Mavric Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 In theory, Nebraska could start four seniors — Kevin Maurice, Kevin Williams, Greg McMullen and Ross Dzuris — across the front four. But that doesn’t seem likely if McMullen, now at 300 pounds, slides inside to tackle. New defensive line coach John Parrella will have four redshirt freshmen — Alex Davis, Carlos Davis, Khalil Davis and DaiShon Neal — and four sophomores — Freedom Akinmoladun, Mick Stoltenberg, Sedrick King and Peyton Newell — to coach up. Watch, too, for senior walk-on Logan Rath to make a move for playing time. He probably should have played more in 2015. OWH Quote Link to comment
Mavric Posted February 28, 2016 Author Share Posted February 28, 2016 FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Freedom Akinmoladun: The former tight end had quite the start to his redshirt freshman year. Akinmoladun’s athleticism stood out in practice. His work ethic off the field indicated that he was committed to learning all he could about his new position. But the Huskers probably didn’t expect him to get 4½ sacks in the first five games. Then a knee injury slowed his pace. Akinmoladun never seemed as explosive after surgery, but he’s had time to recover. Now he can dive deeper into the intricacies of the defensive end position. He has plenty of potential. He’ll be in better position to fulfill it this spring. OWH Quote Link to comment
Hayseed Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 It doesn't matter who is on the d line if we don't use creative blitzes from all positions and keep their QB from standing back there for an hour picking us apart. King Friday should be aware of that by now. 1 Quote Link to comment
chamrocck Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 I expect Freedom to play a lot at DE. Quote Link to comment
theknife Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 Alex Davis is reportedly up to 250ish. If that's good weight and he has the speed he showed in high school, he could be another pass rusher we so desperately need. Quote Link to comment
TonyStalloni Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 It doesn't matter who is on the d line if we don't use creative blitzes from all positions and keep their QB from standing back there for an hour picking us apart. King Friday should be aware of that by now. Now that the DB's seem to have learned the new system better lets hope this can happen. Quote Link to comment
girlknowsfootball Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 I think we will see faster development and greater improvement with Parrella. We may see Alex, Daishon, Freedom, Ross, and some McMullen at End this year. Quote Link to comment
BigRedBuster Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 If McMullen is at 300 lbs, I can't imagine him playing much DE. Quote Link to comment
Mavric Posted March 1, 2016 Author Share Posted March 1, 2016 Leader in the room: McMullen. Listen to Mike Riley. He describes McMullen as someone “getting better all the time — good worker, great leader on this team. I love that guy.” The 6-foot-3, 285-pound McMullen, playing both end and tackle, finished with 28 tackles last season, with four sacks. He's working at tackle this spring. “Greg's a man,” Riley said. “He's a guy you can talk to. Get a pulse on the team. He’ll tell you the truth. He gets it. He gets the big picture.” LJS Quote Link to comment
Decked Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 Freedom and Davis really need to start if we want to have any sort of pass rush. 2 Quote Link to comment
Blackshirt316 Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 Freedom and Davis really need to start if we want to have any sort of pass rush. I fully expect a couple of the young linebackers to be playable fairly early so it won't shock me at all if we see a bit of Bando on the edge in 3rd and long situations. Quote Link to comment
Redux Posted March 2, 2016 Share Posted March 2, 2016 I am excited most about this area I think. The potential is huge, we could be a truly physical and feared defense starting this year. Quote Link to comment
The Dude Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Having McMullen play inside makes me feel tons better about the DT position. Him, Maurice, and Williams is a decent group. Especially if it can be augmented with one or both of the twins. Even more worried about DE though. Davis is a complete unknown. Hopefully Freedom can take the next step in his development. Quote Link to comment
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