Marcus Satterfield gives his initial feelings on Nebraska's offense

Questions surrounding the 2023 Nebraska offense this offseason have been spearheaded by the fact that there are new personnel in every level of the Cornhuskers’ effort.

Having a new head coach, new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback all come in during the same offseason brings some growing pains. Marcus Satterfield, who is entering his first season as Huskers OC, is confidence in his offense’ ability to adapt based on the growth he has seen this offseason.

“It’s still early in the stages. I told the guys that I appreciated the work they did in the summer,” Satterfield said. “They made a huge jump in the summer as a unit in knowing what to do, how we do it. The leadership is starting to step up at the top.

“We’ve had a great summer. Strength staff did an incredible job. The player-run practices — I think the leaders on our team did a really nice job. It has been a really smooth transition from spring to fall camp.”

Leading that charge on offense is the undeniable presence of incoming transfer quarterback Jeff Sims, who has completely embraced his role as a leader this offseason. His numbers on the field back up his leadership status as well.

In three years at Georgia Tech, he rushed for 1,166 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.3 yards per carry. His game isn’t one-dimensional, either. In three years for the Yellow Jackets, Sims threw for 4,464 yards and 30 touchdowns. He didn’t throw the football as often as a normal ACC quarterback, but still managed to amass 1,000 yards through the air in each of the three season played for Tech. 

On top of Sims, fellow transfers including former Five-Star Plus+ TE Arik Gilbert and four-star WR Josh Fleeks will be looked at immediately for leadership in Satterfield’s new offense.

On the ground, Nebraksa returns junior RB Anthony Grant, who is comnig of a 915-yard rushing season in 2022, will be looking to pass the thousand-yard mark this season. Emerging sophomore Gabe Ervin Jr. has been one of Nebraska’s stars this offseason as well, according to head coach Matt Rhule.

There’s no lack of talent for Rhule and Satterfield to play with in their new offense, and they’re expecting that talent produce winning football. There’s a reason Nebraska gave Rhule an eight-year contract worth $74 million — the confidence in him bringing the Cornhuskers back to national prominence is there, and fans are desperate for that success comes sooner rather than later.