Last season, Nebraska ranked 119th in the nation with 14 sacks. The Huskers also ranked 129th in tackles for loss with 44. With numbers that poor, Nebraska’s defensive staff have been looking answers to fix the pass rush.
In defensive coordinator Erik Chinander’s multiple 3-4 defense, there can be a lot of exotic pressure dialed up from the linebacking corps. In an attacking 3-4 defense you often think of outside linebackers applying that quarterback pressure. The Huskers have options at the position. They have the veteran of the group Luke Gifford back of an injury last season. There is also transfer Breon Dixon. Plus, there's Tyrin Ferguson, a player getting rave reviews since the new staff arrived.
Those three players will factor into the outside linebacker discussion this season. Yet, what about the young players at the position? Guy Thomas would fit the description of an explosive athlete. The Booker T. Washington High School standout represented a big win on the recruiting trail a couple of seasons ago when Nebraska plucked him out of Miami.
Thomas’ speed off the edge made him an intriguing option to move outside when Nebraska made the move to the 3-4 defense last season. Thomas has bulked up some and has added 30 pounds to his frame according to the media guide. Outside linebackers coach Jovan Dewitt was familiar with Thomas from his days recruiting South Florida and knows Thomas’ high school coach well. Dewitt had praise for Thomas’ future when he spoke to media this week.
“Guy Thomas is going to be a really good player,” Dewitt said.
“He’s still just a redshirt freshman so he’s got this year and three to go. When it clicks for that kid, which it is starting to, he’s going to be a really good player.”
Another player Dewitt can’t wait to see develop is true freshman outside linebacker Caleb Tannor. The Georgia pass-rusher came to Lincoln with the look of a player ready to contribute right away. There was a plan put in place for the defender to hit the ground running in Lincoln. You can credit Tannor for working hard between National Signing Day in February and arriving on campus this summer to be in shape and learn the defense as much as possible.
“I do think he’s a little bit ahead of schedule,” Dewitt said. "Truthfully, I credit that with a lot of the older guys teaching him over the course of the summer. He’s got a lot more football acumen than most freshmen I’ve been around. That’s really helped him out a little bit. The days of the big dumb football player are over. You’ve got to have some brains and the ability to think. He’s shown a lot of football acumen that has allowed his football ability to come through.”
Older players modeling the way and taking players under their wing is something that head coach Scott Frost wants to see in his program. That’s a great sign because the Huskers will need all hands on deck to improve the numbers from last season and be more disruptive on defense.
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.
