Our 17 Husker storylines for 2017 resumes with a new position on Nebraska's defensive front and the player expected to take on that role, Mick Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg could be a key cog in Bob Diaco's new 3-4 system. The Gretna native has put on nearly 20 pounds of muscle from last season & now tips the scales at around 305 pounds, something that was noticeable when he met the media for the Huskers' pre-spring press conference.
“I can hopefully gain maybe a little bit more before next fall," Stoltenberg told reporters back in March. "Obviously you lose weight during the season, so the heavier I can start probably the better, while obviously keeping my athleticism in there, too.”
The NU junior tallied 25 tackles in 2016, three of those for loss. Stoltenberg had a career-high six stops in the Big Red's overtime loss at Wisconsin last year. He is also expected to be a leader for Nebraska this season.
“His competitive spirit doesn’t allow for him to get down,” defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said back in spring ball. “Tangibly, he’s a big, physical 300-plus-pounder who can knock blockers back. He can move and step with both of his feet.”
The Huskers will speak with reporters at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago two weeks from Tuesday.
