2017 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
Introduction The '''2017 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team''' represented the University of Nebraska during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by third-year head coach Mike Riley and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. They competed as members of the West Division of the Big Ten Conference. They finished the season 4–8, 3–6 in Big Ten play to finish in fifth place in the West Division.At the conclusion of the regular season, head coach Mike Riley was fired. On December 2, the school hired UCF head coach and Nebraska alumnus Scott Frost as head coach.
Offseason ===Departures======Transfers=======Outgoing==== Name  No. Pos. Height  Weight  Year  Hometown  Destination Lavan Alston  #3  WR  6'0" 175   Sophomore  Oxnard, CA  Ventura CC Zach Hannon  #72  OG  6'5" 320  Senior  Kansas City, MO  Kansas Dwayne Johnson Jr.  #76  OL  6'6"  310  Senior  Houston, TX  Texas Tech Greg Simmons  #31  LB  6'2"  240  RS Freshman  Fort Pierce, FL  Duquesne Keyshawn Johnson Jr.  #3  WR  6'1" 195  Freshman  Los Angeles, CA  Arizona====Incoming==== Name  No. Pos. Height  Weight  Year  Hometown  Prev. School Kramer Rath  #95  K  6'1" 175  Senior (Grad Transfer)  Lincoln, NE  Nebraska Wesleyan===Coaching departures & replacements=== Name  Pos. Destination  ReplacementMark BankerDefensive CoordinatorHawai'i (2018) (LB/Asst. HC)Bob DiacoBrian StewartDefensive Backs coachRice (DC)Bob Elliott (S) and Donte Williams (CB)Bruce ReadSpecial Teams CoordinatorMontreal Alouettes (STC)Scott Booker but role largely divided up.Bob ElliottSafetiesNebraska (defensive analyst)Scott Booker===Other headlines===*February 22 – WR coach Keith Williams pleaded no contest to a criminal charge of driving under the influence (DUI), steming from his August 14, 2016 car accident and arrest. It is his third DUI conviction in 13 years but his first in Nebraska. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 3 years of probation, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, with his driver's license revoked and given the option to apply to have his jail sentence converted to house arrest. His jail sentence was converted to house arrest on March 1. *May 26 – Junior WR Stanley Morgan Jr. and Junior DB Antonio Reed were arrested and charged in Port Orange, Florida with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, following a traffic stop. Charges against Morgan were dropped on July 17 after he successfully completed a drug treatment program. *June 10 – Freshman early-enrollee WR Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (son of former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson) was cited for possession of marijuana in his dorm room by UNL campus police. On June 20, Johnson reportedly had left the program on a "leave of absence" and will likely not participate with the team during the season, potentially returning in January after the season. *July 8 – Nebraska defensive analysis and former safeties assistant coach Bob Elliott died in hospice care at age 64.Elliott had been hired as the team's safeties coach in mid-February 2017 but had stepped down from his position to an off-field analysis position on June 20 for "personal reasons." He had been diagnosed in 1998 with polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer) and received a blood marrow transplant soon after. He had been suffering from health issues in recent years that had limited him to an off-field role for the 2015 and 2016 seasons at Notre Dame before coming to Nebraska. *July 16 – Incoming freshmen CB Elijah Blades and DL Deiontae Watts failed to academically qualify to attend Nebraska, and joined junior colleges as a result.
Recruiting ===Position key===Back'''B'''Center'''C'''Cornerback'''CB'''Defensive back'''DB'''Defensive end'''DE'''Defensive lineman'''DL'''Defensive tackle'''DT'''End'''E'''Fullback'''FB'''Guard'''G'''Halfback'''HB'''Kicker'''K'''Kickoff returner'''KR'''Offensive tackle'''OT'''Offensive lineman'''OL'''Linebacker'''LB'''Long snapper'''LS'''Punter'''P'''Punt returner'''PR'''Quarterback'''QB'''Running back'''RB'''Safety'''S'''Tight end'''TE'''Wide receiver'''WR'''===Recruits===As of National Signing Day (February 7, 2017), Nebraska's 2017 recruiting class consisted of 20 commits, 8 walk-ons, and 1 JUCO walk-on transfer. On, February 16, 2017, Kade Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, joined the team as a preferred walk-on. 5 non-recruited walk-ons joined the team via tryout on March 29, 2017.One additional preferred walk-on was added in late April.====Scholarship recruits========Walk-on recruits========Tryout walk-ons=======Returning starters=======Offense==== Player Class Position Cole Conrad Junior Offensive tackle Tanner Farmer Junior Offensive guard Jerald Foster Junior Offensive guard Nick Gates Junior Offensive tackle Devine Ozigbo Junior Running back De'Mornay Pierson-El Senior Wide receiver Luke McNitt Senior Fullback Stanley Morgan Jr. Junior Wide receiver David Knevel Senior Offensive tackle Bryan Reimers Junior Wide receiver'''Reference:'''====Defense==== Player Class Position Freedom Akinmoladun Junior Defensive end Carlos Davis Sophomore Defensive tackle Tyrin Ferguson Junior Linebacker Luke Gifford Junior Linebacker Chris Jones Senior Cornerback Boaz Joseph Senior Cornerback Joshua Kalu Senior Cornerback Marcus Newby Senior Linebacker Antonio Reed Junior Free safety Mick Stoltenberg Junior Defensive tackle Aaron Williams Junior Strong safety Kieron Williams Senior Free safety Chris Weber Senior Linebacker Dedrick Young Junior Linebacker'''Reference:'''====Special teams==== Player Class Position Drew Brown Senior Kicker Tre Bryant Sophomore Kick Returner Zack Darlington Junior Holder Caleb Lightbourn Sophomore Punter Jordan Ober Junior Long Snapper De'Mornay Pierson-El Senior Punt Returner'''Reference:'''
Schedule
Roster and coaching staff === Depth chart ===
