Dave Feit: 2023 Midterm Grades for Husker Football Staff

Defensive coaches step to the head of the class

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In the last few years, I've been handing out midseason grades of the Nebraska coaching staff. (Here's 2021 and 2022). It's an interesting exercise to evaluate how the assistants, coordinators, and head coach are doing in four key areas.

These grades are intended to be a reflection on what I've seen through the first half of the season, as well as providing a reference post for future review.

Methodology

When I grade coaches, I look at four key areas:

1. On-field performance. How is their unit playing? Are they a bright spot, weakness, or somewhere in between?
2. Improvement. Has the overall unit (and/or individual players) gotten better - or worse - over the course or the season or last 12 months? In my eyes, improvement is improvement regardless of if it comes from the Transfer Portal or developing the guys in the room.
3. Depth. How big is the drop-off between the starters and the backups? Injuries happen, so the next man up needs to be able to contribute. This is the primary indicator of development.
4. Gut opinion. I've been at every home game and watched the rest. I can't diagram a Tampa 2, but I have a strong understanding of where this program has been, and where it is now.

I assign a letter grade (A through F) to each, and compile them into an overall GPA, using the standard 4.0 scale. A "C" indicates no real improvement from last year.

Recruiting and the transfer portal

Even though recruiting is a huge part of a college coach's duties, I don't include it in my grades. I don't follow recruiting close enough to make an informed opinion on who gets four stars and who gets filler. Besides, grading recruiting leads to a lot of incompletes as recent signees redshirt and work their way up the depth chart.

Transfer portal players are a big part of college football, and can really impact the grades - particularly in the “Improvement” category. But my philosophy is to credit to position coaches for having and utilizing talent in their room - high school signee, JUCO, or transfer portal - instead of the coach(es) who recruited the player.

A few other notes

• I'm using the official titles on Huskers.com to determine responsibilities. Although not officially part of his title, Marcus Satterfield will receive a grade as the quarterbacks coach.
• The three primary coordinators (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams) are graded on the entirety of their phase of the game. Evan Cooper, the "Defensive Pass Game Coordinator" will not receive a coordinator grade. Neither will Strength & Conditioning coach Corey Campbell.
• Head coach Matt Rhule is graded on the entire team.
• Since I'm not at practice or in the meeting rooms, I can only grade based on what I see on the field. My philosophy is if we're going to blame coaches for the mistakes and poor performance of their players, it is only fair to give coaches credit for the good performances and athletic plays their units make.
• I'm not calling for anybody to be fired. While there are a couple coaches who graded out poorly, remember two things: A) there are six regular season games left, with postseason game(s) still possible. B) it's Year 1, and I don’t expect anybody to be let go. In other words, there's plenty of time to correct problems and demonstrate improvement.

As always, we start at the head of the class.

Dean's List

Tony White, Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator

• On-Field Performance: I'll be honest: I was expecting a steeper learning curve as the Blackshirts transitioned from the Chinander / Busch versions of the 3-4 to White's 3-3-5 defense. But through six games, the signs are very positive. Yeah, we can nitpick some things (3rd downs, red zone, turnovers, performance against ranked teams), but the pros are easily outweighing the cons I could list. The only thing keeping this from an A is the lack of turnovers (just eight in six games). B+
• Improvement: No matter if we compare the 2023 defense to the entirety of 2022, or just the portion led by Bill Busch, the 2023 Blackshirts are a vastly improved unit. Several defenders have made big jumps from last year. A
• Depth: Defensive depth has been exceptional. It does matter if we're talking true freshmen, transfers, or guys who have been buried on the depth chart: if you can play to the standard, you'll play. I can't overstate how huge it is to keep guys fresh during games, healthy throughout the season, and create experience for years to come. A
• Gut Opinion: It is easy to see why White is regarded as a rising star in the coaching ranks. He has an exciting system that produces results and gets buy-in from players and recruits. Seriously, how easy would it be to sell immediate playing time to a talented recruit? Expect future head coach White to be the first apple plucked from Matt Rhule's Nebraska coaching tree in the next year or two. Until then, say yes to whatever he asks for. A
• GPA: 3.88

