The 50 Huskers to Know returns for the 2011 spring season! We count down the players you absolutely have to watch heading into spring football, culminating with No. 1 during NU's spring break.

The spring list, remember, is about players who are currently in the program, with an emphasis on redshirt freshmen and sophomores who might not have played much yet; in the fall, you'll see a list with more projected starters and incoming contributing recruits.

Not included on this list is wide receiver Khiry Cooper, who spends the spring with the Husker baseball team.

No. 41 Offensive guards Brandon Thompson and Jesse Coffey

While neither are expected to be front-line starters on the Huskers' offensive line by most fans, we think both will have a good crack at winning spots.

Thompson, now a junior, has battled through a slough of injuries – including a hernia – that's prevented him from practicing and playing during whole chunks of his career. If healthy, Thompson has a good nasty streak for the guard, his 6-6, 290 frame makes him a tough guy to pass rush around, and he's shown, to our knowledge, good technique and grasp of the Huskers' old offense.

Coffey, meanwhile, is now a sophomore who was showing real progress last fall camp before suffering a season-ending injury. Smart, athletic and coachable, Coffey will too get his crack at a starting guard slot.


See all 50 Huskers! No. 50, No. 49, No. 48, No. 47, No. 46, No. 45, No. 44, No. 43, No. 42

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