Nebraska Football: Scott Frost ushers in season of hope

Defense

The defense almost has to take a step forward this year. It was one of the country’s worst last year, and there’s a ton of returning production this season.

It starts up front. Every lineman that mattered last year is back, Ben Stille and Mick Stoltenberg should lead the group. This line will be responsible for stopping the run in a 3-4 defense, and they should be very good at that.

Carlos Davis, Freedom Akinmoladun and DaiShon Neal will likely contribute as well. All in all, this is a solid group, and should be good enough to limit the rushing attack.

Linebacker is not in as good of a place. Middle linebacker Dedrick Young should be awesome, as should Luke Gifford, but I’m not sold on Collin Miller or Will Honas. If Miller and Gifford can pressure the quarterback will be a huge question this season.

The backfield is the weakest, and most inexperienced part of this defense. Cornerbacks Lamar Jackson and DiCaprio Bootle should be good, but the depth behind them is sparse. Ethan Cox and Tony Butler are talented, but I don’t trust them yet.

Aaron Williams and Antonio Reed should make for solid safeties, but the lack of experience in this group is freighting in a conference with Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Michigan. Those offenses can make young defenses pay, and while Nebraska doesn’t play all those teams, any good offenses will be a struggle.

Another youth movement?

The defensive backfield, as I mentioned, is incredibly young. Lamar Jackson is a sophomore, as is Bootle. Williams and Reed are both seniors, but neither has a ton of quality experience.

This leaves a pretty big open spot for newcomers to take over. Eric Lee Jr., Cox or Butler will all have the chance to win time in this defensive backfield. Freshman Cam’ron Jones is worth watching at safety too.