We are entering the third week of fall camp for Nebraska this week. It will be the last week of the “training camp” portion according to Mike Riley.
Week four will begin the preparation for Arkansas State. Typically the week before game prep begins is the last real chance for players to make their moves for more playing time in week one.
Here are five young players battling for playing time to keep an eye on as we move closer to the season opener.
WR Tyjon Lindsey
We all see the talent oozing out of the true freshman wide receiver. He is electric with the ball in his hands. The question for Lindsey will be one that wide receivers coach Keith Williams mentioned early in camp. Can he study enough off the field so when he gets to play, he can just play fast and not worry about if he knows what to do?
WR JD Spielman
The redshirt freshman from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was lost in the shuffle a bit coming into this camp with some high-profile players being added to the mix. He started camp well, but a muscle pull has slowed his progress. Riley said Spielman is an example of a player where he could see the light coming on in camp, but we have to see how he recovers from the missed time.
OLB Guy Thomas
One of the biggest camp surprises for me has been how physically mature Thomas looks. He is certainly impressive enough to make the all-get-off-the-bus team, so that helps. Can he handle it mentally as a true freshman? Linebackers coach Trent Bray has mentioned they will give Thomas all he can handle.
OL Boe Wilson
The class of 2016 recruit is starting to look more and more like a player that will be in the mix for the Huskers this season. Last we saw him he was running with the first unit in place of Tanner Farmer during Thursday’s open practice. This week will reveal if he can hold on to that spot or was just getting an extra look.
CB Dicaprio Bootle
When you first see the cornerback from Miami, his recovery speed really jumps out to you when you see him in coverage. There is playing time to be had opposite of Lamar Jackson and Bootle is firmly in the mix. Is he ready to put it all together to be a consistent player in the defense?
