PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Steven M. Sipple, Parker Gabriel and Chris Basnett convene on Friday morning to discuss Nebraska's Red-White Spring Game and what questions (a lot) remain heading into the next phase of the offseason. Some talk, too, of the Huskers' big recruiting weekend and then a dive into baseball, where NU is struggling to gain any consistent momentum.
Spring ball is in the rearview mirror and Nebraska football now moves into the next phase of the offseason.
There is plenty of movement on the horizon in the transfer portal around the country, so every team is constantly in at least some state of flux. However, it’s a good time to look at the Husker roster and recap spring developments and forecast the coming weeks and months.
Let’s start on defense.
Defensive line/outside linebackers
What we learned this spring: The two groups are playing, maybe not quite interchangeably, but now together under position coach Mike Dawson, and it’s an intriguing bunch, if not a particularly deep one. Nebraska is seemingly in decent shape on the edge with Garrett Nelson as an emerging leader and playmaker along with veteran Caleb Tannor — he also fits both of those descriptions — and a next wave that is highlighted by Jimari Butler and Blaise Gunnerson. They will often end up playing like 4-3 defensive ends depending on how much defensive coordinator Erik Chinander and company play in an even front.
Ty Robinson and Casey Rogers will anchor the middle, though Rogers missed all of the spring rehabbing a knee injury. The next set on the interior looks to be Nash Hutmacher and Mosai Newsom.
Questions remaining: The biggest question, really, is just how ready are Hutmacher, Newsom and the rest of a young, untested interior group for life in the Big Ten trenches. The Huskers are in the market for transfer portal help, highlighted by TCU transfer Ochaun Mathis. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Mathis would be a welcome addition — NU will have to beat out in-state Texas for his services — but he’s not a true interior defensive lineman.ÌýThere aren’t many tougher tests in college football than holding up week in and week out on the line of scrimmage in the Big Ten. After losing four players off the 2021 defensive line, the Huskers have a ways to go to meet that standard this fall.
Quotable: Nelson, after the spring game, said he expects the young guys to continue making strides.Ìý
"Those guys have made my job as a leader a lot easier, being present, taking it serious, stepping up into the position as true young guys. They've done a great job. Obviously, there's a lot of progress to be made. They continue to make that progress. They're doing a great job. But filling those big shoes as a young guy can be intimidating, but they've handled it really well. They're taking a lot of reps and they need a lot of reps."Ìý
Best-case scenario: NU will take as much development as it can get, but a best-case outcome would include Hutmacher turning into a consistent, sturdy 25 to 30 snap-per-game player and NU fortifying the roster with Mathis plus an interior player.Ìý
Photos: All of the sights from Nebraska football's 2022 Red-White Spring Game
Nebraska's Jarrett Synek (16) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson looks to make a throw during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska QB Chubba Purdy makes a throwÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9. Monday, offensive coordinator Mark Whipple said Purdy has made "a tremendous jump" since an injury-riddled spring camp.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (left) strips the ball away from Evan MeyersickÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska football head coach Scott Frost looks onÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (left) strips the ball away from Evan MeyersickÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Karter Bowman, 10, of Omaha, stands outside Memorial Stadium before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Fans return to the campus of University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini punts the ball during the 2022 Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Jaquez Yant (left) is tackled by Marques BufordÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg runs across midfieldÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Matthew Schuster scoresÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's DeShon Singleton tackles Matthew SchusterÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Kamonte Grimes catches a touchdown passÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Matthew Schuster celebratesÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Kamonte Grimes catches a touchdown passÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jarrett Synek (right) hands off the ball to Trevin LubenÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Matthew Schuster runs away after faking a handoff as quarterback Matt Masker fumblesÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg talks with head coach Scott FrostÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Kamonte Grimes (center) celebrates his touchdown with teammates John Goodwin (left) and Ty Hahn (right)Ìýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ballÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Chubba Purdy (6) throws a passÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Isiah Harris (right) sprints with the ball past Jimari ButlerÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Ru’Quan Buckley (middle) breaks through Kevin Williams Jr. (left) (72) and Ian BoerkircherÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates Jarrett Synek's touchdownÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Jarett Synek (16) (left) runs past Simon Otte for a touchdownÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s John Goodwin (right) catches a pass over Phalen SanfordÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska's senior offensive analyst Ron Brown talks to the Huskers afterÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster (left) gets tackled by DeShon SingletonÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s John Goodwin (46) prepares to blockÌýduringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster dives for a touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Bryce Benhart (left) blocks Caleb Tanner duringÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Fans watch the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Broc Bando (73) takes the field with his teammates beforeÌýthe Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (14) takes the field before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska's Hunter Anthony (right) tackles Blaise GunnersonÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Trey Palmer (left) runs away from Marques BufordÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Logan Smothers throws a ballÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Alante Brown (left) is chased by Nick HenrichÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Hunter Anthony (right) goes after Blaise GunnersonÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Anthony Grant runs with the ballÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Anthony Grant runs with the ballÌýduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
William Prince (left), Nebraska's director of players development, greets athletic director Trev Alberts during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN. Journal Star
Nebraska's Ashton Hausmann walks off the field after an injury during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola watches the action during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher is injured on the field during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts at the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's AJ Rollins catches a long pass as he is pressured by Derek Branch (left) and Myles Farmer (4) during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple walks off the field after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's tight end coach Sean Beckton (left) and wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator Mickey Joseph coach from the sidelines during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson looks for room to run during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium. Johnson didn't play against Northwestern, but his number will be called against North Dakota on Saturday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Mickey Joseph, shown here during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium, is Nebraska's interim head coach.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's James Carnie (center) is tackled by Simon Otte (left) and Mikai Gbayor during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Cooper Jewett (29) escapes from Seth Malcom during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple looks on from the sidelines during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Jarrett Synek (16) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Kamonte Grimes looks for room to run during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Jarrett Synek (16) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Chase Contreraz kicks a field goal during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska fans cheer during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Tommi Hill looks toward the punted ball during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Zach Duval (left) and Ron Brown chat before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts walks around the field before the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s senior offensive analyst Ron Brown walks on the field during warmups before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton (9) waits for the next down during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s coaches Donovan Raiola (left) and Mark Whipple walk to the locker room for halftime during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Nate Boerkircher (right) celebrates with Anthony Grant (23) after Grant scored the first touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Markese Stepp (30) and the team enter the field to warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (0) and Latrell Neville (7) get ready for the next down during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Omar Brown (13) shakes hands with Latrell Neville after the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Fans release balloons as a celebration for the first touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI ,Journal Star
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) warms up before the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska players make their way to the tunnel for halftime during the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star file photo
Ochaun Mathis stands on the field before the Red-White Spring Game April 9 at Memorial Stadium. Mathis committed to the Huskers on Saturday.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander talks with former player Cam Taylor-Britt during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruit Marquise Lightfoot is seen before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruit William Watson is seen on the sidelines before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruits Teitum Tuioti (left) and Maverick Noonan stand by the sidelines before the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Football recruits (from left) Joshua Robinson, Marquise Lightfoot and K’Vion Thunderbird are seen before the Red-White Spring Game on April 9 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Ty Hahn (right) celebrates his touchdown with ex-Husker Jarrett Synek during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 9, 2022, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
The Nebraska football team learned the start times for several of its games on Thursday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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