On Thursday, Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule and other players roster addressed the local media on Nebraska’s Spring practice. Here’s what both factions think about the team’s positions so far.
Dylan Raiola’s Fast Start
Throughout the offseason, it seemed that NU’s answer at quarterback was always Dylan Raiola. And why wouldn’t he be the perfect candidate? He was the first five-star that the Huskers have signed since 2008. And he already has impressive pedigree as a freshman. His father Dominic received All-American honors at the school in 2000. For Nebraska’s fanbase, the chosen one checks important boxes. And so far, he’s living up to the standards in spring practice. Rhule indicated that Raiola has prepared well for camp, and has enough knowledge of the offense to execute the plays . But there’s only one problem. It’s too early in spring ball to show everything. Right now, all three quarterbacks have been hitting their stride. Junior Heinrich Haarberg received the first snap of spring camp. But expect the star to show off his throwing arsenal when the coaches install more plays. And if he digests this information, it’s only a matter of time before he can cement his case for the starting job. The only challenge? He’ll have to mesh with his new offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas.
Dylan Raiola throwing passes during #Huskers spring practice.
Enjoy!!! pic.twitter.com/Vh7n4pcRiL
— Kevin Sjuts (@kevinsjuts) March 28, 2024
John Bullock
In his sixth season with the Cornhuskers, John Bullock established himself as a veteran in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense. With 50 tackles and 1.5 sacks, he could have tried to make it in the NFL. But there was a simple reason that he decided to come back to Lincoln. He believes in “everything that the team, players, and staff do.” On the other hand, he also sees an opportunity in front of him. He has to help the young players on the roster succeed. With Nick Henrich’s medical injury and Luke Reimer’s exit, he’s one of the last key cogs in Rob Dvoracek’s linebacker room. But that doesn’t mean that the other players can help him out too. Last year, Mikai Gbayor and Javin Wright combined for 75 tackles and two interceptions. The future is bright for them this season, but Bullock says that not all of the athletes are “very experienced at that position so we can we work well together.” Does this mean that most of the group could make a return this season? It’s certainly possible that they can make a name for themselves in Nebraska’s spring practice. After all, the duo had a strong performance in 2023.
Read more about how Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich’s departures impact Nebraska : A Wild Week For The Nebraska Football Program
Micah Mazzccua
In his previous two stops with the Baylor Bears and Florida Gators, Mazzccua started a total of 31 games at right guard. And he should continue his dominance as a member of Donovan Raiola’s offensive line room. He weighs in at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, and has an attacking mindset on the football field. But he’s far from a finished product. According to Rhule, he has “six months to help him fix his question marks” before he prepares himself for the NFL Draft. It’s not a lot of time, but the Philadelphia native has plenty of opportunties to impress in Nebraska’s spring practice.
Jaylen Lloyd
As a freshman in Marcus Satterfield’s offense last season, the Lloyd was a dynamic playmaker. He caught six passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns. And in his sophomore year, he looks to have similar numbers for the Cornhuskers. According to Rhule, he is continuing to “develop really well in year two.” But there are still two challenges that he still has to overcome. Can he learn the new plays that Thomas wants him to run? And will transfer Jahmal Banks keep him from the starting spot? He was put in a leadership role at Wake Forest, but he is now getting acclimated to the practice regimen at Nebraska. But this won’t stop him from taking matters into his own hands.
