Nebraska Football: Position-by-Position Spring Practice Preview

The Huskers' spring practice begins Saturday, March 8.

It's been a long couple of months since Nebraska's victory in the Gator Bowl, and fans are ready to see the team back in action. The 2014 season might still be five months away, but Huskers fans are anxious to see what's in store.

Plenty of positions have a lot of depth, but there are a couple that are up in the air. There's no denying eyes will be on the quarterback position, but there will also be a lot of questions to answer on the offensive line and defense.

Here is a position-by-position preview for Nebraska's spring practice.

Quarterbacks

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Returning Starter: Tommy Armstrong Jr.

Others in the Mix: Johnny Stanton and Zack Darlington

The last time there was a quarterback controversy, it was 2010. At that time, Taylor Martinez, Zac Lee and Cody Green all faced off for the starting position. It wasn't decided until the last minute, either.

Four years later, Martinez has graduated and left the starting spot wide open. It would seem likely that Armstrong has an edge over Stanton and Darlington. After all, he did start eight games in 2013 after Martinez was injured.

However, Armstrong can't get too comfortable just yet.

Stanton came to Nebraska last year with a lot of good press. He had performed well at the Elite 11 quarterback camp and impressed a lot of folks. There's no doubt he'll give Armstrong a run for his money.

Additionally, Darlington kept himself in the race by arriving to campus early. While two concussions last summer will require the team to keep a close eye on him, Darlington has been cleared to work out. It'll be interesting to see what he can do.

Despite it all, the team seems firmly planted in support of Armstrong. In fact, he was a big factor in I-Back Ameer Abdullah's decision to stay for his senior year.

"He’s probably one of the most competitive guys on this team, and that’s what you want out of your quarterback,” Abdullah said, as reported by the Lincoln Journal Star (subscription required).

If the season started tomorrow, Armstrong would have the starting role.

Running Backs

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Returning Starter: Ameer Abdullah, Imani Cross, Terrell Newby

Others in the Mix: Adam Taylor

The Huskers are likely the least concerned with the running back position for 2014. With Ameer Abdullah returning for his senior season, this group has a lot to look forward to.

In 2013, Abdullah led the Big Ten with 1,690 yards on 281 carries. While he's not expected to have quite as high of numbers in 2014, he will still lead this team. He'll also be in contention for plenty of awards from the end of the season.

Imani Cross is also returning with a lot of talent. He rushed for 10 touchdowns last year, allowing Abdullah to take a break every once in awhile. Cross will be even more valuable in 2014.

Abdullah and Cross will be the top two on the depth chart. Behind them, Terrell Newby will continue to impress during spring practice. He had explosive moments in 2013 that made fans excited for his future.

Beyond that, there is plenty of depth to go around. None of the other running backs are likely in the mix to start, but they'll get a lot of good experience. Plus, they'll have a chance to work with Abdullah through spring practice.

That will set up Nebraska nicely for the future.

Wide Receivers

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Returning Starter: Kenny Bell, Jamal Turner, Jordan Westerkamp

Others in the Mix: Sam Burtch, Taariq Allen

Losing Quincy Enunwa will be a challenge for the Nebraska wide receivers. He led the team in receiving yards and had 12 total touchdowns, three times as any other receiver on the team, in 2013. However, Enunwa's departure opens the door for those behind him on the depth chart.

For instance, Kenny Bell is poised to return to the top receiver role. He was a standout in 2012, which is what Nebraska will want to see from him in spring practice. That will require the rest of the team, like Jordan Westerkamp, to work around Bell.

Spring will be particularly important for Jamal Turner, who needs to turn a corner before the 2014 season begins. He struggled last season, but fans are hoping to see the wide receiver improve during spring practice.

Beyond that, Sam Burtch and Taariq Allen will add extra depth if the Huskers need it.

Tight Ends

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Returning Starter: Cethan Carter, Sam Cotton, Trey Foster, David Sutton

Others in the Mix: Greg Hart

The 2013 season wasn't a big one for the Nebraska tight ends. In fact, after Jake Long was injured, the three tight ends that led the group were all freshmen. Even more disappointing was that Sam Cotton's touchdown pass against Minnesota was the only one from a tight end last season.

That looks to be different in 2014. Heading into spring practice, Cethan Carter definitely stands out. However, Cotton, Trey Foster and David Sutton will also make strong cases. Foster and Sutton only played small roles for the Huskers in 2013, but that experience is better than nothing.

The true test will be who works best with Tommy Armstrong and Johnny Stanton. Armstrong had a tendency to target his wide receivers in 2013, but that's something that can be corrected during spring practice.

Carter is getting a lot of attention as of now and seems to be at the top of the depth chart. If he can grow to be more comfortable with the quarterback, he should become a big-play threat.

