Experience and depth are important when creating a successful football team. Lucky for Nebraska, we have both components in our wide receiver group. Although our offense struggled tremendously last year, I think with a new quarterback and recruits, we have a good chance of achieving our goals. In recent years, we have struggled with experience. However, due to the transfer portal and recruiting, we have added a substantial number of receivers to our wide receivers room. Let’s take a look at the lineup.
Jamal Banks
Banks is a transfer player from Wake Forest. In his time there, he totaled 107 receptions for 1404 yards and 13 touchdowns. Banks led the team in receptions and played in all the games last season. I believe that he will continue to be a great contribution to the team. It is clear through his stats that he is a very productive and experienced receiver, making him a huge asset to his teammates.
Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks makes a catch during spring football practice, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 in Lincoln, Neb. Photo by John S. Peterson.
Isaiah Neyor
Neyor is a transfer from Texas. He originally began his career at Wyoming and had one of his best seasons there. In 2021, he had 44 receptions for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, in 2022, he tore his ACL and has only played in one game since. Although he has not had much playing time lately, I’m hoping to see an impressive comeback.
Nebraska Cornhusker Isaiah Neyor (18) running drills during football practice Friday, August 16, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo John S. Peterson.
Jaylen Lloyd
Lloyd played in 10 games and started one last season. He had six receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns, leading our returning receivers. With continued growth, I see him being a starter and having a lot of success.
Nebraska Cornhusker Jaylen Lloyd (19) makes a catch during football practice Friday, August 16, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo John S. Peterson.
Malachi Coleman
Coleman played in 11 games, starting six of them. As a true freshman he had eight receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown. I think he will also be very effective in our offense this season. Coleman is a tall receiver, standing at 6‘4. This is going to be crucial because it should give him an advantage over smaller players. I expect him to be a starter and think he has a lot of potential.
Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Malachi Coleman (15) reaches for the ball while Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) defends during a game in Lincoln, NE November 24th 2023. Photo by Eric Francis
Alex Bullock
Bullock had a pretty good season, ranking third among our receivers. He played in 12 games and started eight. He totaled 15 receptions for 221 yards and one touchdown. His experience will be very beneficial to the Huskers’ success this season.
Nebraska Cornhusker Alex Bullock (84) makes a catch during football practice Friday, August 16, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo John S. Peterson.
Jacory Barney Jr.
Barney Jr. is a 2024 three star recruit. He can play multiple positions, including quarterback, running back, or wide receiver. His ability to adapt to multiple positions is going to make him a threat on the field. I predict that he will be very effective and a great asset to our team.
Nebraska Cornhusker Jacory Barney Jr. (17) catches a punt during football practice Friday, August 9, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo John S. Peterson.
Overall, with a plethora of depth and experience among our wide receivers, I expect this group to vastly improve from last season. The number of receivers we have will be crucial to our team as it provides us with a lot of options and will allow us to utilize many different skillsets.
How do you expect the wide receivers to do this season?
