Spring practice will start for the Nebraska Cornhuskers on the 24th of this month. This means more scrutiny for head coach Matt Rhule to prove he made the right move by hiring offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas. But it’s also a big season for Huskers wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire. His new talent has to pay off in 2024, especially in the new Big Ten. But who could make their mark this season in spring practice?
Jahmal Banks
With offers from Notre Dame, Purdue, and Michigan, Banks was one of the most coveted wide receivers in the transfer portal. But he’s made an immediate impact at Nebraska. According to Husker 247, he’s dominating the program in his commitment to “winning points in competitions and winning over the team.” Furthermore, at Wake Forest, he was a leader as well. In 2023, he caught 59 passes for 653 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Because of this production, it’s almost guaranteed that the target will contribute immediately. It remains to be seen if Dylan Raiola gets the kingdom’s keys. Or will Nebraska native Daniel Kaelin develop more chemistry with the target? Anything is possible when it comes to the new offense, especially since the coaching staff hasn’t unveiled it yet.
Isaiah Neyor
After a lackluster season with the Texas Longhorns, Neyor became available in the transfer portal. Under freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers, the veteran target only caught one pass for 14 yards. However, in his time with the Wyoming Cowboys, he was a dynamic playmaker. As a sophomore in 2022, he caught 44 passes for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns. Now that he is at NU, could he have a return to form? It’s possible that he can recreate his production with Raiola. But will he be healthy enough to contribute right away? He suffered an injury last December and there’s a chance that it might linger into spring practice. Because of this, there’s a chance that the coaches may not activate him right away. But if he is healed, his experience in the position makes him an early candidate for a starting spot.
The transfer receiver,@IsaiahNeyor is N!#GBR x #24Ours pic.twitter.com/7drdbQ3yhG
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) January 12, 2024
Jaylen Lloyd
As a true freshman for the Cornhuskers, Lloyd’s six receptions went for 237 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. And the Omaha native joined Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr as one of the only players with three catches of 50 yards. This type of production will prepare him for another great season in 2024. But will he be sidelined by the veteran playmakers that are currently on the roster? It’s possible that this will occur, but Lloyd made waves in his freshman campaign. Because of this, the coaching staff could see fit to include the sophomore in Nebraska’s spring practice.
Read more about Lloyd’s exploits as a Husker in the last game of 2023 in The Top Storylines From Nebraska vs Iowa
Keelan Smith
As the son of former Husker Neil Smith, Keelan has all the tools to become a great wide receiver this season. According to the Nebraska Cornhuskers team website, the 205-pounder caught 74 passes for 1,268 yards and 17 touchdowns. All-district and all-conference nominations soon followed, but his most noteworthy accomplishment? He was selected by Missouri coaches as the Offensive Player Of The Year. His biggest challenge is continuing this production on campus. If he does, he has a great chance to lock up the starting spot for the Cornhuskers in spring practice.
Dae’Vonn Hall
In 2023, the d0-it-all receiver for Bellevue West had limited production under Daniel Kaelin. Before his injury, MaxPreps says the 6-2 product caught 23 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. But that isn’t all. He’s also set to bring fellow Thunderbird Isaiah McMorris with him. As his teammate, he caught 44 passes for 876 yards and eight touchdowns. For McGuire, this brings an extra dose of production to the Huskers wide receiver room. But can the duo separate themselves from the other early enrollees? Jacory Barney Jr and Quinn Clark are already on campus ready to compete.
