Talent Pool Expands: Media Envisions B1G Potential

Part 1: Media Members on Momentum

Randy York N-Sider

Official Blog of the Huskers

What a difference a year makes, especially when Nebraska media analyzes the 2016 Huskers’ talent pool and can envision 13 different individuals capable of earning All-Big Ten Conference status following a major recognition drought in 2015.

In The N-Sider’s second of a 3-part series using feedback from seven prominent Nebraska media members, senior tight end Cethan Carter and senior punter Sam Foltz received four preseason media endorsements to earn All-Big Ten honors this fall. Four other Huskers – sophomore defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun, sophomore offensive lineman Nick Gates, senior safety Nate Gerry and senior wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp – received three validations apiece.

Three more Huskers – senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., junior placekicker Drew Brown and junior cornerback Joshua Kalu – received two all-conference endorsements each. Five months before the regular season begins, four additional Huskers were mentioned as worthy of All-Big Ten consideration – senior linebacker Josh Banderas, sophomore running back Devine Ozigbo, sophomore wide receiver/return specialist De'Mornay Pierson-El and senior wide receiver Brandon Reilly. Please take the time to measure Nebraska media's framed conclusions about difference-makers with All-Big Ten potential:

Veteran Babcock Offers Up What He Calls the Usual Suspects for All-Big Ten

Mike Babcock, Hail Varsity Magazine: “I’d say the usual suspects – Tommy Armstrong Jr., Nate Gerry, Jordan Westerkamp (though he’s been injured), Freedom Akinmuladon (pictured above) and Nick Gates. Cethan Carter has NFL potential. If De’Mornay Pierson-El returns to full health, he’s obviously someone who can make things happen in a lot of ways. And Sam Foltz can be a game-changer with his punting.”

Eric Olson, Associated Press: “We haven’t seen Jordan Westerkamp this spring, but we know what he could do. He’s one of the Huskers’ top candidates for All-Big Ten as the league’s No. 3 returning receiver. Offensive lineman Nick Gates will garner more spotlight because of his move from right to left tackle. Defensively, Nate Gerry, Josh Kalu and Josh Banderas are honors candidates. And kicker Drew Brown and punter Sam Foltz surely are among the best at what they do.”

Sean Callahan, Rivals.com/KFAB/KETV commentator: “The guys I think that could be future All-Big Ten other than the obvious in Sam Foltz are Nick Gates on the offensive line, Jordan Westerkamp at wide receiver, Nate Gerry at safety and I really think Freedom Akinmoladun has the makings to be a great defensive lineman. Joshua Kalu in the secondary is another sleeper name to watch that could have a big season at cornerback. When you look at the quarterback position in the league after JT Barrett, Tommy Armstrong Jr. has a chance to put his name at the top of the conference. Right now he’s a top three signal caller in the league.”

Voice of the Huskers Greg Sharpe: Making Tight End a Big Part of This Offense

Greg Sharpe, Voice of the Huskers: “Brandon Reilly has had a very good spring and continues to become a huge part of this offense.The same can be said of Cethan Carter (pictured above). Look for the Huskers to work to make the tight end a big part of this offense moving forward. On defense, Freedom Akinmoladun has continued his strong play.” 

Sam McKewon, Omaha World-Herald: “One of the receivers should make All-Big Ten. Cethan Carter is one of the two best tight ends in the league. I think the linebackers as a whole should have a good year, plus punter Sam Foltz and kicker Drew Brown.”

Tom Shatel, Omaha World-Herald: “Carter can be All-Big Ten if they use him, but I really believe the running game is what will make everything work next year. So I'll say Devine Ozigbo. In my mind, he's the best running back on the roster. We have seen more out of Terrell Newby and Mikale Wilbon, too. I don't mind committees, but I think the best run games feature a guy who is a bit of a workhorse, gets momentum and runs downhill. I think NU needs a guy like that. It could be any of the three, but my eyes are on No. 22.”

Kevin Sjuts, KOLN TV, Lincoln: “Freedom Akinmoladun is my top choice. You wonder how productive he could've been had he not been injured in 2015. Now fully healthy, Akinmoladun has been disruptive during spring practice. He could make a splash after one shortened season under his belt.”

AP Writer Olson: Defensive Line Coach John Parella Getting a Fresh Look

Eric Olson, Associated Press: "There are great opportunities for players to step up on the defensive line; first, because there is uncertainty about personnel and second, because new line coach John Parrella is getting a fresh look at the linemen. Tackle Khalil Davis has worked some with the No. 1 defense and is full of potential, and end Alex Davis drew notice as the 2016 defensive scout team MVP. On the other side of the ball, guard Tanner Farmer is ready to emerge. He was one of the highest-rated offensive linemen in the country when he signed in 2014. He redshirted is first year and didn’t get in a game in 2015. But playing time is available now, and he’s gotten good reviews all spring."

Mike Babcock, Hail Varsity Magazine: “It’ll be interesting to see how the Davis twins, Kalil and Carlos, develop and whether Derrion Grim, “Cherry,” redshirts or plays, given the depth at wide receiver. Same with Patrick O’Brien. Don’t forget about Mick Stoltenberg in the defensive line. He’s been hurt. Gates at left tackle, not overly big but a go-to-the-whistle guy in Nebraska’s offensive line tradition. The offensive and defensive lines are all-important to whatever success Nebraska will have. Josh Kalu (pictured above) in the secondary. There are several guys on special teams who won’t get a lot of credit for that, probably, including Kalu, Brad Simpson and Jacob Weinmaster, a walk-on coming off a redshirt.”

Tom Shatel, Omaha World-Herald: "There are so many to choose from. In the second year of a scheme, there are any number of candidates who will "get it" and emerge this fall. But I'll take the dice and roll a "4." I believe Tommy Armstrong will be that "surprise" guy. I believe the coaches will stick to their word. I believe the offensive line will be improved. I believe the run game will be better. I believe the quarterback depth will be such that the coaches will run Armstrong more. And I believe the pressure to carry the team will fall off Tommy and he'll relax and make better decisions in an offense stripped down to play to his strengths. What we saw in Santa Clara: that guy."

Sean Callahan: Rivals.com/KFAB/KETV Commentator: "I could see Mikale Wilbon put his name up there at running back if he can prove himself more from now until September. I also think Tanner Farmer is one to watch on the offensive line. On defense, I’ll throw Antonio Reed’s name out there as a guy who could make a big impact at safety, but is currently missing the spring with injury." 

Lincoln's Sjuts: McNitt a Blue-Collar, In-State Player That Wants to See the Field

Kevin Sjuts, KOLN, Lincoln: "Luke McNitt. He's listed as a tight end, but McNitt has spent this spring playing fullback. And you know fans love a good fullback. McNitt is a blue-collar, in-state player that simply wants to see the field. Perfect for an under-appreciated position, right? He won't need carries to make him happy. But the way Nebraska utilized the fullback last year, you have to think it's possible."

Greg Sharpe, Voice of the Huskers: "A name I think has already surfaced is offensive tackle David Knevel, who will be a key. He's currently the No. 1 right tackle. On defense, I’ll stay along the line with Khalil Davis as a key component. Both Khalil and his twin brother, Carlos, will be a big part of the plan in 2016."

Sam McKewon, Omaha World-Herald: "I look for lots of young guys to play in both the secondary and on the defensive line. Nothing is settled at either position group and competition should be fierce this fall."

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