason. It will be interesting to see what happens for him this spring. I am betting he makes noise and pushes for a spot.
Boe Wilson
What we know- He should start and is Nebraska's best O-lineman.
Colin Miller
What we know- He was a late addition in the 2016 class. He came in with little hype but really turned heads when he arrived. Many argued he was the best or one of the best defenders in that class. He has excellent size and it appears that if he can stay healthy, then he has a chance to make a splash. I look forward to seeing what a new strength program does for him. He could bring something new to the LB crops that we haven't seen in a few years.
Tony Butler
What we know- Tony, also apart of the 2016 class, is another player that received good reviews when he showed up. He has tremendous size and build at corner but kept switching positions throughout the last two years. Coming in, his hips were a bit of a concern and he too could benefit from the new strength program. Tony was talked about quite a bit. I feel like Nebraska has somebody here who could contribute a lot quicker than many believe.
Jalin Barnett
What we know- Jalin came in with very high expectations. It was noted that he did struggle in the all-star game. Still, he has the physical attributes to play at this level. He did come in overweight and it seemed to snowball from there. I felt like the previous staff shelved him too quickly (they did that a lot by the way). With a fresh start, and a trimmed frame, he could be someone on the rise.
Freedom Akinmoladun
What we know- In my opinion, Freedom has been the most poorly managed player on the roster (Nick Gates was next). He is a next level talent and MR/Diaco wasted a pivotal period of his career. They blew him up beyond his frame to fit Diaco's scheme. Look at his muscle tone in his RSFR year compared to now. He lacked speed coming off the edge in the small opportunities he had. Pair that with a scheme that did not fit his skill set. Freedom getting back to the old Freedom would be a huge plus into the Defense this year. I want the best for him because by all accounts he is seen as a great character guy with a lot of talent.
John Rairdon
What we know- John's career so far has been a bit of a mystery. As a recruit, he flirted with 5 star status and drew rave reviews by everyone who watched him play. Once he arrived to Nebraska, many alluded to him being a really good player already. The knock on him was his strength and that time was going to benefit his growth. I wonder though, much like Michael Decker, he was shelved for no particular reason. It will be interesting to see what happens for him this spring. I am betting he makes noise and pushes for a spot.
Boe Wilson
What we know- He should start and is Nebraska's best O-lineman.
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