Nebraska Football Position Preview: Inside Linebackers

Nebraska’s Inside Linebackers Coach

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Barrett Ruud, brother of Nebraska football legend Bo Ruud, is Nebraska’s all-time leading tackler. He is so selfless that he is trying to coach up a position group so maybe one of these kids could break his record.

Returning Contributors from 2019

Will “Pay Da Bill” Honas, 6’1”, 225 lbs from Wichita, Kansas

Honas played in every single game as a junior and racked up 73 total tackles, which was second on the team behind Mohamed Barry, who is no longer on the roster as a result of graduation and depleted eligibility.

Likely set to start for Nebraska in 2020.

Luke “Got a Scholly” Reimer, 6’1”, 220 lbs from Abraham, Nebraska

Joined Scott Frost’s team as a walk-on and was so important to the success of the program that as a true freshman Coach Frost thought it was worth playing him more than four games (thus burning a redshirt) in order for him to be on the special teams unit.

Earlier this week his coach mentioned that Reimer actually was awarded a scholarship.

He had 11 total tackles in 2019.

Could be a surprise in 2020 in regards to making plays for the defense and not just the special teams.

Collin “Ballin” Miller, 6’3”, 245 lbs from Fishers, Indiana

Miller ended up being awarded Nebraska’s linebacker of the year in 2019. I assume that includes outside linebackers as well.

He started every game as a junior and tied for third on the team with 67 tackles.

Pencil him in as a starter for Nebraska.

Potential Contributors for 2020

Jackson “Waxin” Hannah, 6’3”, 225 lbs from Nashville, Tennessee

Hannah redshirted in 2019. I am not sure he played a single snap. He was one of the highest recruited players in the 2019 recruiting class. He had offers from Alabama, Florida, LSU and Oregon among others.

We haven’t heard much about Hannah coming into this season but the talent level is there. Hopefully we get to see it in 2020.

Eteva “Hit Ya Quit Ya” Mauga-Clements, 6’2”, 220 lbs from Pleasant Hill, California

By way of the JUCO’s Diablo Valley CC, Mauga-Clements was the number one OLB recruit in JUCO according to Rivals. He was extremely productive and it sounded like he simply has a nose for the football.

Coach Ruud said that he needs to get a better grasp of the playbook but is coming along well.

Nick “Quick Twitch” Henrich, 6’4”, 220 lbs from Lame-Omaha, Nebraska

Former Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year ended up redshirting his freshman year in 2019 as a result of injuries. He flies all over the field and is probably right there as a back-up and ready to go if there are any injuries.

Outlook for 2020

We probably shouldn’t expect greatness out of this group but at least there is a lot of experience coming back as well as a tremendous amount of potential particularly from Nick Henrich who I think has the ability to be one of the best inside linebackers Nebraska has had in a decade.

Really hope Jackson Hannah and Mauga-Clements come on to provide some depth going forward.

In the meantime, Will Honas and Collin Miller will provide a steadying presence.