Prove it Players/Offense

ADS · August 4, 2010

The Nebraska offense has experience and talent. But production, at a number of positions, left a lot to be desired in 2009. Here’s seven Husker offensive players who have plenty to prove in 2010. You’ll notice a heavy emphasis on two positions.

Center Mike Caputo: While the former walk-on capably filled in for Jacob Hickman at times in 2009, injuries prevented the Millard North grad from maximizing his potential. This year, he’ll have to fend off challengers for his job and use his strength to overcome being slightly undersized. He could be snapping to more than one quarterback, too.

Wide receiver Khiry Cooper: This kid has all the tools to be a terrific slot receiver. Speed, quickness, hands. Now he needs to work on running better routes and playing “football smart;” not easy when he spends all spring playing baseball. Still - Cooper has raw potential off the charts.

Wide receiver Curenski Gilleylen: He still might be too big and muscled to move with the quickness he needs in the slot, but Gilleylen needs to be a better deep threat, run without getting tripped in traffic and go after balls.

Quarterback Cody Green: Big, study, smart and a good leader. Now - Green has to make the quarterback position look more natural by sitting in the pocket, processing reads and trusting the play to open up. As a runner, Green has to realize he can no longer outrun so many defenders to the corner. Get north/south.

Offensive tackle D.J. Jones: He lost the weight and tightened the screws on his assignments. Now a senior, D.J. Jones will battle Marcel Jones for the starting right tackle job, and perhaps win it. But he must follow through on a strong spring camp.

Wide receiver Brandon Kinnie: The junior practices hard, says the right thing, and wears a trademark smile almost all of the time. He’s easy to like. Now he needs to become a legitimate No. 2 receiver aside Niles Paul, not some guy who catches the ball once a game. Kinnie has the tools and the hype. Now - he just has to do it.

Quarterback Zac Lee: While head coach Bo Pelini wants to transition to a more balanced offense, Lee is still the best throwing quarterback on the team - and, if healthy and confident, the best option for Nebraska in 2010. He needs to be make better and quicker decisions with the ball, and run the zone read effectively, if not perfectly.