Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 5 Taylor Martinez, 6-1, 205, QB. RFr.

The mystery man. We’re not sure if we’re vastly overrating his skills, or if we’re perfectly in line with what head coach Bo Pelini and offensive coordinator Shawn Watson expects of him.

We really don’t know that much aside from a few plays in the spring game. Martinez is quick. He runs instinctively. He’s a good fit for a shotgun spread option game that Nebraska wants to incorporate into its offensive scheme.

He also appears to be a quiet-but-effective leader. Some quarterbacks are like that, and can get along just fine in college - especially if they can make plays.

But how will he handle the pressure? The moment? A third down when he absolutely must complete a pass?

We predict he’ll be given every shot to win the starting quarterback job during the non-conference season. It’s up to Martinez to grab that chance and run with it. Literally.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13, No. 12, No. 11, No. 10, No. 9, No. 8, No. 7, No. 6

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 6 Alex Henery, K/P, 6-2, 175, Sr.

The nation’s best kicker, all told, when you figure in his range - 60 yards - his accuracy inside 40 yards - 45-47 for his career - and, most importantly, the pressure involved in some of those kicks. Henery’s foot literally carried NU’s offense in one-point losses to Texas and Virginia Tech.

As a punter, Henery adjusted his style in the offseason, which should lead to more consistency and fewer block opportunities for opponents. He’s deadly at laying the ball inside the 20 but he needs to improve his “flip the field” abilities when punting from deep inside his own territory, an 80-yard bomb at VT notwithstanding.

Put simply, Henery is a great weapon to have, and his quintessential “kicker’s personality” actually jibes quite well with head coach Bo Pelini, who admires Henery’s talent for focusing and handling pressure.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13, No. 12, No. 11, No. 10, No. 9, No. 8, No. 7

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 7 Eric Hagg, 6-2, 210, Peso, Sr.

If defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders could start a defense with one guy on the Blackshirts, it would be Hagg, the athletic, versatile defensive back who’s big enough to play linebacker and fast enough to cover downfield. You can do a lot with his talents. Blitz. Cover. Shadow a scrambling quarterback. Edge run support. Hagg, a serious guy, is the joker in Bo and Carl Pelini’s deck. The guy you don’t really want to see.

He can, however, be a little more aggressive in coverage - especially when the ball’s in flight. Hagg is poised for a big year, but if he can infuse a little more confidence into his game, he, too, could be an all-conference player and a high NFL Draft pick.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13, No. 12, No. 11, No. 10, No. 9, No. 8

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 9 Zac Lee, 6-2, 215, QB, Sr.

The known quarterback quantity who fought through a painful elbow injury last year, Lee is one of NU’s more intriguing players. Skilled passer. So-so runner. Iffy decision-maker. A little headstrong. He doesn’t necessarily fit the prototype for Nebraska’s offense going forward in 2011 and beyond.

But he just might the guy on whom Nebraska leans by the time this year is up.

Green is a wild card talent who hasn’t proven himself in a game. Taylor Martinez is a complete unknown, promising as he may be. Neither can pass as well as Lee. And if Nebraska’s running game isn’t a complete juggernaut by the time Texas rolls into town, can Pelini really trust the young pups to make the passes he knows Lee can make?

We’ll just see. Lee may not be the guy who starts on Saturday. But he just might the guy who finishes the Big 12 Championship. The latter matters much more than the former.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13, No. 12, No. 11, No. 10

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 10 Ricky Henry, 6-4, 305, RG, Sr.

Here’s one of those guys you didn’t know was severely banged up last year until Henry spent the entire offseason out because of shoulder surgery. Back healthy, Henry is probably the best fit for Nebraska’s new, tough attitude and downhill running game. He’s physical at the point of attack, nasty as a pulling guard and he plays to the whistle - and sometimes beyond.

Henry will have to watch penalties - he incurred some costly one last season in the Virginia Tech and Texas Tech games - but we expect, so long as he stays healthy, that Henry will be among the Big 12’s best offensive linemen.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13, No. 12, No. 11

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 11 Pierre Allen, 6-5, 265, DE, Sr.

Bo Pelini sounded the siren toward the end of fall camp: Pierre Allen is poised to have a big season.

Allen, truly healthy for the first time since early in the 2008 season, had a chance to improve his lower-body speed over the summer to go with his already-terrific power rush. Among the best pure athletes on the team - he was an all-star basketball player in high school - Allen is a decent pass rusher but better against the run. He was also smart enough to get his hands up and deflect five passes last year.

We expect a nice season for the senior, even with improved depth across the defensive line. Look for 60-plus tackles, eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13, No. 12

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 12 Mike McNeill, 6-4, 230, WR/TE, Sr.

