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Nebraska football: Why Casey Thompson is key to a Huskers rebound

By John Scimeca

AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Casey Thompson #11 of the Texas Longhorns arrives prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Casey Thompson #11 of the Texas Longhorns arrives prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Sep 25, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Omar Manning (5) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Omar Manning (5) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. There are weapons at the skill positions

After Martinez, who was a crucial threat on his feet, running back Rahmir Johnson was the team’s leading rusher in 2021 after gaining 692 all-purpose yards. The Oradell, N.J., native gained 4.9 yards per carry for 337 yards and scored six touchdowns in the season’s final five games, including contests against Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio State.

He’s joined by newly arrived running back Anthony Grant, who originally signed with Florida State but comes to Nebraska through the junior college route instead. Rated by 247Sports as a four-star recruit out of the juco ranks after two seasons with the Seminoles (including one redshirt year), Grant was the highest-rated junior college running back in the class of 2022 and carries big expectations with him.

Omar Manning is the team’s leading returning receiver after compiling 26 catches for 380 yards in 2021. Prior to joining Nebraska for the 2020 football season, Manning was the nation’s top-ranked junior college wide receiver.

Next. Early Top 25 rankings projections for 2022. dark

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