Nebraska releases first depth chart for 2023 football season

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nebraska-cornhuskers-head-coach-matt-rhule-details-elements-big-ten-football-figure-out — (Abby Barmore/ HuskerOnline)

Nebraska released its first depth chart of the Matt Rhule era Friday.

The depth chart features only four positions where a starter has not yet been set. They are at tight end, fullback, one defensive end spot and jack linebacker.

There are no true freshmen listed as starters on the Nebraska depth chart so far but Cameron Lenhardt could start at defensive end. He and Blaise Gunnerson are both listed as potential starters. However, three other freshman are named as backups: Gunnar Gottula at left tackle, Sam Sledge at left guard and Dwight Bootie II at cornerback.

One position where there was no uncertainty was quarterback as Jeff Sims has been the guy at Nebraska for the summer. However, the backup quarterback spot is murky with Henrich Haerberg and Chubba Purdy both named as backups.

Gabe Ervin Jr. will start beside Sims in the backfield at running back.

Right tackle Bryce Bernhart and safety Omar Brown have the most starting experience on the team in their college careers with 29 starts each. All 29 of Bernhart’s have come with the Cornhuskers while Brown’s 29 starts came at Northern Iowa.

Left tackle Turner Corcoran, cornerback Quinton Newsome and defensive end Ty Robinson started all 12 games for the team last year and have retained their starting positions.

Rhule will open his Nebraska career next Thursday with a game against Minnesota. He was on the The Herd with Colin Cowherd this week and discussed how he thought the team can find success in the Big Ten.

“I think the defenses in the Big Ten do a great job, they just smother you,” Rhule said. “They’re physical, they keep everything in front of you, they’re built to play in November and December. When you’re in the ACC or SEC, you’re maybe not dealing with the same elements that you’re dealing with in the Big Ten, at least as it stands now. So I think that’s the biggest thing for us.”