Here's a look at the Nebraska defense and special teams for 2008.
To say last year was a bad year for the Husker defense would be an understatement. But there is hope that things will be better in 2008, especially with a defensive-minded guru like Bo Pelini as the head coach.
Up front, injuries and inexperience killed the team last year. They should be in better shape this year, led by tackles Ndamukong Suh, Terrence Moore and Ty Steinkuhler. On the ends, Zach Potter should have a breakout year and Barry Turner looks to be lighter and better coming into the season.
The big question for the Huskers on defense will be at linebacker. The position was hit hard by graduations, as all three starters moved on. That leaves some opportunities for some young people to step in, and also gave a former running back a chance to contribute on the other side of the ball.
Cody Glenn made the much-celebrated move from I-back to linebacker and had a good spring, making him a likely candidate, along with LaTravis Washington, to start at the Will position. Tyler Wortman had a fantastic spring and is the likely starter at the Sam position. The Mike position looks to be Phillip Dillard, who is the only returning player with starting experience.
In the defensive backfield, the Huskers have some question marks but also have some potential for solid play from those returning from last year.
Larry Asante had some success at strong safety last year and is the one of two returning starters in the backfield. Armando Murillo also started last year at cornerback and should have a solid season this year.
Matt O'Hanlon and Major Culbert should battle for one of the safety spots this year, and Anthony West looks to be the lead candidate at the other cornerback slot.
In the kicking game, Dan Titchener will return for his senior season as the punter. The kicking duties will again be split between Alex Henery and Adi Kunalic. Henery will handle the bulk of the extra points and field goals, while Kunalic and his booming leg will handle kickoffs and some of the longer field goal attempts.
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