The adjuster! Claims, insurance, diving board? Nope - it’s the football version in McNeill, the athletic, sure-handed pass-catcher who runs sharp routes and had good speed, but got lost in Nebraska’s offensive struggles last year. After all - if you can’t run the ball that well, it’s pretty hard to set up the tight end on the playaction.

At wide receiver, McNeill can win some battles against smaller defensive backs. He’s good at jump balls. He’ll be a very good perimeter blocker, too. Will his numbers be off the chart? They don’t have to be. McNeill should catch about 35 passes for 400 yards and if half of those are third down grabs for first downs - all the better.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14, No. 13

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 13 Keith Williams, 6-5, 310, OG, Sr.

Time for Nebraska’s most talented lineman to stay on the field for a whole season. Whether Williams is always 100 percent or not, his relative health is important to maintaining NU’s depth and shielding a red shirt freshman like Brent Qvale or true freshman like Andrew Rodriguez from playing too much.

Williams can be a dominant run blocker, is a smart, savvy pass blocker, and possesses a quiet, tough leadership that teammates notice. Naturally strong, Williams shed holding problems several years ago and could be a NFL guy should he shake off injury concerns. That’s not easy for the Missouri native to do.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15, No. 14

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 14 Rex Burkhead, 5-11, 210, RB, So.

The Swiss Army Rex - that’s what we’ll call the Plano, Texas native. Burkhead is not as dynamic nor as explosive a runner as Roy Helu, but he is more versatile overall. He’s a good runner in between the tackles. He can catch passes in the flat and quickly turn upfield. He can pass block. He can return kicks. He can even play some Wildcat quarterback. And he doesn’t fumble.

His stats may not be as flashy as some Husker fans think they will be. But Burkhead will do all the little things that help the Huskers. And if Helu gets hurt - Burkhead can absolutely be a bellcow for NU in his absence.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16, No. 15

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 15 Brandon Kinnie, 6-3, 220, WR, Jr.

We’re a bit leery of predicting a big season for Kinnie, because he has to prove it on the field, not merely conduct a bunch of interviews with reporters because he’s a good guy with a big smile. While Kinnie would appear to have all the tools to be a solid receiver - size, good hands, toughness, strength - Nebraska’s had guys like that in the past who never panned out.

That said, Kinnie’s locker room presence - no matter how many catches he has in 2010 - is a huge asset to these Huskers, who lacked a bit of levity and confidence in 2009 on offense. Kinnie’s competitive but hard-working, jovial yet humble. Plus - he was the entry point to helping recruit players like Yoshi Hardrick and LaVonte David.

We expect Kinnie to make about 30 catches in 2010 with a handful of touchdowns and big plays.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17, No. 16

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 16 LaVonte David, 6-1, 210, LB, Jr.

Nebraska thought so much of this kid that, after David failed to get out of junior college and enroll in January, NU still coveted his commitment. Now we know why. David’s speed and instincts - combined with Sean Fisher’s injury - put David in line to start at the weakside linebacker job.

We haven’t seen the guy much in camp, other than some basic drills that show off his speed and quickness, and we’re willing to trust Bo and Carl Pelini - who have praised the guy quite a bit - and their judgment on the guy. If he’s what Cody Glenn was to the Huskers in 2008, he’ll have a very fine first year.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 17 Will Compton, 6-2, 225, LB, So.

Thrown into the fire last year while coaches (a bit needlessly) kept Phillip Dillard in a limited role for five games, Compton’s weaknesses were exposed in the Missouri and Texas Tech contests. As a result, fans’ expectations of him might be a little bit lower than they should be. But watching spring and fall camp, it seems clear that Compton has grown as a player and a leader, the lessons learned in 2009 will be used against opponents in 2010.

Compton is an aggressive, willing tackler, decent in coverage, and solid in pursuit. At times, he was a little slow in diagnosing a play - working through his keys instead of following instincts - and that left him behind some ball carriers and pass-catcher, we think that problem will be resolved in 2010. We predict 50-plus tackles, a few forced fumbles and an interception.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19, No. 18, No. 17

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 18 Alfonzo Dennard, 5-10, 195, CB, Jr.

Just last week, defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said Dennard had the potential to be an “excellent, excellent corner.” Pelini obviously would know and who are we to argue? Thus far, Dennard’s production - he took over the starting job early in the Big 12 Conference schedule last year - has been good; he didn’t have any interceptions, but he broke 8 passes as the “field” corner for the Huskers.

