SB Nation - Armando Murillo

SB Nation 2009 Big 12 Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Capsule

Jon Johnston — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:32:52 -0000

The SB Nation Big 12 preview will post on Friday at The Ralphie Report. The following is the Nebraska team capsule for the conference-wide preview piece in conjunction with CBS Sports.

Expect the Blackshirt defense to be much improved in Bo Pelini's season. They should carry Nebraska to a Big 12 North win this season. Photo by Dennis Hubbard

The Outlook

Anything less than winning the Big 12 North will be a disappointment. The success of the 2009 Husker offense will depend on Nebraska establishing a firm ground attack, providing time for Lee and the receiving corps to develop into a balanced attack. If the Huskers find themselves one-dimensional, they'll have to rely on their defense to carry them to the Big 12 Championship game, but the margin for error will be very thin.

Offense

In 2009, the offense begins with I-backs Roy Helu Jr. and Quentin Castille. In 2008, Helu was bothered by a shoulder injury at the start of the season, but emerged as a star in November, rushing for 510 yards and five touchdowns in the final four games. For the season, he averaged 6.4 yards per carry, which is the highest of any returning back in the North division. Castille was the third back most of the season, but rushed for 125 yards in the Gator Bowl.

Replacing Joe Ganz at quarterback will be junior Zac Lee. Lee, who played sparingly last season, might be Nebraska's most talented quarterback since Eric Crouch. At San Francisco City College in 2006, Lee threw for over 3400 yards and 35 touchdowns. Lee is mobile as well, with 4.6 speed.

Nebraska's top returning receiver is tight end Mike McNeill, who'll probably be the best tight end in the conference not named Jermaine Gresham. Menelik Holt and Niles Paul look to be the top two wide receivers in 2009. Holt was hampered by a knee injury that caused him to miss most of four games last season. Paul's biggest contributions to date have been on kick returns, with an 85 yard touchdown return against San Jose State last season. A group of inexperienced but talented receivers will fight for playing time and to fill out the remaining positions.

Three starters return up front, including honorable mention all-Big XII center Jacob Hickman, who may move to guard this season. Juniors Keith Williams and Mike Smith return to anchor the left side of the line. If Hickman moves to right guard, sophomore Mike Caputo will take over at center. Other candidates for the right side include tackle Marcel Jones and guards D.J. Jones and Ricky Henry.

Defense

The defense is lead by pre-season All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is also a top-ten NFL draft prospect. The defense will be dependent upon Suh to make plays or occupy enough blockers to make them better. Expect sophomore Jared Crick to start alongside Suh, with redshirt freshman Baker Steinkuhler in the rotation.

Defensive end Barry Turner returns this season after breaking his leg in early 2008. Pierre Allen did an excellent job filling in his position last season. Between Suh, Crick, Turner and Allen, Nebraska's defensive line should be one of the best in the conference this season.

At linebacker, no fewer than ten players are fighting for three starting positions. Phillip Dillard returns as the most experienced of the bunch, but after a lackluster spring must fight his way back into the starting rotation. Pelini has so far refused to name starters to keep the competition going, but you could expect redshirt freshmen Will Compton and Sean Fisher to win some starts, along with sophomore Matthew May.

The secondary returns with much more depth than the previous season. Prince Amukamara and Anthony West return as starters at the corners. Anthony Blue returns after sitting out 2008 with a knee injury. Lance Thorrell should reprise his role in the dime package. Larry Asante is the top returning starter at safety, and should make the All-Big 12 list by the end of the season. Eric Hagg should keep his spot as the other starting safety, splitting time with Matt O'Hanlon. Rickey Thenarse must have a good fall camp to fight off redshirt freshmen Courtney Osborne and P.J. Smith. The defensive secondary had too many break downs last season, but that should be much improved this year.

In a single season, Bo Pelini turned around a defense that finished near the bottom of the nation in several categories, and had them playing well enough to finish as one of the top defenses in the Big 12 by season's end. With a year of understanding Pelini's system behind them, expect the Blackshirt defense to become the bright spot for Husker fans this season.

Special Teams

Alex Henery returns as one of the most accurate kickers in the nation. In 2008, Henery went 18-21 in field goals and made 56 of 57 PATs. The Huskers will have to replace holder Jake Wesch and long snapper T.J. O'Leary, who have handled those duties over the past three seasons.

Kickoff specialist Adi Kunalic returns after finishing fifth the nation in touchbacks last season, giving the Huskers a formidable weapon in the kicking game. Henery may pull double duty and handle punting duty, a task for which he was originally recruited.

Nate Swift was the team's primary punter last season and must be replaced after having moved on this season. Niles Paul showed some promise returning punts, and should be more consistent this season. Newcomers Rex Burkhead and Antonio Bell will be considered as will redshirt freshman Tim Marlowe.

