As a senior, Ben Scott has made sure to make the center position his under coach Donovan Raiola. Let’s take a look at what other positions need to be filled on Nebraska’s offensive line before the program begins its season against the UTEP Miners.
Depth Chart Predictions: Nebraska’s Offensive Line
Left Tackle
Teddy Prochazka’s season-ending injury has created a void at the position. Fortunately, Nebraska should be able to recover from this news. The program has plenty of depth to go around. Early enrollee Grant Brix gained 25 pounds at the start of Fall camp. And junior Tyler Knaak has seen plenty of action as a reserve. He’s competed on the program’s practice squad throughout Fall camp. But if Raiola wants someone dependable, he’ll have to look at experienced options. The only one who fits that description? Senior left tackle Turner Corcoran. After compiling more than 30 starts in 2022, he played seven games for the Cornhuskers last season. However, a foot injury would keep him away for the majority of 2023. This is a problem that Raiola will have to deal with. But it hasn’t developed into a major issue just yet. According to Mitch Sherman of the Athletic, “Corcoran and Prochazka were competing this month for the job.” The results of that battle are unknown. But there’s a sneaking suspicion that Corcoran won out. Sherman noted that he was working with the top group of linemen during the Huskers’ open practice.”
Left Guard
It looks as though Micah Mazzccua will be Nebraska’s starter at the left guard position. The 6-foot-5 senior was Baylor’s starter in 2022, and Florida’s right guard last season. While this doesn’t guarantee him a starting spot, it’s worth noting his experience at the Power Five level. But don’t leave out Justin-Evans Jenkins from the discussion. As a freshman, the New Jersey native was slotted as a temporary replacement for left guard Ethan Piper in 2023. Head coach Matt Rhule liked what he saw. After stringing together several solid performances in the back half of the season, the coaching staff agreed to keep him in the starting lineup. There hasn’t been a lot of chatter since then, but it seems like he has done good work in Fall camp. This could mean that he’s ready to assume Mazzccua’s role. But if the senior’s experience proves too much, Rhule has a plan. According to the Omaha-World Herald, the 49-year-old said that Evans-Jenkins is a “center by trade.” With this in mind, it’s almost a certainty that he’ll be the one to focus on the position after Scott leaves the program this year.
Read more about the former Florida offensive lineman in Who Stands Out In Nebraska’s Spring Practice.
Right Guard
As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Henry Lutovsky was able to ascend the ranks of Scott Frost’s offense. But his work with the Cornhuskers didn’t pay off until late in the season. Against Northwestern, his blocking allowed senior Anthony Grant to break the rushing record set by Devine Ozigbo in 2018. And in Jeff Brohm’s last year with Purdue, junior wide receiver Trey Palmer set the school’s single-season receiving yardage record. However, his impact wouldn’t be felt in year one of the Rhule era. He only played two games with the Cornhuskers in 2023. However, 2024 should play out much differently for the junior. Now that he is familiar with the program, expect him to make a real case for the right guard position. Mentoring underclassman Gunnar Gottula should be another priority. Rhule praised his ability to “get back and practice.” However, he wasn’t able to participate in the team’s scrimmage.” But he should be an option for the Huskers sooner rather than later. He’s 6-foot-6, 305 pounds and he has an 81-inch wingspan.
Right Tackle
Bryce Benhart is the most qualified option for the position. As a junior, the Minnesota native started all 12 games for the Cornhuskers. During those games, NU would have the second-best rushing attack in the Big Ten. After the 2023 season, Benhart earned more praise for his play as an honorable Big Ten mention. Even though Jacob Hood was crowned a national champion at Georgia, the redshirt freshman is short on experience when it matters. Sophomore Tyler Knaak is in the same boat as well after transferring in from Utah. Could they finally get a chance to shine against one of the team’s conference opponents? Or will Rhule elect to go with proven options?
