We’re inching closer to the start of fall camp and taking a last look at each position group before things get rolling in the next few weeks. Next up is the defensive line where the Huskers hold a veteran group of leaders and several newcomers vying for their first playing time.

OVERVIEW

Nebraska won’t be lacking for options along its defensive line when fall camp gets going next week. The Huskers have six seniors along the line, providing solid leadership, while also having several other linemen who have played significant snaps in their careers at Nebraska.

Seniors Carlos Davis, Khalil Davis and Darrion Daniels will be the biggest name veterans along the line this season. Daniels has won his teammates’ respect since transferring in from Oklahoma State and gives the Huskers a big option at the nose spot. The Davis Bros., have multiple seasons of Big Ten play under their belt and will look to have productive senior campaigns.

Add in Ben Stille at one defensive end position, as well as Damion Daniels and Deontre Thomas and you have a strong group up front to build around. Young players like Tate Wildeman, Casey Rogers and Ty Robinson will all be looking to see the field this fall. Finding options won’t be a problem for new defensive line coach Tony Tuioti, but can this group be better.

ONE BIG QUESTION

It’s all about stopping the run for Nebraska’s defensive line. Head coach Scott Frost sounded the alarm after last season’s year-end loss to Iowa. Nebraska looked small on the lines, and their results reflected that fact. The Huskers gave up 5.0 yards per carry in 2018 — nevermind that their 2018 total was somehow better than 2017’s horror show of a defense — and struggled to stand up to offensive lines at Iowa, Wisconsin and others. While much of the offseason confidence in Nebraska stems from Adrian Martinez and Scott Frost’s track record at other stops, the defense has to take a step forward in 2019 and it has to begin with stopping the run.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

While a good amount of focus this spring has fallen on grad transfer Darrion Daniels — for good reason, by the way — let’s not forget his young brother Damion, who enters his sophomore season and third year in the program.

Both Daniels brothers represent a different look at the nose spot in Nebraska’s 3-4 defense, and in limited reps, the younger Daniels has shown at Nebraska that he can be a handful for opposing offensive lines. Daniels goes 6-foot-3, 340 pounds and has worked to get himself in shape in the offseason. Last season, Daniels recorded 12 tackles in 12 games, but saw his playing time increase as the season went along. When he entered the game against Iowa, it was noticeable how much Nebraska’s defensive line improved against the run.

The Huskers seem to have a nice mix of size and depth up front, and if Daniels can make the next step as a player, while also playing in better shape, Nebraska’s run defense should be able to stand up better to Big Ten foes.