Dennard has two great attributes: He gets a great jump on the ball; and his vertical leap, which is probably near 40 inches. Sometimes, the first skill burns him a bit - Dennard will occasionally bite on a pump fake - but his leaping skills allow him to matchup with bigger receivers and make plays on the ball before it ever reaches its intended target. He’ll get his interceptions this year, along with 30-40 tackles.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20, No. 19

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 19 Ben Cotton, 6-6, 255, TE, So.

The tight end is back at Nebraska as a viable, consistent weapon, and although NU’s receiving corps have improved to the point where Cotton may not be a huge pass-catching target, the Huskers will still look to the big guy around the goal line and in playaction situations. Plus - Cotton is as physical a blocker as Nebraska’s had at the position since J.B. Phillips in 2007. Husker coaches like what he brings to the table.

Beyond that, a quick glance around practice shows that Cotton is a leader, too, despite still being an underclassman. Look for him to expand that role as the years continue. For 2010, we prescribe around 15 catches, perhaps a touchdown, and a nice average to boot.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21, No. 20

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No. 20 Cody Green, 6-4, 225, QB So.

What to do with this big, athletic guy who neither throws quite as well as Zac Lee nor runs quite as well as Taylor Martinez? Here’s a hint: Don’t give up on him. Although it would appear that Green isn’t right at the top of the QB heap, game performance - not work in scrimmages - will truly decide who commands NU’s offense for the Big 12 season. And it just might be Green. Yes, it may depend on Lee and/or Martinez faltering, but don’t count out that possibility. It’s happened before.

Green’s biggest challenge is settling down in the pocket, carrying out his reads, and playing the game at college speed. Physically, Green is the most gifted of NU’s quarterbacks. But his short stints during the 2009 season - and the 2010 spring game - revealed a guy who still seems a bit antsy.

If Lee and/or Martinez do steer the ship in the right direction, Green could be in line for a redshirt season. He could use what he never got to get last year.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22, No. 21

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 21 Terrence Moore, 6-3, 285, DT, Jr.

This low-to-the-ground tank has been through two difficult years with injuries - especially in 2009, when Moore struggled to overcome a nasty, nagging turf toe problem.

But Moore was, as it turns out, paying attention for much of that time. He befriended Ndamukong Suh, shadowed him to some extent and learned some of the key trick that we think will make Moore a dangerous player - and a better pass rusher than you may expect.

Moore’s a quick player - quicker than Baker Steinkuhler - but his technique has needed a little work over the years. He’ll be a tough guy to block against the pass, but, given his size, he’ll have to anchor down against the run.

Carl Pelini has indicated that Moore, Steinkuhler and Thad Randle will play quite a bit during the non-conference season, and the best one of the bunch will probably log the most snaps next to defensive tackle Jared Crick. We like Moore by a nose (tackle). Although, to be fair, Steinkuhler has more experience and Randle, having gained some necessary weight, is very intriguing.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 22 Jeremiah Sirles, 6-6, 310, LT, RFr.

If this were the NFL, Sirles would have a massive spotlight on him, a rookie protecting the quarterback’s backside against a whole league of elite defensive ends.

College isn’t quite like that. There aren’t as many terrific pass rushers. But Sirles - and junior Yoshi Hardrick - are being thrown, at the very least, into a sauté pan for the non-conference schedule. By the Big 12 Conference season, it becomes a veritable frying pan.

Who is Sirles? He sure looks the part, and until suffering a slight injury last year was probably in line to play in 2009. His practice partner, Cameron Meredith, has plenty of praise for Sirles. Physical. Athletic. Smart.

The game will tell the story. Left tackle isn’t quite a premium position in college. But it’s important. And a bad day there can still lose a team games. Sirles has a lot to achieve in a short amount of time. He’ll get the live bullets soon enough.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24, No. 23

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 23 Cameron Meredith, 6-4, 265, DE, So.

Meredith is coming on fast as a solid, sturdy defensive end. He possesses better-than-average quickness, good strength, and his motor keeps defensive plays alive and quarterbacks on the run. Meredith looks to be a good run stopper, as well, having retained his weight without dropping much quickness.

He’ll be part of a front four that could improve as a pass rushing unit - especially with more depth. Meredith should finish north of 30 tackles and five sacks - pretty good for a unit of this much depth. More than that, and NU’s offense probably isn’t holding on to the ball enough.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25, No. 24

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 24 Mike Caputo, 6-1, 275, C, Jr.

