Nebraska Football 2011: 7 Freshmen to Watch for Cornhuskers in 2011

We see it every year. Football season begins for the Cornhuskers and fans think they know everything they need to know about their team, and out of nowhere a freshman steals the spotlight.

Last year, most Cornhusker fans thought Cody Green would begin the season as the starting quarterback. To the surprise of many Cornhusker fans, a young brash quarterback from California took over the signal calling duties. This freshman quarterback, Taylor Martinez, played so well in his first seven games there was talk of a Heisman in his future.

In 2009, freshman running back Rex Burkhead came to Lincoln and played in nine games for the Cornhuskers. The list goes on and on...

During the offseason, Coach Bo Pelini has been raving about how the 2011 Cornhuskers are the deepest team he has ever had. It sounds like Pelini is going to use a lot of players this year and some of these players will be freshmen.

Here is a list of seven freshmen who may see significant playing time this year.

Running Backs: Braylon Heard, Aaron Green, and Ameer Abdullah

The list must begin with the three freshmen everyone is talking about: running backs Braylon Heard, Aaron Green, and Ameer Abdullah.

This is the last week of installing the playbook for the Cornhuskers before the team starts to focus on their first game of the season against Tennessee-Chattanooga. Bo Pelini has a tough decision to make. Does he redshirt one of these talented running backs or use all of them along with Rex Burkhead?

I think one will be redshirted because their will not be enough carries for three freshmen and Rex Burkhead. Who will be the one left out? That will be revealed soon. Each of the three is talented. Braylon Heard has the most power, Ameer Abdullah has electric speed, and Aaron Green is the most complete of the three.

When these three running backs get onto the field, they will make noise like the freshmen in the past. Do you remember Ahman Green?

Wide Receivers: Kenny Bell and Jamal Turner

Although Bo Pelini does not release an official depth chart, most unofficial depth charts have two freshmen starting for the Cornhuskers at wideout. The first is wide receiver Kenny Bell.

Last year Kenny Bell was redshirted, spending the season on the scout team. Throughout the season, defensive players like Prince Amukamara talked about how well Bell played. He has the speed to be the Cornhuskers' deep threat this season. With the more physical Brandon Kinnie on one side and Kenny Bell on the other, the Cornhuskers will not miss a beat with the loss of last year’s deep threat Niles Paul.

The other freshman Cornhusker slated to start this season is Jamal Turner. In the Cornhuskers' Spring Game, Jamal Turner stole the show. Turner returned a punt 59 yards, a kickoff 54 yards and caught a 49-yard touchdown pass, during which he somersaulted into the end zone. After a brief conversation with Pelini on the sidelines, we can expect Jamal Turner to give up on his acrobatics, but he will be a force on special teams and as a wide receiver.

These two wide receivers will add a dimension to the Cornhusker offense that they have not had for a long time: a legitimate play-making wide receiver.

Quarterback Brion Carnes

Another freshman Cornhusker who made a name for himself in the Spring Game was quarterback Brion Carnes. Carnes went 11-15 for 173 yards and two touchdowns.

The backup quarterback is always the most popular man in town, but Carnes is also popular because he is the cousin of former Cornhusker quarterback Tommie Frazier, one of the best quarterbacks in Cornhusker history. If Taylor Martinez returns to the training room, Carnes will be the new leader of the Cornhusker offense.

Offensive Line Needs Tyler Moore to Step Up

The potential weak link for the Cornhuskers this year will be the offensive line. The Cornhuskers have proven players in center Mike Caputo and tackle Jeremiah Sirles, but the team will need one freshman to step up and start for the team this year.

Look for this freshman to be the blue chip recruit from Florida, Tyler Moore. Moore enrolled early and spent time in the spring practice, giving the freshman some much needed experience. Moore has as much talent as anyone on the offensive line, and with a summer in the strength and conditioning program under his belt, Moore will be ready to start this season for the Cornhuskers.

Benefits of Playing Freshmen in 2011

Will these young men be able to handle the media and the pressure of playing for a team that will draw a lot of attention this year? Playing freshmen will help the team stay fresh down the stretch, a problem the Cornhuskers have had in recent years. Bo Pelini is also making a statement to high school recruits who may be considering Nebraska. By playing freshmen, Pelini is letting these high school players know that if you have the skills, you can play immediately for the Cornhuskers.