Nebraska Football: Who Benefits Most from Each Departed Player?

Nebraska Cornhuskers football fans have seen six players depart from the team since spring practice. And while the attrition does ease fears in terms of the NCAA's 85-man scholarship limit, the question inevitably arises: Who benefits from those departures?

So let’s take a look at Nebraska’s roster and make some determinations as to who might benefit the most from each of the six departures this offseason.

Marcus Newby for David Santos

Eric Francis/Getty Images

Of all the departures, David Santos' might have the biggest effect on this year’s squad. Nebraska now has only four scholarship athletes at linebacker outside of the incoming freshman class. Three of those four returning linebackers have little or no playing experience.

So there will be plenty of playing time to find for linebackers. Michael Rose-Ivey will likely be a starter after spending the season injured last year (knee). That leaves one space open for competition, and Marcus Newby has shown the most potential. Newby did see the field last year—but almost entirely as a pass-rush specialist.

Lane Hovey for Jariah Tolbert

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

Jariah Tolbert’s size (6'3", 190 lbs) suggested that the team would use him as a possession receiver, with his height being an advantage when catching passes in traffic against smaller defensive backs. While Nebraska has a number of players who might be able to benefit from Tolbert’s departure, Lane Hovey might be the best suited.

Hovey’s size (6'4", 205 lbs) is similar to Tolbert’s. And Hovey does have some experience, seeing playing time in every game last year and hauling in five catches for 69 yards. As he’s already been able to get into the mix, Tolbert’s departure opens the door further for Hovey to cement his place on the depth chart.

Byerson Cockrell for LeRoy Alexander

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

Nebraska was without LeRoy Alexander’s services last year after a suspension, so the fact that he is no longer on the roster may not be surprising. Given Nebraska’s depth in the secondary, Alexander’s loss is one NU can absorb, even though he is a talented and promising defensive back.

Byerson Cockrell played at nickel for most of the season last year, but Nebraska, under new defensive coordinator Mark Banker, will likely use fewer five-DB sets in favor of extra linebackers. So Cockrell’s experience will put him in prime position to compete for a starting safety position opposite Nate Gerry next season.

Zack Darlington for Johnny Stanton

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

You can argue that Johnny Stanton’s departure doesn’t affect anyone, as he found himself buried so deep on the depth chart that he wasn’t in competition for playing time.

So if you’re going to pick a quarterback who will benefit from Stanton’s departure, it’s probably the one who looks to be second on the depth chart. And if I had to guess now, that’s Zack Darlington. Using only the spring game for firsthand observations, Darlington is the one quarterback on the roster (including, disturbingly enough, presumed starter Tommy Armstrong Jr.) who can make all the throws Nebraska will need to succeed.

Alonzo Moore for Glenn Irons

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

If Tolbert looked to be a possession receiver, Glenn Irons projected as a burner who could take the top off opposing defenses. While Irons’ skill set is reminiscent of De’Mornay Pierson-El, it’s unlikely that much will affect Pierson-El’s critical role in next year’s offense.

So let’s instead go to Alonzo Moore, a receiver who has the speed and skill set in the mold of Kenny Bell. But injuries (leg) have derailed Moore’s ability to stay on the field and make contributions. If he’s able to do so this year, Moore has a shot to be a playmaker at receiver.

Drew Brown for Mauro Bondi

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Much like with Stanton’s, it’s hard to find much benefit for Mauro Bondi’s departure, given how far down the depth chart he found himself. But with Bondi leaving the program, all of the place-kicking duties should now fall on Drew Brown. This can do nothing but help Brown stay involved throughout the game, keeping him warm and included throughout the contest.

This column first appeared at the Double Extra Point, which you can follow on Twitter @DblExtraPoint.