Terrance Knighton, Defensive Line

• On-Field Performance: I'm a firm believer that a defense is only as good as their line, and Nebraska has a very good line with a ton of potential. They've been able to stop the run, generate pressure, and allow the linebackers and defensive backs to do their jobs. Points are deducted for a lack of turnovers (zero forced, one fumble recovery). B+
  
• Improvement: Nash Hutmacher is likely the most improved player on the entire roster. Cam Lenhardt is not playing like a true freshman. A.J. Rollins has gone from buried on the tight end depth chart to a solid reserve. The development of everybody who steps on the field has been impressive. A
  
• Depth: I count at least 11 defensive linemen who have contributed in non-garbage time situations. Sure, there's a bit of a gap between Ty Robinson (playing in his 5th season) and Riley Van Poppel (playing in his 5h game), but it's not as noticeable as it would be at other positions. Aside from having depth to get through a Big Ten season, the deep rotation allows guys to go max effort for a few snaps instead of having to pace for an entire game. On the D Line, that is huge. A
  
• Gut Opinion: It has been easy to see the growth, confidence, and elevated level of play from the D-Line. Terrance Knighton's nickname may be "Pot Roast", but his unit has been USDA Prime ribeye. Give this man a raise. A
  
• GPA: 3.88

Rob Dvoracek, Linebackers

• On-Field Performance: In the 3-3-5 defense, "linebackers" includes the traditional ILBs (i.e., Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer) as well as the hybrid linebacker / defensive end JACK position. The play of the entire room has been a bright spot on the team. Points are deducted for a lack of turnovers (one interception, zero fumbles forced or recovered in six games). B+
• Improvement: Henrich and Reimer are known entities who have played at a high level for several seasons. Javin Wright and John Bullock have gone from special teams guys to starters. Jimari Butler is yet another defender who has taken a big step forward. The ability to generate pass rush - both off the edge and up the middle - has been a welcome addition. A
• Depth: In previous seasons, the gap between the two star LBs and the rest of the room was wide. When Henrich and Reimer have been out this year, Wright, Bullock, and Mikai Gbayor have not skipped a beat. At JACK, the top three guys - including freshman Princewill Umanmielen - are all pretty interchangeable. A
• Gut Opinion: For most of the Chinander/Busch years, I held the linebacker play - specifically Reimer and Henrich - in high regard, so Rob Dvoracek took over a room with a high bar. He's done a great job to elevate that standard by developing depth. B+
• GPA: 3.75

Evan Cooper, Secondary 

• On-Field Performance: The cornerbacks and safeties have played well this year. They line up with a gigantic cushion, but they're largely not getting burned on coverages. The run support has been solid, and the open field tackling has been the best in over a decade. Points were added as seven of the defense's eight turnovers were created by the secondary. B+
• Improvement: Quinton Newsome is an NFL talent. Before his injury, DeShon Singleton was a "most improved" contender. Omar Brown has been impressive. Isaac Gifford is so consistent we don't always appreciate how good he is. I see flashes from Malcom Hartzog, Tommi Hill, and others. The previous standard of play is what is keeping this from an A grade. B+
• Depth: Marques Buford (recovering from injury) and Myles Farmer (transfer) each started 11 games a year ago, but the unit hasn't missed a beat. The Singleton injury gave Phalen Sanford a chance to shine. Koby Bretz and Tamon Lynum have also looked good. B
• Gut Opinion: Throughout this century, the argument can be made that Nebraska's best position coach has often been in charge of defensive backs. While that creates a high standard for Evan Cooper, he's definitely met the challenge, and is excelling in his first year. B+
• GPA: 3.38

