Assessing Nebraska’s defense’s performance in fall camp | 8/13/24
Much has been made of Nebraska‘s offense ahead of the 2024 season, while the Huskers’ better-established defense has largely flown under the radar.
Lincoln’s defensive unit was ranked No. 11 nationally in 2023 in Matt Rhule’s first season as Nebraska head coach. The return of several players to that group in the fall could lay the foundation for the Huskers to shine on both sides of the ball.
HuskersOnline’s Sean Callahan recently sat down with Andy Staples to preview the defense ahead of the season opener and discuss how each position group will perform given Nebraska’s personnel.
“I think it’s a pretty good unit,” Callahan told Staples. “The only question was the linebackers. They lost two veterans and Nick Henrich and and Lukas Reimerand I believe that with what they have, they actually have a chance to be just as good or even better.”
One of the unit’s biggest strengths, according to Callahan, is the defensive line. Not only do they have all of their veterans back on defense, but they also have young players patiently waiting for their turn in the coming seasons.
“Nash Hatters, Ty Robinson, Jimari Butleryou know, all of the players are in their fifth or sixth year in this program,” Callahan said. “And then on defense, in the 3-3-5 in that secondary, they have a really good group of seven or eight defensive backs that can play those five positions.”
This secondary level is led by security Isaac Giffordand Cornerback Tommy Hill. Malcolm Hartzog Jr., Blye Hill And Brand Buford could also have an impact in 2024.
Nebraska had some holes to fill at the linebacker position, but the return of sixth-year senior John Bullock helps in terms of experience. Javin Wright, Mikai Gbayor and transmission Stefan Thompson will also play a role in the middle of the Huskers defense this season.
“I think it’s a unit – and it just depends on how some of these games go – but statistically they can easily be one of the top 15 national defenses,” Callahan said. “Especially with Tony White back, and I think John Butler comes from the Buffalo Bills. As tough as the timing was, Evan CooperHe was a great addition after being the secondary coach for the NFL’s top-ranked defense a year ago.”
While things are looking promising for Nebraska’s defense in 2024, the Huskers still finished last year with a 5-7 record and left a lot to be desired on offense.
With many questions about Nebraska’s offensive unit still unanswered, including who the starting quarterback will be, the Huskers’ fate likely rests in the hands of their defense when they begin their regular season against UTEP on August 31.
