{"id":59305,"date":"2024-04-28T16:30:44","date_gmt":"2024-04-28T20:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=59305"},"modified":"2024-04-28T07:29:56","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T11:29:56","slug":"spring-game-standouts-nebraskas-offense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2024\/04\/28\/spring-game-standouts-nebraskas-offense\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Game Standouts: Nebraska’s Offense"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saturday, Matt Rhule<\/strong> and the rest of the Cornhuskers coaching staff had their second Spring game at Nebraska. On the other hand,\u00a0 new offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Dylan Raiola<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> on a 7-yard pass, and spring sophomore wideout Jaylen Lloyd<\/a> loose for seven yards. A 16-yard score followed as he was able to hit a diving Janiran Bonner<\/strong> 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<\/a>. This momentum was able to continue on a short pass to Isaiah Neyor<\/a>. 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<\/strong> was the only lowlight. But otherwise, it was a great first outing for the talented freshman quarterback.\u00a0 Now it’s just time for Raiola to finish school and\u00a0 “get work in” with quarterbacks coach Bobby Stroupe and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Read more about the effect that Raiola’s effect has on the program in The Impact of Dylan Raiola’s Commitment to Nebraska<\/a><\/p>\n

Jacory Barney Jr<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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<\/strong> or stay with the wide receivers and coach Garrett McGuire<\/strong>?\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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Heinrich Haarberg \u27a1\ufe0f Jacory Barney Jr \ud83d\udd25#B1GFootball<\/a> x @HuskerFootball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/M81tkpg7CX<\/a><\/p>\n

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) April 27, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n