E.J. Barthel, Running Backs

• On-Field Performance: The big story at running back has been losing Gabe Ervin and Rahmir Johnson to season-ending injuries in the Northern Illinois game. As a whole, the running backs have been good, not great. There have been flashes, but I find it telling that when Nebraska needs three yards the quarterback is the one carrying the ball. C+
• Improvement: Before suffering their injuries, Ervin and Johnson both appeared to be slightly ahead of where they were in previous seasons. Anthony Grant, who nearly rushed for 1,000 years in 2022 has clearly been coached up to not bounce every run to the outside, although ball security remains a concern. B
• Depth: For most Husker teams post Frank Solich, losing the top two backs in the same game would be disastrous. In 2023, it meant the guy who ran for 915 yards a season ago was once again the featured back. It's tough to be too critical of depth at fourth string and below, especially when that means true freshmen, walk-ons, and former wide receivers. I know it was garbage time, but Joshua Fleeks scoring a long TD in the same week he moved over from WR was impressive. A
• Gut Opinion: I would have liked to see how Barthel would have handled the rotation / carries if all three backs stayed healthy. Would he have stuck with the hot hand? Been equitable with carries? Asked guys to fill specific roles based on down and distance? Those questions will have to wait until next year. For now, Barthel appears to be playing the hand he's dealt about as well as possible. B
• GPA: 3.13

Josh Martin, Tight Ends

• On-Field Performance: As a unit, the tight ends aren't flashy. But they are consistent. Thomas Fidone leads the team in receiving touchdowns (3), is second in receptions (12), and third in yards (157). They all block well in the running game. B
• Improvement: It's been nice to see a healthy Fidone show what he can do on the field. His catches and touchdowns get the headlines, but I really like how he is a willing and physical blocker. Nate Boerkircher has maintained the standard he set in 2022. B+
• Depth: Redshirt freshman Luke Lindenmeyer has been a strong contributor in the run game. I don't believe any other tight ends have played snaps outside of mop up duty. C
• Gut Opinion: I'm going to give Josh Martin - who stepped into the full-time role 48 hours before the start of fall camp - a ton of credit. He's done just about everything Rhule could have hoped for. Speaking of Rhule, at some point, we really need to have a conversation about why Martin - who coached tight ends for four years at SMU - did not get the job over a Texas high school coach with no college experience. B+
• GPA: 3.00

C's Get Degrees

Ed Foley, Special Teams Coordinator

• On-Field Performance: There have been flashes of excellence: a long kickoff return, a punt block, and strong punt and kick coverage. There have also been not-so-good stretches: 19 punt return yards through six games, inconsistent punting, 3-7 on field goals. But grading against the last 5+ years, this is still an above average unit. Bonus points were awarded for the fake field goal. C+
• Improvement: Improvement from the specialists is there, even if you have to look for it. I believe Brian Buschini is better - or at least healthier - than he was a year ago. Tristan Alvano has gotten off to a rough start (3 of 7 on field goals), but that's better than where NU was a year ago (1 of 4). Billy Kemp has yet to wow me with a punt return, but he's not waving for a fair catch the second he steps on the field. Most kickoff returns are closer to the 25 than they have in years. C+
• Depth: The loss of leading kickoff returner Rahmir Johnson has opened up opportunities for Tommi Hill, Alex Bullock, and Emmett Johnson, with mixed results. 2022's starting placekicker Timmy Bleekrode is waiting in the wings if Alvano continues to struggle. C+
• Gut Opinion: I'm a believer in Nebraska having a full-time assistant dedicated to special teams, and Ed Foley seems like he's making progress in improving NU's third phase. Extra credit was given to Foley for his work developing relationships by visiting (seemingly) every high school in the state. Things like that won't return immediate results, but it is important to the future success of the program. B
• GPA: 2.63

