Nebraska Football: Ranking the 5 Most Consistent Players on the Cornhuskers
Nebraska football fans are a slightly different breed than most other college football fans. While other fanbases will lionize the highlight-reel escapades of their superstars, Nebraska fans celebrate offensive linemen and the tough guys who do the dirty work, day in and day out, to help their team succeed.
In that vein, letโs take a look at the guys new head coach Mike Riley has inherited who are the most consistent performers on the roster.
5. Daniel Davie
1 of 5
Last year, Nebraska was blessed with a returning senior at cornerback in Josh Mitchell. But starting opposite Mitchell for all 13 games last year was Daniel Davie. He had 41 total tackles last year, with five tackles for loss. Davie also had two interceptions and five tackles for loss.
Next year, Davie will be one of two returning starters in Nebraskaโs secondary. That continuity will be important for Nebraska as it adopts a new defensive scheme under coordinator Mark Banker.
4. Nathan Gerry
2 of 5
The other returning starter, Nate Gerry, has flourished after spending his freshman season as an undersized linebacker. As a sophomore, Gerry was one of the defensive leaders, with 88 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. He also had one fumble recovery and five interceptions, one for a touchdown.
Like with Davie, Gerryโs status as a returning starter in the Nebraska defense will be crucial as the Blackshirts transition to Bankerโs quarters defensive scheme.
3. DeโMornay Pierson-El
3 of 5
Itโs tough to think of a true freshman earning consideration as a consistent player. But Pierson-Elโs contributions after earning his way onto the field early in the season are hard to overestimate. His punt returns, of course, are already the stuff of legends. He kept Nebraska in the game against Michigan State and went a long way toward winning the game against Iowa by going the distance.
But it wasnโt just as a punt returner that Pierson-El showed his ability. He caught 23 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver, working his way onto the field later in the season. And he even went 1-of-1 as a passer for a touchdown, with a sparkling 564.40 quarterback rating.
Pierson-El is certainly Nebraskaโs most dynamic offensive weapon. But part of the reason he is so dynamicโand therefore so dangerousโis because he is so consistent.
2. Andy Janovich
4 of 5
Itโs hard to find statistics to back up a claim like this, but Janovich has been a model of consistency at a position where consistency, rather than flair, is the greatest attribute. He gets precious few opportunities to touch the ball (three carries and three receptions in his three years in Lincoln), and yet he has made 37 appearances for Nebraska.
Itโs possible the fullback may get a more expanded role in Rileyโs new offensive structure. Regardless, though, Janovich can be counted on to make the tough blocks and clear the way for Nebraskaโs more explosive offensive weapons in his senior campaign.
1. Jordan Westerkamp
5 of 5
For all of the amazing plays Westerkamp has made, itโs remarkable how easily he is overlooked. And itโs not like he doesnโt have a flair for the dramatic. He made this remarkable behind-the-back catch against Florida Atlantic last year. And he was on the end of one of the most exciting plays Memorial Stadium has ever seen when he caught Ron Kelloggโs Hail Mary to win the game on the final play against Northwestern in 2013.
But thatโs not Westerkampโs game in general. For the most part, heย runs the precise routes and makes the tough catches on passes that might not be exactly on target. He helps make his quarterbacks look better and has a knack for finding the first-down marker on third down. Heโs not Nebraskaโs flashiest wide receiver, but he might be the teamโs most consistent player.
Stats courtesy of CFBstats.com or Huskers.com.
This column first appeared atย the Double Extra Point, which you can follow on Twitterย @DblExtraPoint.
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