Nebraska Football Fall Camp Preview: Defensive Line

Matt Rhule’s first fall camp at Nebraska is right around the corner. The HuskerOnline team dives into what to expect from the Huskers with our position-by-position fall camp previews.

It’s time to flip to the defensive side of the ball and look to the trenches. Nebraska’s defensive line has some serious unknowns along the interior accompanied by a group of freshmen that will likely see some early playing time.

Related: QB | RB | WR | TE  | OL |

What we know right now: Nebraska’s newcomers are poised for an immediate impact

There’s no shortage of fresh faces in Terrance Knighton’s room. From freshmen additions to the transfer portal, the Huskers remade the unit this offseason and many of those newcomers will be asked to contribute early.

Elijah Jeudy arrives in Lincoln from Texas A&M where he made appeared in two games during the 2022 season. The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder was among a trio of underclassmen to start the spring game for the Red squad. Jeudy totaled five tackles, which was good for second on the team. Additionally, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native forced a fumble that set up a 53-yard scoop and score.

Two freshmen completed the youthful triad. Cameron Lenhardt and Princewill Umanmielen got after it on the edge during Nebraska’s public showing this past April. Umanmielen was one of the main storylines of the spring game with his three tackles for a loss, sack, and consistent disruptive ability. On the opposite side, Lenhardt had a strong showing of his own with four tackles and a pass breakup.

The duo of former four-star recruits will need to grow up fast in 2023.

The only other sack in the spring game belonged to Kai Wallin. A 6-foot-5, 235-pound junior-college transfer, Wallin has three seasons of eligibility remaining and is well worth keeping an eye on this year. Husker legacy Maverick Noonan is another underclassman that deserves some attention based on his spring showing. He posted only two tackles but picked up the pressure on Umanmielen’s sack.

While he isn’t new to Nebraska football, Blaise Gunnerson is in for a serious bump in playing time this year. The Carroll, Iowa, native appeared in every game in 2022, totaling five tackles. Look for Gunnerson, a 6-foot-6, 250-pounder, to be a key piece for NU along the edge.

Former tight end AJ Rollins moved to the defensive line this offseason and showed his athleticism with four tackles in the spring game.

Five Nebraska true freshmen ready to make an immediate impact in 2023

Key returning stats and numbers from 2022:

Player	2022 Snap Count
Ty Robinson	583
Nash Hutmacher	204
Blaise Gunnerson	69

Player	TCK	TFL	Sacks	FF	FR
Ty Robinson	24	4.0	2.0	0	0
Nash Hutmacher	15	0.5	0	0	0
Blaise Gunnerson	5	0	0	0	0

Biggest question: What happens on the interior?

Nebraska has two relatively proven assets here, Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. Pretty much everything else is a mystery until the season starts.

Robinson has been a staple of the Blackshirt defense for three years now. He started every game during the 2022 season and has amassed 68 tackles with 10 for a loss and four sacks. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Robinson is the Huskers’ most experienced defensive lineman and will be relied upon heavily to hold down space in the middle.

Meanwhile, Hutmacher got his shot as a regular member of the rotation and delivered. The junior from Oacoma, South Dakota, made 15 stops, including a half tackle for a loss. Hutmacher will be asked to do more this year and support Robinson with his veteran presence.

Based on the spring game, Jeudy will certainly be involved on the inside. Ru’Quan Buckley may be used as well as a five technique. A product of Wyoming, Michigan, Buckley weighs around 290 pounds.

While the defensive line’s place in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense remains unknown, the Huskers could certainly use a bump in play from this unit.

Projecting the fall

Top Group

Ty Robinson
Nash Hutmacher
Blaise Gunnerson
Elijah Jeudy
Princewill Umanmielen
Cameron Lenhardt

Names to watch
Kai Wallin
Maverick Noonan
Brodie Tagaloa
AJ Rollins
Ru’Quan Buckley 
Sua Lefotu
Jason Maciejczak
Riley Van Poppel
Vincent Carroll-Jackson