Matt Rhule, Head Coach

• On-Field Performance: The Huskers are 3-3 through six games - the same record they had in Frost's last full season (2021) and the Frost/Joseph year (2022). I like Rhule's chances to finish better than 2021 (0-6) or 2022 (1-5). Rhule already has the most wins of any Year One from his previous collegiate stops. C+
• Improvement: Game one, on the road against a Big Ten West foe: two fourth quarter turnovers led to a 13-10 loss that was a painful flashback to the last five years. Game six, on the road against a Big Ten West foe: Nebraska turned it over on three straight fourth quarter possessions, but rode their defense to a 13-point win. Improvement may not be happening as dramatically or as fast as some fans want, but I see it. B
• Depth: Injuries have depleted Nebraska's depth at RB and WR on an offense that wasn't exactly brimming with playmakers. We can - and should - place blame on the previous staff's inability to recruit, develop, and retain explosive skill players. But the reality is Nebraska operates in a world with the transfer portal and an NIL collective that is supposed to be among the best in the nation. I understand that Rhule is building for the long-term versus taking the Coach Sanders quick fix approach. But if NU misses a bowl game it will likely be because the offense lacked talent. That's ultimately on Rhule. D+
• Gut Opinion: Before the season started, I went on record with two expectations for the season: 1) establishing culture is more important than wins and losses, 2) I will be absolutely thrilled with a bowl game. I feel like the cultural aspect is well on its way. A bowl game is not a guarantee, but it is possible. I've really liked Rhule's tone throughout the season. He's consistent in his message and plan for the rebuild of this program. He's not going to panic because #2 Michigan blew them out. He's not going to abandon his plan because Coach Sanders was a hyped story. His honesty and transparency have been refreshing. B
• GPA: 2.50

Academic Probation

Marcus Satterfield, Quarterbacks

• On-Field Performance: The quarterback play has been a time capsule to the 1980s. Very effective running the ball (Haarberg leads the team in rush attempts and yards. Sims, despite missing almost four full games is 3rd in rushing yards). And not very effective throwing it (NU quarterbacks are completing a combined 53% of their throws with 5 TDs and 6 INTs). Unlike the 1980s, there have been a lot of turnovers and too few points scored. D+
• Improvement: I've already played my one "what if Casey Thompson would have stayed" card for the season, so I'm not going there today. Considering Haarberg never saw the field under the staff that recruited him - despite at least two mop-up opportunities - it seems safe to assume he has gotten much better. The injured Jeff Sims has an incomplete grade. Chubba Purdy has been injured too - and hasn't had many chances - so it's tough to gauge his improvement over a shaky 2022. C+
• Depth: I don't think Sims is as bad as he showed in the Minnesota and Colorado games. That said, the season did not completely go to hell when he got hurt like many predicted it could (raises hand). Haarberg's emergence as a viable option has meant Sims did not need to hurry back or play hurt. C+
• Gut Opinion: Even in the horrible, no good Big Ten West, completing 53% of your passes with more interceptions than touchdowns make getting to a bowl game challenging. The second half of the season will go a long way towards determining if Nebraska will be quarterback shopping in the portal again this winter. D
• GPA: 1.88