Niles Paul looks likely to replay his role as a kick returner after having a decent year in 2008. Two of the top five plays last season were Paul kick returns, including a 85-yard touchdown return against San Jose State. Alfonzo Dennard was one of only three true freshman to play last season and should handle return duties again this season. Sophomore Curenski Gilleylen and newcomers Burkhead and Antonio Bell may get their chance as well.

Kickoff coverage must get better as Nebraska finished 105th in the nation in last season. Watch for Bo Pelini to include some talented newcomers to the coverage team this season as the Huskers look for every edge possible to win the Big 12 North.

Key Losses

Joe Ganz, QB - The former bench warmer that nobody believed in until Sam Keller injured his collarbone. He came in and promptly put up three straight 400 yard games and showed a gritty resolve that endeared him to Husker fans. He leaves after setting 23 school records, including season records for passing yardage.

Nate Swift, WR - Departs as the Huskers record holder for career receptions, and ranks second for yards receiving all-time. Some might consider him a "possession" receiver, but he also had decent speed. In his senior season, he ranked 2nd in the Big XII and eighth nationally in punt returns.

Todd Peterson, WR - Along with Swift, gave Joe Ganz two dependable receivers. The pair combined for 125 receptions and over 1,700 yards.

Marlon Lucky, IB - The former five-star recruit never quite lived up to the hype from his high school days, but was a versatile weapon in all facets of the passing game.

Matt Slauson, OL - The anchor of the Husker offensive line the last few years, Slauson was drafted in the 6th round by the New York Jets, where he'll be reunited with Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

Lydon Murtha, OL - Murtha was an enigma for the Huskers, as he had all of the measurables to be an impressive offensive line prospect, but never developed the consistency to be that dominant lineman that some projected. The Detroit Lions were impressed enough to take him in the seventh round of the NFL draft.

Zach Potter, DE - Potter became a dominant end in his final two seasons, showing a knack for deflecting passes and kicks. Last season, he blocked three kicks and deflected two passes to Ndamukong Suh, who returned both for touchdowns.

Ty Steinkuhler, DT - Steinkuhler was a bit of an unsung hero until the Gator Bowl last season. His presence prevented offenses from double-teaming Ndamukong Suh, as Clemson quickly learned.

Armando Murillo, CB - Nebraska's lone loss in the secondary, he was the Huskers most consistent performer in the secondary.

Dan Titchener, P - Three year starter who averaged 39.9 yards per punt in his career.

Newcomers

Pelini has already shown his penchant for retaining redshirts, so you shouldn't expect to see a lot of brand new faces this year.

Baker Steinkuhler, DT - Another Steinkuhler, the departing Ty's little brother. Should see plenty of playing time this season.

Will Compton, LB - the most likely middle linebacker of the future for the Blackshirt defense.

Sean Fisher, LB - having a break-out fall camp, should be expected to get a lot of starts this season.

Rex Burkhead, RB/KR/PR/? - Burkhead was a ‘do everything' guy in in high school, playing running back, quarterback, receiver, returning punts and kicks, along with taking out the trash. Truly a versatile player, probably too skilled to remain on the sideline this season as a true freshman.

Antonio Bell & Brandon Kinnie, WR - A pair of young wide receivers that should make some contributions and break into the starting rotation by the end of the season.

Big 12 Projected Order Of Finish:

North

Nebraska
Kansas
Colorado
Missouri
Iowa State
Kansas State

South
Oklahoma
Texas
Oklahoma State
Texas Tech
Baylor
Texas A&M

2009 Opponent Previews

Atlantic Owls
Arkansas St. Red Wolves
Virginia Tech Hokies
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
Missouri Tigers
Texas Tech Red Raiders owa St. Cyclones
Baylor Bears
Oklahoma Sooners
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas St. Wildcats
Colorado Buffaloes

2009 Nebraska Football Spring Preview: Defensive Secondary Depth Means Flexibility

Jon Johnston — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:00:11 -0000

The 2008 Husker secondary wasn’t nearly as thin as the linebacking unit, but it entered the season with only two consistent starters - cornerback Armando Murillo and strong safety Larry Asante. Murillo started every game in 2007 and in 2008 started every game but Western Michigan when he was hampered by injury. Murillo is gone now but the Huskers enter 2009 with vastly more experience in the secondary than the previous season. Asante returns to provide leadership in the secondary.

No less than eight players have starting experience, compared with two a year ago, including Larry Asante, Rickey Thenarse, Matt O’Hanlon, Eric Hagg, Prince Amukamara, Anthony West, Lance Thorrell, and Anthony Blue, who started two games in 2007. Between them the defensive secondary has 57 starts.

