The dog days of fall camp have set in, but in talking to the Nebraska coaching staff and players you wouldn’t know that. Energy has remained high as the team moves through another full week of camp. There has even been some ‘confident banter’ between the offense and the defense.
“I want that swagger from them, that confidence. I think that's how DBs should be."
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/U4VicBr3M0
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) August 15, 2019
Of all the players mentioned by the coaching staff and teammates over the last week, who is standing out? Let’s look at which newcomers’ stock is up right now after Week 2.
More: Week 1 Stock Report | Big Red Recon | Ty Robinson's Progress
Defensive Lineman Jahkeem Green
There wasn’t a more talked about Husker this week than Green. The Highland Community College transfer made a strong impression upon his arrival to campus. We got to see firsthand the type of athleticism he has during the open part of practice on Wednesday.
More Green. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/yA1JRwCOUL
— Derek Peterson (@DrPeteyHV) August 14, 2019
Coach Scott Frost even mentioned that the team changed up a scrimmage format to get a better look at the transfer.
“I’ve never adjusted a scrimmage for one guy but we went live for 90 percent of the scrimmage and the last 10 percent was thud because he wasn’t able to wear pants yet, he was in shells only,” Frost said following Friday’s practice. “We got him some reps. He’s obviously a talented kid but he’s got some work to do to get in the type of condition the other guys are in, but you can definitely just today see some flashes of what he can do.”
Green still needs to work himself into Frost Football Shape (trademark pending). Yet, if the early reviews are any sign we will hear a lot from him this season.
Wide Receiver Jaevon McQuitty
It feels like McQuitty has been around forever, so it’s surprising to some that he is only entering his redshirt sophomore season. His career growth slowed due to many knee and shoulder injuries. Now that he is seemingly healthy, Husker fans hope to see the player they had heard about coming out of Battle High School in Missouri.
McQuitty has put in the work this offseason to improve his game. Offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Troy Walters praised that work.
“He’s done a great job,” Walters said. “He understands the offense. The biggest thing is that he understands the offense. Last year, he wasn’t very confident. He was more reactionary and now he makes things happen. He has that confidence. He made plays in the scrimmage.”
The wide receiver room is competitive so McQuitty needs to keep progressing to ensure he separates himself. This could be the season it all comes together for him though.
Linebacker Luke Reimer
Every fall camp there is a surprise name that we didn’t expect to talk about. Luke Reimer is that name this fall. The walk-on linebacker from Lincoln (Nebraska) North Star made waves when he decided to turn down a full-ride scholarship to South Dakota State in favor of walking on at Nebraska.
The gamble has paid off. early on. Inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud has found a lot to like about the freshman during camp.
“A big motor, really good athlete,” Ruud said of Reimer. “Runs to the ball and makes a bunch of plays. He’s got a good feel for the game. I always like if a guy makes a mistake, he might as well make the tackle. He’s good about asking good questions. He’s detailed his work up. I’m very pleasantly surprised.”
Frost used Reimer as one of the examples of what he expects the walk-on program to be under his guidance.
"That's the way Nebraska was when I was here and we want it to be that way again."#GBR pic.twitter.com/lNPPjn68v9
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) August 17, 2019
Despite being held out this week (both Ruud and Frost said Reimer was a little banged up), the former Super-State player is in the mix for playing time this fall. There is a strong chance we see him on special teams this season. That’s a fine start to a career for a player that certainly has his teammates’ and coaches’ attention.
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
