Defensive Line

[Mavric]

At end, redshirt freshman A.J. Natter missed almost all of spring camp, and junior college transfer Joe Keels has, well, room to improve. So step on up, Sedrick King and DeAndre Wills. King and Wills were late recruits in the 2014 class. You have to think at least one of them — maybe both — play as true freshmen. And, according to Husker Online, Mick Stoltenberg will start his career at defensive end as well. And then there's hybrid tackle-end Peyton Newell.

OWH

[Mavric]

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins: A big body with some shake to it. Nebraska will have some fun moving him around the defensive line.

[Mavric]

FIVE AREAS OF CONCERN

 

What about defensive end depth? Everyone knows about Randy Gregory, and Greg McMullen adds a formidable 280-pound presence on the other side. But it’s fair to still wonder who can come in behind those guys and make plays. Yes, the Huskers have some creative options, such as occasionally swinging Maliek Collins or Kevin Maurice outside, or letting Marcus Newby pin his ears back. But it was basically a lost spring for A.J. Natter because of injury, and junior-college newcomer Joe Keels will enter fall camp still a work in progress. At times, walk-on Jack Gangwish of Wood River looked as strong as any of the backup ends. There’s help on the way. Can incoming recruits such as Sedrick King, DeAndre Wills, Peyton Newell or Mick Stoltenberg help right away? Perhaps. But, remember, defensive line is a tough position group to step into your first year of college. Even Ndamukong Suh redshirted his first year.

LJS

[Mavric]

Newell is going to start out at DE for a year to add depth. Plan is still to move him inside down the road.

[Abdullah the Butcher]

 

 

>> Finally, Keels has quite a story. He talked to reporters for 15 minutes Tuesday night, and to say his transition to Nebraska was tough would be an understatement. His father, Everett Keels, died during spring camp, halting much of his progress. Joe Keels said it was the constant encouragement of NU's defensive line — specifically Randy Gregory, Maliek Collins, Greg McMullen and, yes, Avery Moss — and position coach Rick Kaczenski that pulled him through. Nevertheless, Keels conceded Tuesday he's still improving and understanding the value of a good practice week.

 

http://www.omaha.com/huskers/blogs/practice-report-sept-bracing-for-miami-s-speed-and-skill/article_d93c29de-3dfa-11e4-bc9c-0017a43b2370.html

[Mavric]

Heard several reports about him having a hard time adjusting because of some off the field stuff. First time I saw it was his dad.

 

And, just as I was reading this:

 

Joe Keels ‏@jkeels_19 23m

Find out I lost a woman that was like another mom to me. Just gone use it as more motivation. #RestWell

Not a good year for him. Glad he seems to have guys who are helping him out. Hope the best for him.