If you had to pick one guy who absolutely needed to stay healthy on the offensive line, Caputo - a strong, tough pug of a center who’s more prototypical than some let on - is probably that guy. Now that Mike Smith is out for the season, Caputo’s backup is redshirt freshman Cole Pensick, and while Pensick has the potential to push Caputo for a starting job next year - not to mention 2011 stud recruit Ryne Reeves - Caputo has to hold down the fort in 2010. His size, in some ways, is an advantage so long as he’s strong - and he is, pound for pound, perhaps the strongest guy on the team.

Caputo is also bound to be snapping to several different quarterbacks - both under center and out of the shotgun - during the year.


See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 25 Baker Steinkuhler, DT, 6-6, 290, So.

Nebraska’s quietest man - he’s never done an interview in nearly three years on campus - is quietly developing into a top-tier defensive tackle. While we still contend his length and athleticism would make him a superb pulling guard, NU seems committed to keeping him on the defensive side of the ball. As such, Steinkuhler is a candidate to start on the defensive line relatively early in his career.

But we think Terrence Moore is a better companion at nose tackle to Jared Crick than Steinkuhler is. In fact, we’d prefer to see Steinkuhler play a little defensive tackle while Crick slides over to defensive end on the other side of Moore. Could make for some interesting run-stopping situations.

At any rate, Steinkuhler’s sheer length - and relatively lanky frame - makes for a tough job in the trenches. He’s not, after all, 6-6, 340. We do think he’s pretty technique-sound and gets down the line of scrimmage to make plays. He'll go north of 20 tackles this year. Perhaps north of 30.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27, No. 26, No. 25

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 26 Eric Martin, LB, 6-2, 240, LB, So.

Already one of Nebraska’s most dangerous special teams players, Martin will be making a push for more playing time at linebacker. Job one: Learn the defense well enough to get on the field. Job two: Play under control so that every play isn’t feast or famine. Martin makes mistakes going 100 miles per hour, and that’s a good thing for a guy his size and speed. But a drop in those mental errors is the only way he surpasses Will Compton on the depth chart.

And since we like Compton’s instincts and leadership ability, we think, for now, he holds off the bigger, more athletic Martin, who brings more wood in his bat. Martin will get his spots early in the season to prove himself, and he’ll remain, along with Rickey Thenarse, a weapon on some of the nation’s best special teams. We predict double-digit tackles and a blocked kick of some sort.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28, No. 27

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 27 D.J. Jones, 6-5, 310, RT, Sr. and Marcel Jones, 6-7. 315, Jr.

The light’s never quite gone for DJ Jones, who had the talent and strength to be a solid run blocker on the right side of the line. After shifting around at a variety of positions, he finally settled at tackle, got a year to truly learn the position and dropped 20 pounds during winter conditioning and spring camp. Now he’s pushing Marcel Jones - once considered an easy incumbent - for the RT starting job.

DJ just might win it, too. What he lacks in pass blocking skills - which may improve with better mobility and less weight - he probably surpasses Marcel in the run blocking good. There are plays where DJ gets terrific push on zone or power plays. He’s adequate pulling around the corner, as well.

The Phillip Dillard of 2010, DJ Jones could be poised, at long last, for a breakout year and a shot at the NFL.

Now - for Marcel. If you had to draw up a prototypical offensive tackle with sheer, raw skillset and size, he'd more or less look like Marcel does. Athletic, smart, occasionally dominant, Marcel Jones needs to improve as a run blocker and assert himself more in attitude. He also needs to stay consistently healthy.

There are times when Marcel Jones appears ready to turn the corner. And times when he needs a jolt of...something.

At any rate - two very talented players at right tackle. Can they make one consistent position? We're betting on that they do?

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29, No. 28

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 28 Brent Qvale, 6-7, 320, RG, RFr.

So here’s a the definition of a big hoss. Qvale was in line to burn his redshirt last year before an injury derailed him long enough that he kept it from the flames. But Qvale’s given Ricky Henry a good push in this fall camp, and although Henry’s held onto his job - he’s arguably NU’s best run blocker - Qvale will get his share of playing time and an opportunity to snag that starting job if he shows up big in games.

Qvale’s big and strong - that’s a known quantity among most of Husker linemen. His athleticism, however, is a secret weapon. Qvale, a former basketball player, has good enough feet to wheel that massive body around the corner on a pulling play. At guard, he’s big enough to blot out the sun, which makes inside stunts and bull rushes hard to achieve.

In a couple years, Qvale and Andrew Rodriguez could make one of the nation’s most athletic, imposing guard tandems. A-Rod doesn’t quite make the list because NU may not need him too much in 2010. But Qvale will definitely be leaned upon.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30, No. 29

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 29 Anthony West, 6-0, 205, SS, Sr.

