Experienced returners: Michael Rose-Ivey, sr.; Josh Banderas, sr.; Dedrick Young, so.; Chris Weber, jr.; Marcus Newby, jr.
Significant losses: None.
Youth watch: Tyrin Ferguson quietly went about his business on special teams as a true freshman, but will be eager to start putting his stamp on things in this defense in 2016. Working at the middle backer spot, the challenge will be breaking in with Banderas and the walk-on Weber still in the picture. Mohamed Barry is the other intriguing young backer. He arrived undersized, but according to coach Trent Bray, is now near his target weight of 225-230 pounds. While you can never have enough depth, the linebacker situation is not near as dire as it seemed to be last fall camp.
The conversation until spring ball is ... about how, and where exactly, you begin to plug in some of those young options in relation with veterans such as Rose-Ivey and Banderas. Also, people will wonder about the groin injuries that plagued this team. Bad luck or something that might connect to the training regimen? Rose-Ivey and Banderas were among those who suffered injuries in 2015, keeping them from ever getting in a full rhythm working together. Banderas started nine games, Rose-Ivey just three. The Huskers need those guys available for the full grind next fall.
