Relative newcomers to Nebraska Football are making noise on defense

The Nebraska football Spring Game is still a week away, but who will contribute during the 2024 season is becoming increasingly clear. While most of the focus in recent weeks has been on offense and especially on who starts at quarterback, there have also been some battles for playing time on defense this offseason.

During the same press conference that Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule talked about how good As he played his offense during a recent scrimmage, he also mentioned some defensemen who stood out. Among the guys who received rave reviews was a guy who is brand new to the Huskers and one who still ranks as a relative newcomer.

One of the defensemen who has impressed Cornhuskers coaches the most is one of the newest defensive backs. Blye Hill came along in the transfer portal this winter, and he immediately stood out because while he has college experience, it is at the FCS level.

Some fans were clearly concerned about whether or not Hill could step in and make an impact. Rhule’s comments should allay these concerns. On Saturday, the Huskers head coach said if the season started today, Hill would be a starting corner.

He would start opposite the team’s other Hill. The starters would be Tommi Hill and Blye Hill, but obviously things could change before now and August 31st.

“Blye looks excellent there. He’s big, he’s physical, he’s tall, he’s competitive, he’s smart and he’s paying attention. He concentrates and has a short memory,” Rhule said during his press conference.

The other Nebraska Football defender who stood out this spring is another transfer who came over last year. Chief Borders maybe finally be prepared to make a name for yourself in a way that doesn’t involve social media.

Borders has played quite a bit of Jack in Tony White’s defense so far. Rhule called the former Florida Gator “a problem” because of the foul. He is also recognized as one of the most improved players of the spring.

In 2023, Borders did get quite a bit of playing time. He saw 147 snaps, but only recorded 3 tackles. Most of those snaps tended to be on special teams.

If things continue as they are for Borders, he will have the opportunity to make a much bigger impact. And if he and Hill both make noise, Nebraska’s football defense will only get better in 2024.