Nebraska's largest position group has roster spots on the line as spring camp arrives

The number to know in the Nebraska secondary is 28, and by the time fall rolls around, itll need to be lower than that.

The looming 105-player roster limit, set to be instituted for the 2025 season, will ultimately impact every position on the Nebraska football team as tough decisions will need to be made.

Within the biggest position group on the team, a Husker secondary that runs 28 players strong, an understanding exists that there simply arent enough roster spots or playing time to go around.

That doesnt mean theyre talking about it, though.

Their efforts on the practice field this spring will do the talking for them.

"Everybodys just coming in and working their butts off every day to prove that they belong here and prove that they should be on this team, senior defensive back Marques Buford said.

Every guy in our room has the potential to be on this team in the fall, and I actually mean that." People are also reading...

That hard work on the practice field is also going toward earning starting roles.

Four of the five players who started in the Husker secondary late last fall Buford, Malcolm Hartzog, DeShon Singleton and Ceyair Wright are back for the 2025 season, but that doesnt mean the unit will look the same.

If you ask any guy that played on that defense last year, nobodys going to be happy with the outcome, Buford said.

...

We cant make the same mistakes that we did last year; we have to be a whole new defense.

UCLA's Ethan Garbers takes off on a 57-yard run past Nebraska's Marques Buford on Nov.

2, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.

Wright is set to return as NUs top cornerback and Buford has again been working at safety this spring, while Hartzog and Singleton have been deployed in several different roles.

The hard-nosed, physical Singleton could be used closer to the ball, while Rhule said Hartzog can do it all as a field safety capable of filling in at cornerback if needed.

The mixing and matching of roles this spring has allowed Nebraskas first-year secondary coach, Addison Williams, to evaluate the strengths of his players.

I love coach Addison and I think everybody in our room would agree with that, Buford said.

I feel like Ive learned so many things between the winter and the past two days of practice weve had with him; I couldnt be more excited to be able to pick his brain for these next few months that we have together.

Its not the returning starters and veterans that need to be worried about their roster spots, though.

Those concerns fall heavily upon the many young defensive backs who make up the room, with seven sophomores and 14 freshmen represented among the 28-player group.

Some of those Huskers, players like Mario Buford, Donovan Jones and Amare Sanders, have already flashed their skills during games.

Others, like Rex Guthrie, Blye Hill and Evan Taylor, have been limited by injuries.

All of them, however, are united by the opportunity in front of them this spring.

Weve got a lot of guys who are big, fast and explosive that weve recruited; now weve had to develop (them), Rhule said of the NU secondary.

Some of those guys, they just have to make the most of their opportunities and theyre going to get them.

I think its a really exciting time.

We have some guys whove played a lot of football back there, but we also have a lot of other guys that I know can play.

This is their opportunity; this is their time.

Two practices are already in the books with 13 more to go before Nebraska ends its spring camp in late April.

The Nebraska coaching staff wont shy away from utilizing its deep, talented secondary 19 different Huskers earned playing time on the unit last fall but it cant take all 28 players into the season either.

The roster won't be resolved until August, and a spring of opportunity comes first for the Nebraska secondary.

That sucks that we cant bring everybody with us, but at the end of the day, thats just where the game of college football is going today, Buford said.

We just have to accept that, but on a day-to-day basis, these guys are coming in and working their tails off.

Photos: Nebraska football vs.

Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl Dec.

28 Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday.

Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson speaks during a news conference after the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) watches on as his teammates celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule hoists the championship trophy after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec.

28, 2024, at Yankee Stadium.

Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday Nebraska's Malcolm Hartzog Jr.

(7) and Donovan Jones (37) tackle Boston Colleges John Montague (8) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Referees and players try to break up a fight during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) hangs his head down after Boston College scored a touchdown during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Boston College's KP Price (20) and Boston College's Omar Thornton (30) celebrate a fumble recovery during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Nebraska at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans cheer as Nebraska scores a touchdown during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday.

Members of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band put on rain ponchos during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Boston College's Grayson James (14) celebrates his first down during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles while walking down the sidelines during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) runs the ball down the field during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday.

Boston College's Grayson James (14) outruns Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska players stand on the stage covered in confetti after Nebraskas victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

From left, Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) celebrates with teammate Cayden Echternach (48) after Nebraskas victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) walks off the field in celebration after Nebraskas victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) shakes confetti out of his hair after Nebraskas victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates as the trophy is awarded after Nebraskas victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (left) hugs Bryce Benhart (54) after NUs victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl last Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola's freshman season ended with Raiola taking a lap of joy around Yankee Stadium after Nebraskas 20-15 win in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec.

28, 2024, in New York.

From right, Nebraska's Derek Branch (24) celebrates with Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudys tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson (9) celebrate after a good defensive play during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

2024 PHOTO: University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band cheers during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Gage Stenger (47), left, and Vincent Genatone (30), right, celebrate with Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudys tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the Pinstripe Bowl vs.

Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien watches on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Evan Taylor (37) tackles Boston College's Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Boston College's Grayson James (14) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tackles Boston College's Cameron Martinez (29) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates after a touchdown against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) stretches out for the first down as he is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) and KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Boston College's Bryce Steele (2) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs.

Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) lifts up teammate Kwinten Ives (28) after Ives touchdown during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec.

28, 2024, at Yankee Stadium.

Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Evans (51) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's John Hohl (90) kicks in an extra point during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans gather in the Dugout BX bar on Friday ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl vs.

Boston College in New York.

Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr.

(17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans watch on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr.

(17) reaches out but misses the pass ahead of Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) attempts to tackle Boston College's Dino Tomlin (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Boston College's Reed Harris (4) makes a catch during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr.

(3) and John Bullock (5) stop Boston College's Turbo Richard (27) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Vincent Shavers Jr.

(1) celebrates after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to an official during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball against Boston College's George Rooks (91) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr.

(17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Boston College's KP Price (20) during the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec.

28, 2024, at Yankee Stadium.

Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans look on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs.

Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) catches the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska football players stand together during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) holds the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans walk up to the gates at Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans take shelter from the rain outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

The Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

Nebraska fans walk outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec.

28, 2024.

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