Believe it or not, football is just around the corner. Nebraska football opens spring practice beginning Saturday, March 4th and ends with the Red-White Spring Game Saturday April 15.
Before the Huskers open the season against Arkansas State in September, there are a lot of questions that still need to be answered. Who will Nebraska's next quarterback be? What will the 3-4 defense look like under new Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco? Riley addressed a few of these issues today.
Quarterback update
At the quarterback position, Riley said junior transfer Tanner Lee and redshirt freshman Patrick O'Brien will take equal snaps during spring practice. He said O'Brien was equally as productive as Lee during many of the Huskers' Sunday scrimmages last season.
Riley said he doesn't think there's urgency to declare a starter at the quarterback position, but he does want to make sure each gets in reps. He said when the time comes, he will make the announcement.
Switch to 3-4 defense
As far as the switch to the 3-4 defense, Riley said Mick Stoltenberg and Khalil Davis are two of the names in the running for nose tackle. Stoltenberg said he's gained somewhere between 15-20 pounds in the offseason to prepare for the nose tackle position this season.
Riley said Alex Davis, Sedrick King and Ben Stille will move to the short-side outside linebacker, while Marcus Newby, Luke Gifford and Quayshon Alexander will be field-side linebackers.
As far as the short-side defensive end, Riley said Carlos Davis will be getting most of the reps at that position. Chris Weber and Dedrick Young will be first up at the inside backer spot according to Riley.
Injury update
Redshirt freshman Collin Miller is questionable heading into spring practice. Riley said he injured his toe in practice Tuesday and that Miller had been working at inside linebacker.
Sophomore linebacker Tyrin Ferguson will also be limited in spring practice after having a knee scope.
Check back with OmahaSportsInsider.com and follow @OSIsports on Twitter for updates during Nebraska football spring practice.
