With the season-opener against Cincinnati in Kansas City six days away, the first depth chart was released Friday morning. — After seeming like he was QB3 behind senior Jalyn Gramstad in spring ball, a strong fall camp for true freshman TJ Lateef leads to him claiming the top backup spot behind starter Dylan Raiola. Lateef, a 6-1, 200-pounder out of Califonia, has ramped things up in fall camp.
Welcome to game week, Nebraska fans.
With the season-opener against Cincinnati in Kansas City six days away, the first depth chart was released Friday morning. Here’s a look at it:
Thoughts and observations
— After seeming like he was QB3 behind senior Jalyn Gramstad in spring ball, a strong fall camp for true freshman TJ Lateef leads to him claiming the top backup spot behind starter Dylan Raiola. Lateef, a 6-1, 200-pounder out of Califonia, has ramped things up in fall camp.
“He’s very talented,” Holgorsen said. “He’s got a thick lower body, his mobile ability to keep plays alive is really good. He can tuck it and go and be a running back-type threat.”
— The offensive tackle positions are still unsettled. At left tackle, there’s a three-way OR between Gunnar Gottula, Turner Corcroan and Alabama transfer Elijah Pritchett. At right tackle, Teddy Prochazka and Tyler Knaak are still battling with no clear winner.
— With redshirt freshman right guard Gibson Pyle going down with an injury in last weekend’s scrimmage, Grant Brix gets the backup right guard spot behind starter Rocco Spindler, a Notre Dame transfer.
— It won’t come as a shock considering the amount of hype surrounding him, but redshirt freshman running back Mekhi Nelson is the No. 2 running back behind starter Emmett Johnson. Keep in mind the staff loves the potential of receiver-turned-running back Isaiah Mozee. All three backs are expected to play.
— At defensive end, it’s good to see former 5-star and Missouri transfer Williams Nwaneri has impressed enough to get the OR with Cam Lenhardt. Also, keep an eye on true freshman Kade Pietrzak, who will get rotational snaps.
— Nebraska’s native of Germany, the the 6-7, 285-pound David Hoffken, appears behind Elijah Jeudy and Riley Van Poppel at nose guard.
— At Jack linebacker, Oklahoma transfer Dasan McCullough is at the top of the depth chart. One suprise — redshirt freshman Jordan Ochoa jumping returner Willis McGahee IV.
“Do not sleep on Jordan Ochoa,” Matt Rhule said this month.
— DeShon Singleton getting the start at rover isn’t surprising. But one name that hasn’t been talked about a lot, but appears as Singleton’s backup, is Rex Guthrie. The 6-1, 200-pound redshirt freshman from Colorado is fully recovered from a serious leg injury from his senior year at high school. He’s a strong tackler who excelled as a box safety at the prep level.
— Over at kicker, Cal transfer Kyle Cunanan is right in the mix with John Hohl. Tristan Alvano is the No. 3 kicker at this point.
— At kick returner, there’s a three-way battle between Mozee, Nelson and Kenneth Williams.
Category: General Sports
