Huskers Release Preseason Depth Chart

NU football coaches have released the first depth chart for the team entering fall camp. I'll cover the offense today and the new look Blackshirts tomorrow.

Not too many surprises, although I always find it interesting to see where the newcomers land. Sophmore Mike McNeil at starting TE is interesting, but you had to figure him in the mix with senior Hunter Teafatiller's legal issues causing him to be suspended from the team. Redshirt Frosh Ryan Hill is listed at #2, and both players are reported to be good receving threats, perhaps Watson will try to open things up at this postion in the passing game.

The line looks very solid, with seniors Lydon Murtha and Mike Huff anchoring the left side, junior Jacob Hickman getting the nod at center, senior Matt Slauson at RG and sophmore Javario Burkes at RT. All of the starters stand at least 6'4 and only Hickman at 290 is under 300, with the right side listed at 320 plus. The second line is young and very big (with the exception of center Nike Caputo at 6'1/275), with everyone 6'5 or over and only LT Mike Smith under 300. Keith Williams, DJ Jones and Marcel Jones are at LG, RG, and RT respectively.

As expected, seniors Nate Swift and Todd Peterson lead the receiving corps, with juniors Chris Brooks and Menilik Holt behind Swift at X and sophmore Niles Paul and redshirt frosh Curenski Gilleylen behind Peterson at Z. Senior Thomas Lawson returns at FB backed up by legacy FB sophmore Justin Makovicka. I-back will return 2nd team All-Big 12, 1,000 yard and 75 reception man Marlon Lucky, with sophmore sensations Roy Helu and Quentin Castille also likely to see time. QB will be handled by senior Joe Ganz backed up by Patrick Witt and Zac Lee.