Nebraska Football: 5 Guys Who Need a Great Spring Performance

Spring is a time of renewal, a time of promise. And in Lincoln, like every other college football town around the country, spring means the most popular practice in the history of practices. Many times, spring practice is the opportunity players will have to either earn a position, earn a position back or cement their place as a leader.

For Nebraska, here are five players who will be looking for a big spring to accomplish at least one of those goals.

Jamal Turner

When Turner arrived on campus, Nebraska fans were salivating at the possibilities.

Through the non-conference schedule, when Turner led Nebraska in receiving yards, that possibility looked like it would be coming true in a hurry.

Then, Turner dropped some passes. And stories started to come out about his practice habit. And Kenny Bell eclipsed Turner as Nebraska’s freshman offensive phenom.

If Turner wants to light a fire and reignite his career, the spring would be a very good place to start.

Tyler Moore

It all started so well for Moore.

The first true freshman to start on the offensive line in a season opener for Nebraska, Moore looked like he was set for the beginning of a long and illustrious career on the Pipeline.

Then, Moore struggled, was dropped from the starting lineup and eventually struggled to see the field at all.

A solid spring performance would go a long way toward getting Moore back on the field.

Will Compton

Compton didn’t struggle to see the field in 2011. But Nebraska has a monstrous, Lavonte David-sized hole to fill in 2012, and the burden will primarily fall on Compton to help fill that hole.

While Compton certainly doesn’t need to prove himself to protect his position, a strong spring from him will help reassure Nebraska fans that the Blackshirts can return to form.

Mohammed Seisay

In 2011, Nebraska fans knew that the loss of Prince Amukamura would make a huge difference in the secondary but took comfort that Alfonzo Dennard would be there to provide both athleticism and leadership.

Now, with Dennard gone as well, Nebraska will be looking for the next star at cornerback.

Enter Mohammed Seisay—the JUCO transfer who announced his intention to play for Nebraska on Twitter.

JUCO transfers are made with the expectation of immediate contribution, and if Seisay can have a strong spring, he can expect a starting role in September.

Brion Carnes

If you look at it the right way, it’s not like Carnes could do much more to make a name for himself than he did in 2011. After all, he had a 100 percent completion rate!

Of course, that was on the two passes he attempted in 2011.

The theory about Taylor Martinez needing a credible threat as his backup to spur his performance is sound, and Carnes now has some competition for the backup role in Tommy Armstrong arriving in Lincoln.

A solid spring may be critical for Carnes to keep his head above water on the depth chart.

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