Returning talent key for NU

Summer is definitely here with the hot temperatures, the increase in humidity and oh, the lack of any Husker football news, recruiting included.
So what better time to look ahead to August and September. I’ve come up with 10 Nebraska football players who I predict will be most indispensable for head coach Scott Frost, in order to get the program back to national relevance.
A win or even just a close game against Oklahoma could totally flip the switch.
No. 10: Deontai Williams, senior safety. He and Marquel Dismuke are both seniors on the back end of the Blackshirts, but I see Deontai as the leader. I was somewhat surprised when he didn’t declare for the draft, so I expect him to make a lot of plays, with all of his athleticism and experience. He must stay healthy to solidify the defense.
No. 9: Garrett Nelson, sophomore outside linebacker. The former Scottsbluff all-stater is now up to 240 pounds and could become a difference-maker for Eric Chinander. His name needs to be called two or three times each game with either a sack, a hurry or a big hit. He still has a big upside, and he’s on my list because he’s one of the most enthusiastic Huskers in quite awhile.
No. 8:  Damion Daniels, junior nose guard. This big guy will be the key in the middle each every game. He’s working on his stamina, and he certainly needs to be on the field more than off of it. If he can do that and stay healthy, he’s going to plug up the middle, possibly forcing defenses to double-team him, thus opening it up for his teammates to make plays.
No. 7: Cam Jurgens, sophomore center. Cam’s troubles with snaps are well-documented, but that should be a thing of the past. His explosiveness and added strength, along with an increased knowledge of the position, should make him become a dominant player this fall. The former Beatrice Orangeman helped lead the Huskers to a third place Big Ten finish in rushing this past season. Look for that number to increase.
No. 6: Samori Toure, senior wide receiver. The transfer from Montana is a known, quality commodity...that’s why I chose him over the unknown Omar Manning. His 87 receptions in 2019 speaks volumes, and his explosiveness at that position is something the program desperately needs. This guy is what Oklahoma turns out each and every season.
No. 5: Turner Corcoran, freshman left tackle: The big guy from Kansas started the final game against Rutgers this past season and held up well, protecting the quarterback from the blind side. That’s going to have to happen each and every game if the Husker offense is going to be able to take that next step up. With the receiving corp now seemingly in place, one missed assignment here could be a drive buster. The program has been spoiled the past few seasons at this position with Brenden Jaimes, and this must continue.
No. 4: JoJo Domann, senior outside linebacker. This guy is indispensable because he simply makes plays all over the field. Whether it’s rushing the quarterback, making an open field tackle or covering a speedy receiver, JoJo is your guy. He’s a difference-maker, and a big senior campaign is just what the doctor ordered.
No. 3. Austin Allen, junior tight end. Now the leader of the pack of tight ends, the former Husky took a huge leap this past season in his blocking and also pass catching abilities, as well as his overall leadership qualities. We say this every year, but the tight end position needs to be included more in the overall offense, and with Austin. there’s no time like the present because there’s no guarantee this season won’t be his last in a Husker uniform. His blocking sets him apart from other tight ends in the conference and that sometimes gets overlooked, but his work ethic will never waiver.
No. 2: Cam Taylor-Britt, junior cornerback. A second-team All-Big Ten selection by the conference coaches, Cam proved he is one indispensable Husker in 2020 as a shutdown corner. He also averaged 13 yards per punt return, providing a spark in an otherwise dismal special teams year. There’s no doubt Cam has a lot more upside and a pro career is just waiting to happen.
No. 1: Adrian Martinez, junior quarterback. The California native has had an up and down Husker career so far, but it now seems to be trending in the right direction. This is his team after the departure of Luke McCaffrey to Louisville. Adrian’s physical skills are as good as there are in college football, so if he can cut down his mental mistakes and just run the offense, there’s no telling how many points this team can score each and every time out. But believe me, this year more than ever, it’s all going to start and stop with Adrian.
DAVE BRADLEY can be reached at advertising@hamilton.net.