Nebraska Football: The 7 Best Offensive Players

Singing the praises of the Blackshirts under Bo Pelini is pretty easy. We did that here earlier this week. Singing the praises of the offense? Well, that's been a little tricky the last few years in Lincoln.

Still, Nebraska brings back a considerable amount of talent on offense for 2011. Were Nebraska's struggles on offense the last few years a talent issue, or a former offensive coordinator Shawn Watson issue? We're about to find out, but here are the tools that new OC Tim Beck will have to work with as Nebraska embarks on their inaugural B1G Conference campaign.

No. 7: Brandon Kinnie

Brandon Kinnie led Nebraska with 44 receptions for 494 yards and five touchdowns in 2010.

He’s Nebraska’s most experienced and most reliable wide receiver returning, and will be an important focal point of Tim Beck’s new-look offensive attack.

He also has to lead Nebraska in Tweets, in terms of volume and entertainment value. Check him out @bkinnie84, you won’t be disappointed.

No. 6: Jeremiah Sirles

If center is the most important offensive line position, then left tackle comes a close second.

Sirles ended up winning the starting position over Yoshi Hardrick, and the sophomore will bring that experience as a starter to his position in 2011, attempting to clear lanes for Rex Burkhead and protecting the ankle of Taylor Martinez.

No. 5: Kyler Reed

All the kid does is score touchdowns. Well, OK, that’s not entirely true, but eight touchdowns in 22 receptions is a pretty good ratio.

Even from the tight end position, Reed emerged as Nebraska’s down-field threat in 2010. While there will be more speed on the field in 2011, Reed won’t have forgotten where the end zone is, and coverage of Reed might get spread a little thin with Nebraska’s new offensive weapons being deployed.

No 4: Mike Caputo

With Nebraska losing three starters on the offensive line, consistency and experience will be crucial factors for the offense’s success. Mike Caputo returns for his senior season at center, and he will bring both of those factors to the Pipeline.

While much ink has been spilled about Taylor Martinez, it will fall on Caputo in 2011 to lead the offensive line and give Martinez and company a chance for success.

No. 3: Jamal Turner

I know, I know, he’s a true freshman who hasn’t played a down for real. But Jamal Turner brings breakaway speed and ankle-breaking elusiveness that Nebraska hasn’t seen since the days of Eric Crouch.

Turner, a converted quarterback, will see the field immediately on offense and on special teams, and will bring the immediate home-run threat Nebraska has been lacking.

The presence of that speed on the field will make Rex Burkhead, Taylor Martinez, and the rest of Nebraska’s offense more effective by preventing defenses from cheating and scheming to take away NU’s current threats.

No. 2: Rex Burkhead

There were times in 2010 where it appeared Rex Burkhead, not Roy Helu, was the running back most trusted by the Nebraska coaching staff.

Heck, with the implementation of the Wildcat at the end of the season, there were times in 2010 when it appeared Burkhead was the most trusted quarterback on the roster.

Regardless, Burkhead is a stable, reliable back with good vision and great drive. He is a north-south runner and is sure-handed, a trait important for a Nebraska squad with huge fumbling problems. He’s no home-run hitter with his speed, but Burkhead will be the foundation upon which Nebraska’s offense will be based in 2011.

No. 1: Taylor Martinez

Yes, he’s a riddle wrapped in an enigma. But he’s also the one proven commodity on Nebraska’s offense that can change a game. His speed, and more importantly, his acceleration, give him the unique ability to take over a game.

He set Nebraska records for rushing and passing in his freshman campaign, before his injury against Missouri.

Yes, it appeared that defenses were able to scheme against him and reduce his effectiveness. But he’s also got a year of experience under his belt and, by all accounts, a legitimate competitor for playing time behind him in Brion Carnes (and Bubba Starling, if he foregoes the big money from the Royals and stays in Lincoln).

Bo Pelini made the decision to go with Martinez last year regardless of injury, regardless of controversy, and regardless of effectiveness. Pelini’s not stupid. He stuck with Martinez because he knows that, when he’s right, T-Magic still is the most gifted offensive player the scarlet and cream have.

Honorable Mention

CURENSKY GILLEYLEN: Gilleylen might be the most maddening player on NU's offensive roster, and not just because his name is almost impossible to spell correctly the first time. Gilleylen possesses the speed that Nebraska has been sorely lacking, but has been unable to master the catching part of the wide receiver position. The coaches have toyed with the idea of moving him to running back in an attempt to get him on the field more, and he could be a surprise addition to NU's offense in his senior season.

JEMARCUS (YOSHI) HARDRICK: It was a tough call deciding which returning left tackle to place on the list, because Hardrick played well at times throughout 2010. If he continues his progress, Hardrick can be a valuable part of the offensive line rotation.

TIM MARLOWE: In addition to having a name that sounds like a Mickey Spillane character (Google him, kids, you won't be disappointed), Marlowe emerged as a sure-handed possession receiver towards the end of 2010, and got some work returning kicks as well. Nebraska is likely to trot out a lot of speed, and a lot of youth, at wide receiver in 2011. A reliable pair of hands like Marlowe could be critically important to balance things out.

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