Depth is a key for the Huskers as they look ahead into the 2009 season. Like the linebacking unit, competition will be heavy for the starting positions. The more defensive secondary players that are available, the more flexibility will be afforded Bo Pelini. Nebraska opened with the nickel package in five games; Western Michigan, San Jose State, New Mexico State, Oklahoma and Kansas State. In five other games; Missouri, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas and Colorado, the Huskers opened with the dime package. Considering the high octane offenses of our Big 12 opponents, the more prepared defensive secondary, the better.

Matt O'Hanlon (#33) had a great season in 2008. O'Hanlon has a tough battle to win a starting safety spot in 2009.
Photo by Dennis Hubbard.

2009 Spring Season

Cornerbacks

Murillo was the only senior amongst the cornerbacks. After his departure the Huskers enter 2009 without a single senior at the position, but with a healthy amount of depth.

At cornerback, juniors Prince Amukamara and Anthony West enter 2009 with 14 starts between them. Amukamara finished with 34 tackles and forced two fumbles and in the process gained valuable playing time as he entered 2008 having never played the position. He played in all 13 games in 2008, starting against Western Michigan, New Mexico State and Virginia Tech.

West started 11 games in 2008, missing one due to injury. He finished with 29 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions. He tied for first in pass breakups with Murillo with nine. He will be expected to be a steady starter in 2009.

Anthony Blue is the big unknown. Blue sat out the 2008 season recovering from an ACL injury, suffered during spring practice. If Blue can recover his speed and agility, the Huskers add another key player to secondary as Blue was recognized by the Sporting News as a first-team freshman All Big 12 player.

Lance Thorrell found time as the starting dime back in 2008. He played in 11 games, including five starts and finished with 24 tackles. Thorrell began his career as a walk-on.

Alfonzo Dennard was one of only three true freshman who played in 2008. Although he played in 12 games, most of his playing time was on special teams. Dennard saw time as a kick returner, returning eight kicks for a total of 150 yards, an 18.8 average, with a long of 31 against Clemson.

Junior Dejon Gomes is a JUCO transfer from City College of San Francisco who has joined the team early for 2009 spring practice. He has three years to use two seasons of eligibility.

Safeties

Strong safety senior Larry Asante is the most experienced returner in the secondary, finishing 2007 as the second leading tackler and in 2008 starting every game but Missouri where he was replaced by Matt O’Hanlon. Asante finished second in total tackles with 67 and had two tackles for loss, a sack, four pass breakups and an interception. He appeared lost at times early in 2008, but came on later in the season, recording nine tackles against Texas Tech, and 13 against Oklahoma. Asante was one of two defensive players to receive Big 12 honors, making the Honorable Mention list (Ndamukong Suh finished first team Big 12).

Fellow seniors O’Hanlon and Rickey Thenarse split starting at free safety with nine and five starts respectively. O’Hanlon began his Nebraska career as a walk-on, but was awarded a scholarship in 2008. He finished third in tackles with 52, including 33 solos. He had two tackles for loss, five pass break ups, and an interception. He is best known for his play in the Gator Bowl when he slapped a pass away from Clemson running back CJ Spiller to preserve the Husker win.

Thenarse started against Missouri, but battled injuries early in 2008 and then took over the starting free safety role from O’Hanlon for the last four games of the season. He finished with 24 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks. His best game came against Colorado when he recorded eight tackles, two for loss, and a sack. Thenarse remains a fan favorite in a different capacity on special teams where he blocked a punt against Clemson

Eric Hagg garnered starting experience as the starting nickel back in 2008 for a total of ten starts. Hagg’s big plays came in the Gator Bowl against Clemson. In two consecutive plays, Hagg broke up a pass when the Tigers had a first and goal, then sacked Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper for a 16-yard loss to help preserve the victory. Due to the depth at cornerback, Hagg will switch to the safety position.

Mason Wald played on special teams as a true freshman in 2008 and will battle for playing time at safety in 2009. Known for his hard-hitting play, Wald had six tackles, four solos.

Class Breakdown:

Safety

Larry Asante - Sr
Matt O'Hanlon - Sr
Rickey Thenarse - Sr
Adam Watson - Jr
Mason Wald - So
Austin Cassidy - So
Major Culbert - Sr (dismissed/left team)
Jim Ebke - So (former QB)
Jase Dean - RFr

Cornerback

Prince Amukamara - Jr
Dejon Gomes - Jr (JUCO)
Eric Hagg - Jr
Anthony West - Jr
Lance Thorell - So
Anthony Blue - So
Alfonzo Dennard - So

DB's

Justin Blatchford - RFr
Courtney Osborne - RFr
PJ Smith - RFr
Andrew Green - Fr
Lazarri Middleton - Fr
Dijon Washington - Fr