When Dylan Utter returns to fall camp, he’ll be one of the few senior linemen still standing. More than ever, this was the spring of the underclassman for Nebraska football.
Seniors are rapidly disappearing in the trenches for the Big Red. This was not completely unforseseen – it was obvious that most of Nebraska’s talented linemen would be freshmen and sophomores this year – but the speed and extent of the transformation has been surprising. Apparently the fire is not burning in the bellies of the senior linemen like it is for the youngsters. The biggest news of spring drills Saturday came after the Red-White Game, when Mike Riley announced that Greg McMullen, Kevin Williams and Paul Thurston will not return to the Huskers this fall.
Utter, a senior walk-on from Papillion, earned a scholarship and started at guard last season. He spent most of the spring at center. Utter missed Saturday’s game with a minor leg injury, but the offensive line functioned quite well with redshirt freshman Michael Decker taking over at center. Coaches had talked about Decker’s long-term potential, but he may be closer to ready than anyone thought.
I like the way the offensive line is coming along. I’d feel fine if the Huskers line up against Fresno State Sept. 3 just as they did Saturday – with sophomore left tackle Nick Gates, sophomore left guard Gerald Foster, Decker, sophomore right guard Tanner Farmer and junior right tackle David Knevel. With redshirt freshmen Christian Gaylord and Jalin Barnett already on the two-deep, this bunch has a lot of potential. They’re more athletic than Nebraska o-lines have been for a long time.
If Utter returns and reclaims a starting spot, then more power to him. But I think the Huskers would be effective without him.
I cannot say the same about senior defensive tackle Kevin Maurice. He is necessary to the success of the Husker defensive front this fall. Outside of Maurice, Nebraska is left with only sophomores Peyton Newell and Mick Stoltenberg and freshmen Carlos and Khalil Davis at defensive tackle. I don’t think they’re quite as far along as the youngsters on the offensive line. Husker fans need Maurice to stay healthy and produce all season long. Outside of defensive end Ross Dzuris, who could start this fall, the only other Husker seniors on the defensive line are walk-ons Garret Johns and Logan Rath, who have seen virtually no playing time.
What happened to the Huskers’ experienced line depth? We have two different situations here. One is understandable, even honorable. It appears McMullen wants to focus on graduate school and pour himself into the lives of youth in th Lincoln area. If he’s done with football and has clear-cut life goals in mind, I respect that, and wish him well.
The other situation, with Thurston and Willilams, is not as clear-cut. They are seeking transfers to play for other teams. It’s a bit puzzling.
Williams, who has battled injuries at Nebraska and recently was awarded a medical redshirt for a sixth year of eligibility, apparently thinks he’ll have a better shot learning a new system and playing at Kentucky or Texas A&M. Thurston must have similar motives in mind. Maybe they both saw the writing on the wall in Lincoln.
Mike Riley commented on the situation after the spring game, and his words were telling. When asked about Thurston and Williams, Riley said, “I think they look at the depth chart, and they see their senior year, and they’re looking for opportunities.â€
Apparently they feel better about their chances to play elsewhere. That says a lot. I think Paul Thurston is right about this young, untested Husker offensive line. I hope Kevin Williams is just as right about the Davis twins.
Formerly the sports editor at the North Platte Bulletin and a sportswriter/columnist for the North Platte Telegraph, Tad Stryker started writing for this website in 2008. You can e-mail him at tad.stryker@gmail.com. Stryker is a freelance writer, favoring topics related to Nebraska history or Christianity. You can buy his recent book at this link.
Seniors are rapidly disappearing in the trenches for the Big Red. This was not completely unforseseen – it was obvious that most of Nebraska’s talented linemen would be freshmen and sophomores this year – but the speed and extent of the transformation has been surprising. Apparently the fire is not burning in the bellies of the senior linemen like it is for the youngsters. The biggest news of spring drills Saturday came after the Red-White Game, when Mike Riley announced that Greg McMullen, Kevin Williams and Paul Thurston will not return to the Huskers this fall.
Utter, a senior walk-on from Papillion, earned a scholarship and started at guard last season. He spent most of the spring at center. Utter missed Saturday’s game with a minor leg injury, but the offensive line functioned quite well with redshirt freshman Michael Decker taking over at center. Coaches had talked about Decker’s long-term potential, but he may be closer to ready than anyone thought.
I like the way the offensive line is coming along. I’d feel fine if the Huskers line up against Fresno State Sept. 3 just as they did Saturday – with sophomore left tackle Nick Gates, sophomore left guard Gerald Foster, Decker, sophomore right guard Tanner Farmer and junior right tackle David Knevel. With redshirt freshmen Christian Gaylord and Jalin Barnett already on the two-deep, this bunch has a lot of potential. They’re more athletic than Nebraska o-lines have been for a long time.
If Utter returns and reclaims a starting spot, then more power to him. But I think the Huskers would be effective without him.
I cannot say the same about senior defensive tackle Kevin Maurice. He is necessary to the success of the Husker defensive front this fall. Outside of Maurice, Nebraska is left with only sophomores Peyton Newell and Mick Stoltenberg and freshmen Carlos and Khalil Davis at defensive tackle. I don’t think they’re quite as far along as the youngsters on the offensive line. Husker fans need Maurice to stay healthy and produce all season long. Outside of defensive end Ross Dzuris, who could start this fall, the only other Husker seniors on the defensive line are walk-ons Garret Johns and Logan Rath, who have seen virtually no playing time.
What happened to the Huskers’ experienced line depth? We have two different situations here. One is understandable, even honorable. It appears McMullen wants to focus on graduate school and pour himself into the lives of youth in th Lincoln area. If he’s done with football and has clear-cut life goals in mind, I respect that, and wish him well.
The other situation, with Thurston and Willilams, is not as clear-cut. They are seeking transfers to play for other teams. It’s a bit puzzling.
Williams, who has battled injuries at Nebraska and recently was awarded a medical redshirt for a sixth year of eligibility, apparently thinks he’ll have a better shot learning a new system and playing at Kentucky or Texas A&M. Thurston must have similar motives in mind. Maybe they both saw the writing on the wall in Lincoln.
Mike Riley commented on the situation after the spring game, and his words were telling. When asked about Thurston and Williams, Riley said, “I think they look at the depth chart, and they see their senior year, and they’re looking for opportunities.â€
Apparently they feel better about their chances to play elsewhere. That says a lot. I think Paul Thurston is right about this young, untested Husker offensive line. I hope Kevin Williams is just as right about the Davis twins.
Formerly the sports editor at the North Platte Bulletin and a sportswriter/columnist for the North Platte Telegraph, Tad Stryker started writing for this website in 2008. You can e-mail him at tad.stryker@gmail.com. Stryker is a freelance writer, favoring topics related to Nebraska history or Christianity. You can buy his recent book at this link.
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