Offensive Line

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Returning Starter: Jake Cotton, Mike Moudy, Mark Pelini

Others in the Mix: Alex Lewis, Zach Sterup, Ryne Reeves, Givens Price, Paul Thurston, Chongo Kondolo, Matt Finnin, David Knevel, Nick Gates

No other position group for the Huskers is quite as up in the air as this one. Plagued with injuries in 2013, plenty of players had the opportunity to step up and gain valuable experience. Those snaps may prove to be very important in the end.

That's why there are so many players still in the mix.

Spring practice will be vital as Bo Pelini sorts this all out. As of now, it seems as if Jake Cotton is the only one likely guaranteed his spot—left guard. Everything else is up in the air.

While Mark Pelini is a favorite at center, Paul Thurston could make a push for it. Chongo Kondolo can't be ruled out of contention either.

Matt Finnin could make a case for tackle, especially now that he's been granted a sixth year of eligibility. Lewis, a transfer from Colorado, also could step up big. He started 12 games for the Buffs in 2012, which earned him an All-American honorable mention.

Needless to say, there isn't a lot of experience with this group. However, there is a lot of promise. Spring practice will be crucial in determining who will rise and fall on the depth chart.

Defensive Line

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Returning Starter: Randy Gregory, Vincent Valentine, Aaron Curry, Maliek Collins

Others in the Mix: A.J. Natter, Greg McMullen, Joe Keels, Kevin Williams

The defensive line has a lot of potential heading into spring practice. The player getting the most talk is definitely Randy Gregory. After an impressive showing in 2013, fans are anxious to see him in action once again.

However, there are plenty of players around him that will have a lot to prove in spring practice. Aaron Curry, Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins all started at least one game in 2013, which gives them an edge. They can't rest easy, though.

Joe Keels, for instance, is a junior college transfer that is expected to step up quickly for Nebraska. And Kevin Williams returns after two ACL injuries. It's important to note that Williams would have started at defensive tackle in 2013 had his second injury not taken him out.

Gregory will definitely power this group forward, but it will depend on every player around him to make it better than last year. Keep an eye on Keels and Greg McMullen. Both seem likely to make a big statement in spring practice.

Linebackers

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Returning Starter: David Santos, Michael Rose, Zaire Anderson, Josh Banderas, Nathan Gerry

Others in the Mix: Trevor Roach, Marcus Newby, Courtney Love

This group heads into spring practice with much more experience than it had in 2013. With it, this group has come a long way since last September. By the Gator Bowl, the linebackers were communicating more and making needed plays.

With the new season comes new expectations, though. Michael Rose will be expected to hold his spot in the middle and David Santos should remain at the WILL spot.

From there, Zaire Anderson should make the case to be in every down. He was rotated in and out heavily in 2013, but his experience should keep him more consistent in 2014. Josh Banderas also started four games as a true freshman, so he will likely make a case for more consistent playing time.

This group has a lot of potential though. Marcus Newby and Courtney Love have both received high praise heading into spring practice for their playing ability. Because of this, Pelini believes Nathan Gerry may find himself playing a bit of safety this spring.

Trevor Roach is also returning from a foot injury that benched him all of last season. He's worth keeping an eye on, too.

Needless to say, there is a lot of talent here. There will still be a lot of rotation in 2014, but this group will be in a much better place at the end of spring practice than it was a year ago.

Secondary

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Returning Starter: Josh Mitchell, Corey Cooper, Harvey Jackson, LeRoy Alexander, Charles Jackson

Others in the Mix: Jonathan Rose, Daniel Davie, Boaz Joseph, Drake Martinez, D.J. Singleton, Trai Mosley, Luke Gifford

The list of players still in the mix for this position is long. That's because Nebraska loses Ciante Evans, Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Andrew Green. With those departures, there will be more opportunities for younger players to step up more than ever.

In addition to replacing key starters, this group will also be using spring practice to adjust to their fourth assistant coach in five years—Charlton Warren. However, Warren has gotten off to a good start with this group and spring should do nothing but help.

A lot of pressure will fall on Josh Mitchell's shoulders in spring practice, as the Huskers need a big season from him in 2014. Otherwise, fans can expect to see a lot of competition for the open safety position to play alongside Corey Cooper.

Jonathan Rose has the potential for a big spring, but he'll have to outshine all the competition. Based on the list of contenders, it won't be the easiest path to the top of the depth chart.

Specialists

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Returning Starter: Mauro Bondi, Sam Foltz

Others in the Mix: Drew Brown

Nebraska is known as "Kicker University." After all, this program has churned out players such as Alex Henery, Sam Koch and Kris Brown.

Both Mauro Bondi and Sam Foltz return to the team for 2014, making them pretty sure bets to start. Both will have all of spring to continue working, something Drew Brown won't have.

If Brown's name looks familiar, it's not a coincidence. Kris Brown is his older brother, so it makes sense that the younger of the two decided to come to Nebraska and keep it in the family.

Brown will still be able to make a case before the 2014 season begins, but spring practice belongs to Bondi and Foltz.