Marcus Satterfield, Offensive Coordinator

• On-Field Performance: I have no idea what Satterfield (or Rhule) ultimately want the offense to look like, but the version we've been seeing since the Northern Illinois game is clearly a reaction to NU's lack of playmakers and injury woes. Through six games, Nebraska is averaging 19.0 points per game. The last time Nebraska averaged under 20 points per game was 1968 (15.5). Credit is given for not falling into the first-year coordinator trap of prioritizing offensive installation over winning (see also: Callahan, Bill). D+
• Improvement: The offense - even with Trey Palmer down there somewhere - wasn't all that great a year ago (22.6 points per game), so this regression is cause for alarm. Against P5 competition, NU is struggling to put points on the board in non-garbage time, non-trick play situations. Major credit is given for adjusting his offensive philosophy on the fly to utilize the talent on hand (i.e., Haarberg) and to be complimentary to his defense (unlike Mark Whipple). D+
• Depth: We knew in August that there were few - if any - home run hitters on this offense. If any exist on the bench (outside of Joshua Fleeks), they haven't shown themselves yet. Remember, the "Depth" category expects injury attrition. Points were deducted for not utilizing the tight ends more. D
• Gut Opinion: Have you ever watched that show "Chopped" where they give professional chefs a basket of ingredients like sour milk, chicken livers, kumquats, and an old flip flop and ask them to make a gourmet dish? That's pretty much how I view Satterfield's first season at Nebraska. While I'm definitely not saying that Satterfield has been amazing, I do understand and respect what he's doing. He's been willing to swallow his ego and embrace things he doesn't know to try to compliment his defense and find wins. Hopefully next year we'll find out if he can cook with his own ingredients. C+
• GPA: 1.63

Donovan Raiola, Offensive Line

• On-Field Performance: The offensive line continues to be - at best - a mixed bag. NU racked up some big rushing numbers against Louisiana Tech (currently 2-4), but things like pass protection and remembering the snap count remain as big issues. D+
• Improvement: I went on record in August being bullish on the O Line making a noticeable jump, if not being a strength of this team. Through six games that is - by far - my worst preseason prediction. Ben Scott is proof that good offensive linemen a) do exist in the portal and b) can end up in Lincoln. When Ethan Piper pulls you do not want to be in his way. But would you say the tackles are better than they were a year ago? If so, it's not by much. D
• Depth: Aside from the starting five, the only linemen to play (outside of garbage time) have been Henry Lutovsky and Teddy Prochazka. That tells me the gap between starters - some of whom struggle to the untrained eye - and reserves is massive. That's an issue. D
• Gut Opinion: I know comparing the O Line to D Line is like apples to umbrellas, but it is frustrating to see true freshmen excelling on the defensive line while 5th and 6th year players struggle on the other side of the ball. I have been preaching patience with Rhule, so I guess I should do the same with the only assistant coach held over from the previous staff. That said, it would sure be nice to see some signs of growth sooner rather than later. D
• GPA: 1.13

Garret McGuire, Wide Receivers

• On-Field Performance: There are several reasons Satterfield had Ron Brown teach him the finer points of the option in September. One of them is a wide receiver room with few - if any - playmakers. The WRs have struggled to get open and catch the ball. I'm willing to place a chunk of the blame on the inaccurate quarterbacks, but the WRs haven't exactly caught everything that touches their hands. D
• Improvement: Alex Bullock's emergence has been a nice story. Kemp is a nice receiver, but I feel like he'd thrive if he didn't have to be the primary option. The other three WR additions from the portal (Zavier Betts, Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, and Joshua Fleeks) have a combined 3 catches for 13 yards, with Fleeks now playing RB. Have any of the guys who played last year gotten noticeably better in 2023? D
• Depth: I said at the top that the "Depth" grade assesses how position groups respond to injuries. I'd be more willing to give special consideration to a room ravaged by injuries if we hadn't already seen that with the running backs. I'll concede that E.J. Barthel had more talent to work with if you'll acknowledge that the preseason departure of Betts and the week 1 injury to Garcia-Castaneda gave McGuire more time to get somebody else up to speed at a position where you need 2-3 guys per play. I know there's more to playing WR than "run fast and catch the ball", but prior to Washington's injury the seven freshman WRs on the roster had a total of one catch for 19 yards. (That total is currently 2 for 24 yards). D
• Gut Opinion: I'll be the first one to point out that McGuire walked into the thinnest room on the team before it turned into a hospital ward. The downside of doing this exercise just six games into a coach's tenure is they haven't had much of a chance to show what they can do. Six games are way, way too soon to make any declarations about a coach, and that is not my intention here. So, I'll just say that McGuire has a big opportunity to prove himself and silence his critics. I'll be rooting for him to do it. D
• GPA: 1.00