Nebraska Football: What We Learned from the 2017 Spring Game
We're still more than four months away from the start of the 2017 Nebraska football season, but we already might have a good, old fashioned quarterback controversy on our hands.
At the annual Spring Game in Lincoln, Saturday (April 15), the two guys who figure to be at the center of the battle to replace Tommy Armstrong were both on top of their game. Redshirt junior Tanner Lee, a transfer from Tulane, was 13-of-19 throwing the football, while redshirt freshman Patrick O'Brien was 11-of-17 with a touchdown.
Even freshman Tristian Gebbia was impressive, throwing for 268 yards against the first team defense. But, that may be the last Cornhusker fans see of Gebbia this season, he's likely headed for a redshirt year.
Some other headlines from the Spring Game:
- Several new faces are trying to provide some depth in the Huskers receiving corps to go along with De'Mornay Pierson-El and Stanley Morgan Jr.
- Tre Bryant and Mikale Wilbon are battling for carries at the running back spot, while Devine Ozigbo's health remains a question mark.
- The offensive line is full of familiar names, but has this experienced group improved from some shaky performances last season?
- New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has been busy all spring installing Nebraska's new 3-4 defense, but fans will have to wait until August to see it. The Huskers didn't run a single 3-4 set in the spring game. In practices, nose guard Mick Stoltenberg is reportedly making a huge impact under the new system.
- Linebacker Luke Gifford had a big spring game with a forced fumble and interception.
- In the secondary, Joshua Kalu has moved from cornerback to safety, opening the door for talented sophomore Lamar Jackson to get more time on the outside.
- The kicking game is in good hands with Drew Brown back for his senior season after missing just two field goals last year. Punter Caleb Lightbourn is looking for more consistency in his sophomore season.
- A very positive sign for the future of Nebraska football - dozens of potential new recruits filled the sidelines for the game Saturday.
I talked with the 'Voice of the Huskers', Greg Sharpe, about the Spring Game and spring practice:
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