Spring Game Standouts: Nebraska’s Offense

Saturday, Matt Rhule and the rest of the Cornhuskers coaching staff had their second Spring game at Nebraska. On the other hand,  new offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas got to experience his first one. Which new players established themselves in his new offense, and who were the veterans who continued their dominance in Memorial Stadium? Let’s break it down.

Dylan Raiola

As soon as he stepped onto Memorial Stadium, the former five-star prospect took command of the Red team’s offense early in Nebraska’s spring game. This was mostly shown through swing passes, as he was able to connect with tight end Thomas Fidone on a 7-yard pass, and spring sophomore wideout Jaylen Lloyd loose for seven yards. A 16-yard score followed as he was able to hit a diving Janiran Bonner on a corner route. On the other hand, his time with the White team was equally as impressive. He started the second drive with a tight throw in coverage to wide receiver Alex Bullock. This momentum was able to continue on a short pass to Isaiah Neyor. But the real hero would be Lloyd once again, as he was able to break free for Raiola’s second touchdown pass of the day. His first-quarter interception off of the hands of freshman wide receiver Demetrius Bell was the only lowlight. But otherwise, it was a great first outing for the talented freshman quarterback.  Now it’s just time for Raiola to finish school and  “get work in” with quarterbacks coach Bobby Stroupe and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.

Read more about the effect that Raiola’s effect has on the program in The Impact of Dylan Raiola’s Commitment to Nebraska

Jacory Barney Jr

The early enrollee from Florida impressed in his first time playing in Nebraska’s spring game. In the second quarter, the freshman showed off his speed and route-running skills when he tracked down a 41-yard touchdown pass from veteran quarterback Heinrich Haarberg.  He also had a great day as a member of the special teams unit. Early in the second half, Barney showed off his speed by cutting upfield past multiple NU defenders on his way to the Red Team’s endzone.  Based off of these plays today, he has the chance to become a major threat inside either of these areas. But should he perfect his role as a kick returner under special teams coordinator Ed Foley or stay with the wide receivers and coach Garrett McGuire?  Barney and the staff have a decision to make. But they don’t have to choose his final spot just yet. The program has four months until they have to play against UTEP.

Heinrich Haarberg ➡️ Jacory Barney Jr 🔥#B1GFootball x @HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/M81tkpg7CX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) April 27, 2024

Dante Dowdell

On the first play of the game, Haarberg and the former Oregon transfer were able to connect on a short swing pass. This would be a glimpse of what was to come, as the Pennsylvania native would plunge into the endzone on a one-yard scamper in the second quarter. And in the second half, the former four-star showed off his speed by turning upfield for a 49-yard touchdown. Does this performance cement his status as Nebraska’s starting running back? Or does Emmett Johnson’s body of work as a freshman give running backs coach EJ Barthel the right answer?

Read more about Nebraska’s transfer portal addition in What Would Dante Dowdell Bring To The Nebraska Cornhuskers?

Janiran Bonner

Throughout his career as a Cornhusker, Bonner has been utilized as a fullback and a tight end.  But in Nebraska’s spring game on Saturday, the coaching staff must have saw enough to try him as a wide receiver. And he ended up making the position his own on Saturday. He had four catches for 58 yards and gave the Red team a boost heading into the first quarter. Is this cause enough for him to make a permanent switch to the position?

Alex Bullock

The freshman from Omaha made himself an immediate factor when he caught a touchdown from ex-Husker QB Jeff Sims on a trick play. At the end of the season, he ranked third on the roster in receptions. All in all, it was a pretty stellar season for the former walk-on. However, he proved it wasn’t a fluke in the spring game. A good indicator of this was when he got open and hauled in several catches in the middle of the field along with a two-point conversion. Can he take the next step by creating explosive plays in the summer? If so, he could quickly play rival to Jahmal Banks.