Cornerback or safety, Nebraska coaches call Malcolm Hartzog the definition of 'a football player'

A relatively unheralded recruit in the 2022 class, Malcolm Hartzog was one of the surprises on Nebraska’s defense last season.

As a true freshman, the former three-star replaced Tommi Hill as one of NU’s starting cornerbacks for the final eight games. He led the Huskers with three interceptions while tallying 22 tackles.

While Nebraska undergoes significant changes on defense this offseason under a new coaching staff, Hartzog figured to be one of the few known returning commodities at corner.

Now midway through spring practices, it seems safe to project the 5-foot-9, 170-pounder as a fixture on the defense in 2023. 

The question is, where will he play?

Head coach Matt Rhule, defensive coordinator Tony White, and secondary coach Evan Cooper used one common phrase to describe Hartzog: a football player.

He’s already taken reps at cornerback, safety, and nickel this spring. His coaches are in no rush to lock him into one spot, as Hartzog’s versatility could define his role in NU’s new defense.

“I think he’s just a really good football player,” Rhule said. “He can play safety; he can play corner. As a safety, he’s a little bit smaller. But he’s got toughness, and he’s got the ability to make plays on the ball.”

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Hartzog’s versatility immediately impressed new Nebraska staff

Hartzog was Nebraska’s first high school signee out of Mississippi since Brandon Jackson in 2004. He did some of everything at Jefferson Davis County High School, starring in all three phases as a running back, cornerback, and return man.

The Silver Creek, Mississippi, native was named the 2021 Class 3A Mr. Football after guiding the Jaguars to a state championship as a senior.

That do-it-all ability immediately caught White’s eye when he first started watching film of NU’s defense from last year. Like most true freshmen, Hartzog had his share of learning curve moments after getting thrown into the fire at midseason.

But White said he’d already seen the limitless potential for Hartzog in his system.

“You could tell he had that little it factor in him,” White said. “So, seeing him live in the offseason moving around, you’re like, OK. But then it was his attention to detail. You always say good football players are really low-maintenance. 

“They get it, they understand, they know where to be, they know what they’ve got to do, they understand their process of how they’re good, how to be good. He’s just like that.”

Added Cooper:

“Malcolm has quickly shown me that he’s a football player. You win with those kinds of guys. He’s scrappy; he’s quick, he’s athletic, he’s tough as nails. You circle those guys.

“He’s done a great job.”

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Embracing a do-it-all mentality

Some players might be reluctant to move to multiple positions rather than perfect their craft at one spot.

But Hartzog immediately embraced the idea when his new coaches approached him about trying various roles.

“If you can play a position back there, you should be able to play everything,” Hartzog said. “Same technique; same responsibilities. Just being able to go out there and play.”

Hartzog became the first Nebraska true freshman to start a game at cornerback since Lamar Jackson in 2016. He said the experience he gained last year had vaulted his confidence going into his second season. 

Rather than just trying to prove he belongs, he’s now working to become a leader.

“I think I came up a lot,” Hartzog said. “Being coachable, and my teammates pushing me every day, I feel like that helped me become a better player and a better person off the field.”