LJS: State of the Huskers - Defensive Line

[Mavric]

Experienced returners: Greg McMullen, sr.; Vincent Valentine (maybe), sr.; Kevin Maurice, sr.; Kevin Williams, sr.; Ross Dzuris, sr.; Freedom Akinmoladun, so.

Significant losses: Maliek Collins, Jack Gangwish.

Youth watch: The three Davis boys now fully enter the fray — twins Carlos and Khalil, and Alex Davis (not related, but equally high in potential). All should see a wide-open door to contribute in 2016, with a lot of defensive tackle snaps now there to be grabbed after the departure of Collins, and perhaps even more pending the possible NFL decision by Valentine. Unfortunately, one of the young D-linemen, Mick Stoltenberg, will have to spend the spring recovering from a knee injury. But for a D-end such as Alex Davis, who grew "leaps and bounds" according to a midseason evaluation by defensive coordinator Mark Banker, the time is now to start making a move. The search for dynamic pass-rushing presences at end began yesterday.

The conversation until spring ball is ... full of opinions about whatever decision Valentine makes. Then quickly moves to how the Huskers go about life without Collins, who caused far more disruption than his stats give him credit. A hot name will be that of senior D-tackle Maurice, who had played only in bits and pieces until this year, but impressed when given opportunity in 2015. Expect a lot of talk about D-end recruiting, too. Nebraska has one such commitment in the current class, coming from Ben Stille of Ashland-Greenwood. Playmakers needed.

LJS

 

[BigRedBuster]

I believe VV will be back. I can't imagine him getting advice that he is going to go very high right now in the draft. At least high enough to warrant coming out early.

So, it's going to be very interesting to see how he can do without Collins beside him. However, even though collins is going to be a loss, the D line as a whole might be more talented on average than it was last year.

One kid I had totally forgotten about was Alex Davis. At first I thought maybe he was just being mentioned above because his name is also Davis. However, it would be awesome if Banker's comments are in fact true and he has developed well.

Wouldn't it be awesome to have a good D line with three Davis's and a Valentine right in the middle. (as long as they have all developed the way we hope).

 

[RedDenver]

I believe VV will be back. I can't imagine him getting advice that he is going to go very high right now in the draft. At least high enough to warrant coming out early.

So, it's going to be very interesting to see how he can do without Collins beside him. However, even though collins is going to be a loss, the D line as a whole might be more talented on average than it was last year.

One kid I had totally forgotten about was Alex Davis. At first I thought maybe he was just being mentioned above because his name is also Davis. However, it would be awesome if Banker's comments are in fact true and he has developed well.

Wouldn't it be awesome to have a good D line with three Davis's and a Valentine right in the middle. (as long as they have all developed the way we hope).

Keep in mind VV has his degree already and that saving a year of punishment on his body might be worth more than a higher draft status due to the change in rookie salaries a few years ago. I think he'd be better served coming back for his senior year, but it's a tough call and can't fault him for either choice.

 

[olddominionhusker]

I believe VV will be back. I can't imagine him getting advice that he is going to go very high right now in the draft. At least high enough to warrant coming out early.

So, it's going to be very interesting to see how he can do without Collins beside him. However, even though collins is going to be a loss, the D line as a whole might be more talented on average than it was last year.

One kid I had totally forgotten about was Alex Davis. At first I thought maybe he was just being mentioned above because his name is also Davis. However, it would be awesome if Banker's comments are in fact true and he has developed well.

Wouldn't it be awesome to have a good D line with three Davis's and a Valentine right in the middle. (as long as they have all developed the way we hope).

Rookie salaries have leveled out a lot more across the board then 5 years ago. VV will declare which I think is probably the best move for him in his situation if the rumors are true and he can't get along with the coaches

 

[BigRedBuster]

I hope for his sake he has great success if he leaves early.

Just don't think it's the wisest decision. Especially if it's just because the coach isn't his best friend.