Nebraska Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

2. Cam’ron Jones

Most of the talk so far has been about the offensive side of the ball. That doesn’t mean Nebraska isn’t without need defensively. Their defense was awful last year under Bob Diaco. Quite a bit of their line is gone, and the only real returning strength is at linebacker.

It’s the lack of depth and talent in the defensive backfield that may benefit Cam’ron Jones. Jones, a top-300 prospect, is one of my favorite freshman safeties in the country.

He’s a phenomenal athlete, with track speed and great length. He’s 6-foot flat, 200 pounds, and will only get better as he adds more muscle. He was a powerful hitter at Mansfield high school, and will continue to occupy that role at Nebraska.

He’ll have some adapting to do at the next level, but the natural ability is there for Jones to play early. The most important thing will be how quickly he can learn. It’s rare for young safeties to be consistent enough to start early in their career, and that’ll be key here.

Aaron Williams will occupy one safety spot. We already know that. The other spot, however, is wide open, as Antonio Reed and JUCO product Deontai Williams battled for the spot in the spring, but neither won it outright. That means that Jones has a chance, and he’s good enough that he may be able to beat them both in the fall. Even if he doesn’t, I think Nebraska will find a way to get him on the field. Whether it’s as a starter, at nickel, or even on return team, Jones should play in 2018.