Riley said the Huskers are “pretty thin” at corner, though he’s excited about the talent, including Bootle, who redshirted last season.

The move to the 3-4 will shift Nebraska’s recruiting to some degree — more linebackers, fewer defensive linemen — and improve special teams because more defenders who play in a 3-4 can contribute on punt and kickoff teams.

Riley started his coaching career on defense. He liked the 3-4 at the time. In the Canadian Football League, Riley was the only coach using the 3-4.

“It was fun to be that team,” he said. “In our way, we recruited to that fashion.”

Among players who changed positions, Alex Davis, King and Stille moved from defensive end to outside linebacker. Carlos Davis and Peyton Newell moved from defensive tackle to end. Riley said the short-side 3-4 defensive end can function like a tackle because he’s playing nearly opposite a guard sometimes.

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