After leaving Georgia for Nebraska, football is fun again for linebacker MJ Sherman
It wasn’t long ago when football wasn’t as fun as it was supposed to be for MJ Sherman.
That may seem odd for a former five-star linebacker that played every game during a back-to-back national championship run at Georgia.
But while Sherman had no shortage of team success, something was still missing. Looking for a fresh start, the Baltimore native entered the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason. He wound up at Nebraska in January.
In just three months since his move to Lincoln, Sherman has found his joy for football again.
“I’m not going to lie to you; it’s been the most fun I’ve ever had in spring ball in a long time,” Sherman said. “Even when I make a mistake, there’s still a lot of positive reinforcement and a lot of faith in my ability to help me gain faith in my ability and confidence, so I’m able to be who I am and who I want to be and feel.”
Sherman’s sister says he’s ‘in his element’ at Nebraska
Those close to the 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior have witnessed his positive change firsthand. Sherman’s sister, Raisa Blue, tweeted after Nebraska’s Spring Game that her brother was “in his element” as a Husker.
“In 3 years this is the MOST I’ve seen my brother smile and it makes me so happy to see him in his element, balanced energy, & having fun, as it should be,” Blue wrote. “Truly this is the light at the end of the tunnel.”
In addition to coming into his own at Nebraska, Sherman quickly flashed his playmaking potential in NU’s defense this spring.
He finished with four tackles and 1.5 for loss in the spring game. His hit on running back Anthony Grant for a five-yard loss on a fourth-and-1 run in the third quarter highlighted the performance.
Sherman also stuffed fullback/tight end Janiran Bonner for a one-yard loss on a third-and-1 late in the second quarter. That led to a turnover on downs for the Red defense one play later.
Moments like that have been common from Sherman all spring. While much of it is due to his talent and ability, he also credited it to fully buying into Nebraska’s defensive system.
“To be frankly honest, the coaches can only do so much when it comes to scheme and everything like that,” Sherman said. “You can have the best defensive scheme; you can have the best game plan for any offense. But if the players aren’t there to execute, it wouldn’t mean anything.
“It just really boils down to execution. I think that’s why I just really pride myself on making sure I’m in the right spot, right alignment. Make sure I do everything right.”
Emerging as a leader on and off the field
Sherman spent most of the spring working at Nebraska’s Jack linebacker position. But with his size, speed, and athleticism, he could line up at linebacker or defensive end in NU’s versatile 3-3-5 scheme.
NU defensive line coach Terrence Knighton is a seven-year NFL veteran and former Super Bowl champion. He knows a defensive player with lofty potential when he sees it. So, it was notable when Knighton praised Sherman’s rapid progress earlier this spring.
“He’s a guy I’m excited about,” Knighton said. “From day one, when he got here, to where he is right now, he’s a guy that’s a perfect example of a guy who’s improving each day.”
Beyond his play on the field, Sherman has also emerged as one of the strongest leaders on Nebraska’s defense. Part of that is from his experience and past success. But he’s also prioritized doing all he can to make everyone around him better.
“It’s been a yearning desire within me to be a leader, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to be a leader here,” Sherman said. “I’m willingly accepting that role. As a leader, you don’t just walk in and demand to be a leader. The team has to give you that respect.
“So, I’m just making sure I do what I’ve got to do to be trustworthy and accountable within every aspect and make sure that the team gives me that position, not me just taking it.”
