Is there a chance that a running back will commit to the Nebraska Cornhuskers recruiting class? That is undoubtedly conceivable. On January 5, the program has a strong chance to leave a positive impression on Dante Dowdell, a former running back for Oregon. He would be the first transfer portal commit of the Cornhuskers’ 2024 recruiting class if head coach Matt Rhule and his team are successful in landing him. Let’s first examine what he could provide a team that is already full of worn-out Cornhusker running backs.
High School Resume
Dowdell had an amazing career while attending Mississippi’s Picayune Memorial High School. The former four-star prospect completed his senior year with 2,165 yards and 31 touchdowns on 8.3 yards per run, according to Brian Christopherson of 247Sports. He was also the recipient of the MaxPreps Mississippi Player of the Year Award in 2021. When he was a junior, he was able to run for over 2,500 yards per carry. With just eight yards per carry, the former Oregon Duck concluded his high school career with an incredible 5,301 yards and 65 touchdowns.This early productivity is encouraging for the Huskers. However, there is still a lot of worry. How much time will it take for Marcus Satterfield’s offense to completely integrate running backs coach EJ Barthel? It ought to be a major determinant of how the Nebraska Cornhuskers visit him.
Learning From Veterans
Junior running back Bucky Irving took precedence over Dowdell under Oregon Ducks running backs coach Carlos Locklyn. And there was a valid explanation for this. The seasoned running back gained 1,503 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 172 carries in the previous campaign. However, this does not negate Dowdell’s influence either. It was, in reality, the exact opposite. Under offensive coordinator Will Stein, in just six games as a true freshman, he ran for ninety yards on just seventeen carries, along with one touchdown. Can he bring Nebraska this kind of skill set? It’s definitely feasible given that you have three years left to be eligible. But first, he would need to absorb knowledge from the brilliance already present in that room.
Before his injuries sidetracked him, Gabe Ervin was NU’s top rusher at the start of the previous two seasons. Rahmir Johnson also had some outstanding moments during his Husker career. However, the most recent one he did? It happened in Nebraska’s inaugural Rhule era game. He ended up returning a kickoff 66 yards against Minnesota. Is this sufficient for the coaching staff to ensure that he starts ahead of Dowdell? Or will he still be getting well from his wounds? We won’t find out the solution until autumn camp arrives.
A Revamped Offense In 2024
Satterfield’s offense continued to be a liability for the program in 2023. The team only averaged 12 points per game, according to Sports Reference, which caused the offense to struggle and rank 102nd among college football teams. However, it is clear that the Big Red will try to address their play-calling issues in 2024. On3 claims that the squad concluded with the 22nd recruiting class. And one of this haul’s diamonds in the crown? Dylan Raiola, a five-star quarterback in the past. That was exciting news for college football players during the early signing period.On the other hand, the offensive line ought to be stronger, especially considering the squad hadn’t acquired that kind of player since 2008. This December, coach Donovan Raiola received a raise, which made it possible for the team to sign Iowa lineman Grant Brix with greater incentive and to sign Preston Taumua, the best player in Hawaii. Why wouldn’t Dowdell be eager to create his own legacy in Lincoln with senior Bryce Benhart back in the fold and a gifted youngster at his side? He will need to give it some thought over the course of his visitation weekend.