Game summaries ===Spring practice======Arkansas State===*'''Sources:'''Arkansas State Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackTre BryantWide ReceiverStanley MorgonWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleDavid KnevalLeft GuardJerlad FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyCornerbackEric LeeStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===At Oregon===*'''Sources:'''Oregon Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackTre BryantWide ReceiverStanley Morgon Wide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleMatt FarnoikLeft GuardJerlad FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyCornerbackEric LeeStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===Northern Illinois===*'''Sources:'''Northren Illinois Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackMikale WilbonWide ReceiverStanley MorgonWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleMatt Farnoik Left GuardJerald FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyCornerbackEric LeeStrong SafetyAntonio ReedFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===Rutgers===*'''Sources:'''Rutgers Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackMikale WilbonWide ReceiverGabe RahnWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerlad FosterCenterMichael DeckerRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyCornerbackEric LeeStrong SafetyAntonio ReedFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===At Illinois===*'''Sources:'''Illinois Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackDevine OzigboWide ReceiverStanley MorganWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerald FosterCenterMichael DeckerRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerSedrick KingCornerbackEric LeeStrong SafetyAntonio ReedFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===Wisconsin===*'''Sources:'''Wisconsin Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackDevine OzigboWide ReceiverStanley MorgonWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerlad FosterCenterMichael DeckerRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerBen StilleCornerbackEric LeeStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===Ohio State===*'''Sources:'''Ohio State Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackMikale WilbonWide ReceiverConor YoungWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerald FosterCenterMichael DeckerRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside Linebacker Luke GiffordInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerSedrick KingCornerbackChris JonesStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyDicaprio BootleCornerbackLamar Jackson===At Purdue===*'''Sources:'''Purdue Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackDevine OzigboWide ReceiverStanley MorganWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverTyjon LinsdeyTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerald FosterCenterMichael DeckerRight GuardTanner FarmerRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyInside LinebackerMohamed BarryInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerAlex DavisCornerbackChris JonesStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===Northwestern===*'''Sources:'''Northwestern Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackDevine OzigboWide ReceiverStanley MorganWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerald FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardMatt FarniokRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerAlex DavisCornerbackChris JonesStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyMarquel DismukeCornerbackLamar Jackson===At Minnesota===*'''Sources:'''Minnesota Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackMikale WilbonWide ReceiverStanley MorganWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerlad FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardMatt FarniokRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerAlex DavisCornerbackChris JonesStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyAntonio ReedCornerbackLamar Jackson===At Penn State===*'''Sources:'''Penn State Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackMikale WilbonWide ReceiverStanley MorganWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElWide ReceiverJD SpeilmanTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerald FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardDavid KnevalRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerAlex DavisCornerbackChris JonesStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyKieron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson===Iowa===*'''Sources:'''Iowa Game startersPositionPlayerQuarterbackTanner LeeRunning BackMikale WilbonWide ReceiverStanley MorganWide ReceiverKeyan WilliamsWide ReceiverDe'mornay Pierson-ElTight EndTyler HoppesLeft TackleBranden JaimesLeft GuardJerald FosterCenterCole ConradRight GuardDavid KnevalRight TackleNick GatesPositionPlayerDefensive EndCarlos DavisNose TackleMick StoltenbergDefensive EndFreedom AkinmoladunOutside LinebackerMarcus NewbyInside LinebackerDedrick YoungInside LinebackerChris WeberOutside LinebackerAlex DavisCornerbackChris JonesStrong SafetyJoshua KaluFree SafetyAaron WilliamsCornerbackLamar Jackson
Big Ten awards ===Player of the Week Honors=== Weekly AwardsPlayerAwardWeek AwardedRef. Ben Stille Big Ten Freshman of the Week Week 5 ===All-Conference awards===2017 Big Ten All-Conference Teams and Awards '''Media All-Big Ten'''PositionPlayerTeamWRStanley Morgan Jr.Second TeamWRJD SpielmanThird TeamOLJerald FosterHonorable MentionOLNick GatesHonorable MentionKDrew BrownHonorable MentionPRDe'Mornay Pierson-ElHonorable MentionKRJD SpielmanHonorable Mention '''Coaches All-Big Ten'''PositionPlayerTeamWRStanley Morgan Jr.Second TeamWRJD SpielmanHonorable MentionOLJerald FosterHonorable MentionOLNick GatesHonorable MentionKDrew BrownHonorable MentionKRJD SpielmanHonorable Mention
National awards '''USA Today Freshman All-American'''JD Spielman'''FWAA Freshman All-American'''JD Spielman
Team awards 2016 Nebraska Football Team Awards  '''Annual Program Awards'''AwardPlayerScout Team Defensive MVP–Scout Team Offensive MVP–Scout Team Special Teams MVP–Walk-On of the Year–Most Improved Player–Newcomer of the Year–Pat Clare Award–Tom Novak TrophyChris WeberGuy Chamberlin TrophyDrew BrownCletus Fischer Native Son AwardLuke McNittLunch Bucket Award–Lifter of the Year–Husker Pride Award–
Players in the 2018 NFL Draft  '''Player'''  '''Position'''  '''Round'''  '''Pick'''  '''NFL club'''  Tanner Lee  QB  6  203   Jacksonville Jaguars
Rankings
References