Tyler Knaak among Nebraska offensive lineman earning more reps due to injured veterans

Tyler Knaak isnt the only one who chose to make the most of Nebraskas situation.

It has been musical chairs on the Huskers offensive line through the first six practices of the spring with a handful of important pieces set to either be a partial participant or miss all of the monthlong camp.

Other guys have taken advantage of extra snaps.

Unfortunately, we have so many guys out.

...

Its football, the reality of the sport, Knaak said.

But as guys get an opportunity to step up, its cool to see them get in that light and perform to the best of their ability.

Turner Corcoran, Teddy Prochazka, Gunnar Gottula and Henry Lutovsky all potential starters by the fall are at different points in their return after varying injuries that have kept NU from building on their experience of a combined 71 career starts, including 24 from a season ago.

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So everyone else has seized the opportunity.

Notre Dame transfer Rocco Spindler and Alabama transfer Elijah Pritchett, two highly touted portal additions looking to make an immediate impact, have had the time and reps to settle in.

But its especially beneficial for unproven products trying to show what they bring to the table.

Thats guys like Knaak, a junior, and underclassmen Grant Brix, Sam Sledge, Brock Knutson and Landen Davidson.

Theyve all made the most of opportunities they wouldnt have otherwise.

Theres always flashes of greatness from each guy, offensive line coach Donovan Raiola said Thursday.

It just takes time.

It has all been special necessary, even for Knaak.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman appeared in eight games last season, playing limited action while dealing with the lingering effects of a lower-body injury that made him undergo minor surgery after Nebraskas Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College.

Knaak understands what its like to not be able to do anything but stand on the sidelines.

Hes glad he isnt anymore.

Its just fun to be out there again, be out there with the guys, Knaak said.

Being out there versus being in it, its not as fun when you get to watch.

But its really fun when you get to play with your guys.

Those older, injured players still have a role, too.

Theyve let their voices be heard and coached the younger guys, even while theyre trying to work their way back.

Its a tight-knit group, Knaak said, and that helps both on and off the field.

That all starts with the veterans leadership.

Theyre out there every day coaching, theyre in meetings coaching, and they understand the offense at a high level, Raiola said.

Im very comfortable with them taking those young guys and coaching them up if Im not around.

Theyre doing a great job.

Nobody develops overnight.

Nobody heals overnight, either.

Nebraskas offensive line situation is what it is for the time being.

So the Huskers are taking it day by day, snap by snap.

Its just a progression.

We have to keep watering the bamboo, Raiola said.

When theyre ready to play, theyll be out there.

Photos: Inside Nebraska football's spring practice on Thursday, March 27 Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (left) is defended by Vincent Shavers during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska outside linebackers Phil Simpson (from left), linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek and head coach Matt Rhule speak during a team practice last Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Andrew Marshall (left) and Jeremiah Charles compete for the ball during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska defensive backs coach Addison Williams talks to players during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler demonstrates a drill during a team practice last Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen looks on during a team practice on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Kwinten Ives picks up a pass during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Cortez Mills (left) and Preston Okafor (center) run drills in front of special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Rocco Spindler (left) and Tyler Knaak in action during practice last week at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Teddy Prochazka (65) talks with Elijah Pritchett (57) during a team practice last week at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler talks in front of Malcolm Hartzog during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Jason Maciejczak (left) and Sam Sledge do drills during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

iNebraska's Dylan Raiola makes a throw during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas looks on during a team practice on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Tyler Knaak (left) and Brock Knutson run drills during a team practice last week at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska practices at Memorial Stadium on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Lincoln.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola celebrates during practice on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

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