Doesn't mean it equates to pipeline status or even close to, but IF healthy, the OL returns 4 starters. Mix in next year; redshirt freshman, the two sophomores, plus Cole Conrad, there will be more depth and more competition. OL should be more of a strength than we've seen in I don't know how many years.
RBs- from what it appears, seems there are more issues between the ears than talent. I thought Newby was a bust up until this year - didn't know he was dinged up as badly as he was last season - he ran hard and will be missed, but will easily be replaced.
QBs - the biggest question mark, but with 3 kids to compete for the starting role and with the direction DL wants to take the offense, its addition by subtraction. Hold onto your butts, it's going to be a new look. Maybe DCs are going to be scrapping much of previous Nebraska game film
WRs - going to be a step back on overall talent, depth, and leadership(?) I know we have Stanley, DPE, but after that it's just high school hype. Hoping Reimers can be a guy to step into that big body role, until the the noobs are ready to roll. Joseph Lewis, come on dowwwn!
TEs - going to need those young bucks to step up. The TEs are a good chunk of the offense that Riley/Langs liked to utilize at OSU, losing Cethan is a blow.
DL - It sure would be nice to have a DE standout again. Freedom benefitted in 2015 from offenses keying on MC and VV, I think with the development of the Twins and Stoltenberg, our DEs could see more success next year. Carlos is a wrecking ball already.
LBs - I have confidence in Bray, but I don't know who to point to that will anchor this unit. Next year will really show how well of a LBs coach he is. It's going to be baptism by fire outside of Young, Newby, and Weber. Those three have shown flashes, but nothing really that makes me feel confident
DBs - A ton of flashes of success, followed by games like yesterday where they aren't lined up correctly and taking real bad angles. Aaron Williams has so much potential, but he stuck out not in a good way to finish the season. Really hope none of these kids leave early, we need their depth and development.
I'm optimistic because that just tends to be my nature. I generally think the staff has done a well enough job given some circumstances, but if there isn't improvement defensively, Banker may need to go join Read who will have had a year headstart of retirement.