West started at cornerback for the first four games of 2009. Alfonzo Dennard replaced him in the Missouri game. Dennard earned that chance with his athleticism and aggression - he patrolled the “field” side with confidence and clever timing - but it left West, one of NU’s best athletes, without a spot on the field. He now moves to safety where, in a testament of his work ethic, he’s in a battle for the starting strong spot with P.J. Smith.

West is a solid coverage guy with above-average speed and athleticism for the position. But he isn’t very big, so his attitude and toughness to stuff the run needs to be there when opponents test the Huskers’ middle. We think West will start the season as the guy and alternate with Smith during parts of the year.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31, No. 30

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 30 P.J. Smith, 6-2, 210, SS, So.

After a solid 2009 season of occasionally filling in for then-starter Larry Asante - and doing well - Smith finds himself in a battle for the starting strong safety spot with senior Anthony West, who’s a better cover guy, but probably can’t fill up the run like Smith could. For now, West has a slight upper hand in fall camp, but that could change quickly.

Either way, Smith has a bright future. He has a terrific frame, he’s smart, vocal and physical. He’s another sleeper recruit that flew under the radar of far too many teams when the Huskers plucked him out of Louisiana. We expect double-digit tackles and perhaps an interception or forced fumble.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32, No. 31

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 31 Dontrayevous Robinson, 6-1, 230, RB, So.

Don’t be fooled by the size of this guy - Tray can hit the corner, turn it quickly, and outrun defenders. Although Robinson could figure to become NU’s short-yardage guy, he’s much more than a short-yardage back because of his high school experience - where he blocked, caught passes and generally played the role asked of him - and his relatively good speed. He’s also a guy defenses won’t want to tackle on the corner.

Barring injuries, he won’t surpass Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu at the running back spot, so we’re not calling for a huge season. But we do expect Robinson to run for more than 250 yards and score a handful of touchdowns.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33, No. 32

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 32 Yoshi Hardrick, 6-7, 320, LT, Jr.

For now, the big JUCO transfer from Ft. Scott is in a battle for the starting left tackle job with red shirt freshman Jeremiah Sirles. For now, we like Sirles to get the nod there; he’s in better shape and knows the offense a little better. Hardrick has all the nastiness and toughness to be a devastating run blocker. Can he be nimble enough - and have good enough stamina - to go 60 minutes against a premier pass rusher in the Big 12? The league has its share.

We think Hardrick could perhaps be a better fit at right tackle - that’s the run-blocking spot that will be vacated when D.J. Jones graduates - but he’s left-handed, so NU keeps “Big Yosh” on the quarterback’s blind side. The want-to is there. Consistency - and the ability to hang in there for a full game - is something that only live bullets will prove.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 33 Mathew May, 6-1, 215, LB, Jr.

The guy who was supposed to be the breakout star of the 2009 fall camp - before getting derailed with a variety of injuries - has quietly had a productive camp. With the season-ending injury to Sean Fisher, May is squarely in the two-deep at linebacker, and while he’s not necessarily the favorite to start, a repaired hernia has given May most of his speed and mobility back.

Should May stay healthy, he’ll join Rickey Thenarse as one of NU’s most explosive special teams players. May was out for much of 2009, but he got back up from the count. Here he is again.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35, No. 34, No. 33

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 34 Khiry Cooper, 6-2, 195, WR, So.

If only he could decide. Cooper has the all the tools to be a pro-caliber receiver. Yes, he does. Good hands. Quick feet. Natural running ability. Cooper makes some stuff look that easy that are hard for even established receivers. But his choice to play baseball in spring - and partially in summer - keeps Cooper, for now, a little behind in learning the offense. He could be deadly in the slot if he can learn to run better routes and block to wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore’s liking. Cooper has put on some weight, and he should better be able to get off the life against press coverage.

We think he’ll reach double-digit catches with a couple touchdowns. Look for Cooper later in the year. The talent is there.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36, No. 35

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Our 50 Huskers to Know series returns for the fall, as we count down the key players on Nebraska’s 2010 team. Check back throughout fall camp for the countdown, and scroll to the bottom for links to the whole list.

No. 35 Quincy Enunwa, 6-2, 205, WR, Fr.

It doesn’t really matter why Enunwa flew so far under the radar of Pac-10 schools. He did - and it’s to Nebraska’s benefit. Enunwa has natural physical gifts - he looks like a smaller version of Maurice Purify - and appears to have decent speed. We’d argue that NU’s offense, with Bo Pelini’s health, has begun to turn the corner on playing young guys, and Enunwa is a perfect fit to burn the redshirt.

See all of the Huskers: No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42, No. 41, No. 40, No. 39, No. 38, No. 37, No. 36

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