Here's an early look at how the 2008 Nebraska football team stacks up on offense.
The strength of the Huskers on offense will be at the line of scrimmage. The Huskers have traditionally been very solid up front, but it hasn't been that way the past couple of years.
This year, the Huskers are deep up front, probably the deepest they have been since 2000 with players like Dominic Raiola and Russ Hochstein.
Returning starters include guards Matt Slauson (6-5, 325) and Mike Huff (6-4, 300), tackles Jaivorio Burkes (6-5, 325) and Lydon Murtha (6-7, 315), and Jacob Hickman (6-4, 290), who will move from guard to center.
Sophomore Keith Williams (6-5, 310) could crack the starting lineup on the offensive line this year. Depending on the outcome of his legal situation, Andy Christensen could find a place up front this year as well.
The big guys up front will need to open holes for the running backs and protect senior quaterback Joe Ganz, who threw for over 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns in the last three games of the year in 2007.
Ganz will be the go-to guy under center this year, and if he can cut down on turnovers (seven in three games), he could lead this offense to a very productive season.
Backing Ganz up likely will be Zac Lee, who looked solid in the spring game and is a great run-pass double threat. Patrick Witt could also step in, although he doesn't possess the arm strength of Ganz or Lee.
Losing Cody Glenn at I-back may have been a problem, but the Huskers have quite a bit of depth at the position, led by returning senior Marlon Lucky. Lucky had over 1,000 yards rushing and a team-record 75 receptions last year, and should be the man carrying the rock for the Huskers.
Roy Helu had a tremendous spring and should see some playing time this year. Nebraska has a third quality option in Quentin Catille, whose size (6-1, 245) makes him an ideal short-yardage and goal-line back.
The Huskers are weak at fullback right now, with senior Thomas Lawson the only one with real experience. A familiar name is in the mix at this position, though, as Justin Mackovicka (youngest brother of former NU fullbacks Jeff and Joel) could see some time at the position as a sophomore.
Nebraska is also thin at tight end, both literally and figuratively. Senior Hunter Teafatiller is the biggest tight end on the team at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds. Mike McNeil is probably the best receiver among the Husker tight ends, and redshirt freshman Ryan Hill could make an impact as well.
At wide receiver, the Huskers have some great potential that will need to step up with the graduation of a talented bunch of receivers led by Maurice Purify.
Nate Swift and Todd Peterson are the experienced receivers in the bunch, and both will be called upon to make plays this year. There is also some solid potential in the likes of Niles Paul and Menelik Holt, both of whom saw limited action last year. If Will Henry can overcome injuries, he could be a factor as well.
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