Nebraska football veteran impressed with freshman and transfer

Through three spring practices in Nebraska, Nebraska's new recruits are already drawing praise from their established teammates.

Malcolm Herzog and John Brock — two veteran Huskers defenders entering their second and sixth years, respectively — left Hawks championship center field Thursday morning and spent a few minutes in front of the cameras in red. I wore the NU quarter zip. No one tired of listing in rapid succession some of the 23 freshmen and transfers who are already attracting attention.

Block, a linebacker, named offensive guard Micah Mazuqua, a transfer from Florida (“You can tell he's very physical”) and former Texas receiver Isaiah Naor. “You can see he's talented,” Dylan Raiola also said of the teenage quarterback.

Coach Hartzog singled out senior defensive back Tommy Hill, who has started six of the past seven games at cornerback in 2023.

“He's stepping up his game,” Hartzog said. “He's got a big year ahead of him. He's picking up where he left off.”

Meanwhile, freshman Larry Tarver is also “fast” in the secondary, Hartzog said. Mario Buford, another early DB recruit, said he would “be at the top” at some point in his career.

What about receivers who are tough to hang on the back end? Coach Hartzog selected redshirt freshman Demetrius Bell. He caught the attention of scout teams last fall and continues to show his quickness and ability.

“He has the talent to go to the next level,” Hartzog said. “He's one of the players who can help turn this around.”