Nebraska Football: 3 Cornhuskers Who Could Surprise People This Spring

Nebraska football fans have seen the calendar turn to March and are looking at the roster to see who might be the stars of 2015. The arrival of new head coach Mike Riley makes it hard to look at anyone as a guaranteed starter, although there are some players who fans can be pretty sure will have big roles.

Here are three players whom Nebraska fans might not have at the top of their minds, but who could make huge names for themselves this spring.

Jamal Turner

Over the last few years, few Cornhuskers have offered more upside than Turner. After converting from quarterback before his freshman year, Turner held out the promise of an electric, game-changing receiver.

But that promise never materialized. Turner struggled to learn the position during his freshman and sophomore years. And seemingly every time it looked like things were turning around for Turner, injuries derailed his progress.

Now, with a medical hardship year and Riley’s history of producing wide receivers, Turner has the chance to finally claim the glory that has eluded him throughout his career in Lincoln.

Charles Jackson

Last year, it looked like everything was ready to come together for Jackson. A freak athlete, Jackson looked like he had finally shown enough discipline and gained the coaches’ trust. He looked set to be the starting nickelback and make his mark on the Blackshirts.

Then an injury in spring practice cost him the 2014 season.

Now, with his rehab completed, Jackson is ready to compete in a crowded defensive secondary for a starting job. Whether he ends up at safety, corner or nickelback, Jackson has the chance to finally make his mark.

Cethan Carter

If there’s any position group that looks to benefit from Nebraska’s coaching change, it’s the tight ends. Under Bo Pelini, talented offensive tight ends like Mike McNeill, Kyler Reed and Carter were left to wither on the vine. No tight end has notched more than 442 receiving yards for Nebraska since McNeill in 2008.

Of course, we don’t know what Nebraska’s offense will look like next year under Riley. But Breakdown Sports does a great job of describing how the tight end has been important in Riley’s offense in the past. Take a look at how the tight end usage between Nebraska and Riley’s Oregon State compares:

Pay attention to the differential. In each of the three statistical categories, the differential goes from being in Nebraska’s favor in 2010 to being decidedly in Oregon State’s favor by 2014. It’s fair to expect Riley’s arrival to help Nebraska’s tight end production—and that should mean a huge opportunity for Carter.

For a different look at Nebraska football, check out The Double Extra Point.

Or you can use the Twitter machine to follow @DblExtraPoint.

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