Nebraska Football Spring Preview - Defensive Backs: Another Large Room Which Will Shrink

The Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back room, like the linebacker and several other rooms, finds itself overloaded in the new 105-man roster era. With D’Andre Barnes entry into the transfer portal, it is still 25 bodies strong and will find itself several lighter following Saturday’s festivities.

While many players will be enjoying the afternoon, those on the cut line will have very different emotions on Spring Game Day, or whatever the official title is, as they will be competing in the only live, full-contact scrimmage for their last chance to show the coaches they deserve to keep wearing the scarlet and cream.

Although going close to 5-deep with DB’s in a 3-3-5 set could technically put the number near the 25 currently rostered, remember that 1) the coaching has been toward training the safeties and cornerbacks to play both positions and 2) fleeter LB/DB hybrid types (Peso, anyone?) such as Javin Wright, Isaac Gifford and Jojo Domann have often occupied that 5th rover-type slot. This group would be healthily populated at 20 or so.

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POSITION COACH: Addison Williams

THE BEST AND SAFEST: Marques Buford Jr., Malcom Hartzog Jr., Deshon Singleton, Donovan Jones (24), Ceyair Wright, Blye Hill, Andrew Marshall (T)

Buford, Hartzog, Singleton and Ceyair Wright are the experience - each played in all 13 games and ranked among the Blackshirts’ statistical leaders. Donovan Jones strongly planted his flag to compete for starting duties and playing time in the Pinstripe Bowl. I included Blye Hill here since he was allegedly neck-and-neck for a starting job in the spring of 2024 before his injury, as well as transfer Andrew Marshall. Marshall may be in the mix for playing time, but he is also at the top of the list for those getting special teams returner consideration.

None are going anywhere after the spring and all should the log serious snaps.

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YOUNGER SCHOLARSHIP PLAYERS: Justyn Rhett (T), Jamir Conn (T), Bryson Webber (25), Caden VerMass (25), Tanner Terch (25 WR), Mario Buford (24), Caleb Benning (24), Amare Sanders (24), Larry Tarver Jr. (24), Braylen Prude (24), Rex Guthrie (24), Jeremiah Charles (23 WR), Brice Turner (23 WR)

The first five names are the safest since they were signed or taken from the portal with the full knowledge of an impending 105-man roster. The next seven, starting with Buford, have a little more room for worry if room number drops below 20, or someone from the group below makes the kind of showing which catches the coaches’ eyes as the type of player they want in the final 10. These are the players who are either flexible position-wise or put forth exceptional effort - two things which are an asset in practices and workouts.

Depending on the effort level, Charles and Turner may stand out a little more for having one more year of experience and built-in position flexibility from being recruited as wide receivers.

Derek Branch, Evan Taylor, Preston Okafor, Kahmir Prescott, Thomas d’Onofrio,

This group would appear to be in the most danger without knowing precisely how they performed in the spring. I don’t know just how much the Saturday scrimmage will move the roster needle - its chief benefit will likely be the tape produced for those being cut - but these guys will definitely be trying to leave an impression.

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