Husker Dan: The Quarterback Room

Additions may make Nebraska a better team this fall

Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA TODAY NETWORK

As most Husker fans know by now, four-year starting QB Adrian Martinez entered the transfer portal and will play the rest of his career (one full year plus four possible redshirt games) at Kansas State.

And to shore up the QB ranks, Nebraska recently landed Texas transfer Casey Thompson (6' 1" 200 lbs.) and Florida State transfer Chubba Purdy (6' 0" 210 lbs.). Thompson has two years of eligibility and Purdy has four.

Assuming there aren't any more additions or defections, Nebraska's quarterback room looks to be well-stocked with talent and experience going into spring practice.

Those additions will join a list of six other QBs (three on scholarship) including Logan Smothers (Soph. 6' 2" 195lbs.) from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Henrich Haarberg (RFr. 6' 5" 200lbs) from Kearney, Nebraska and 2022 recruit, Richard Torres (Fr. 6' 5" 210 lbs.) from San Antonio, Texas. Torres is already on campus, as are Thompson and Purdy. There also is an existing group of walk-on QBs that includes Matt Masker (Jr. 6' 2" 220 lbs.) from Kearney, Nebraska, Jarrett Synek (RFr. 6' 0" 190 lbs.) from Hastings, Nebraska and Spencer Arceneaux (RFr. 6' 1" 180 lbs.) from Mobile, Alabama.

It would seem Thompson, by virtue of his 10 starts last year for Texas, would be the front runner this spring. But before either Thompson or Purdy is anointed as the starter, there just might be some competition for the top spot. 

For now, Logan Smothers might be considered number one - until somebody beats him. Heinrich Haarberg has also shown tremendous potential. If those two players can develop quickly, the race for No. 1 might be very interesting.

The competition for the starting role may have become a bit more competitive this spring. The hybrid offense that Husker OC Mark Whipple and head coach Scott Frost will want to run this fall is going to be new for everyone. That means the QBs should be starting spring practice on somewhat of an equal footing.

Speaking of Chubba Purdy, it came as a bit of a surprise the Huskers landed him, especially since Nebraska had already acquired Thompson. Why sign two transfer QBs? Because Frost can't afford not to have as much experience at that position as he needs. Also, having four consecutive losing seasons may have put some extra urgency into Frost's thinking.

(Side question: I wonder why Purdy didn't follow his older brother, Brock, to Iowa State. Brock left the Cyclones to pursue his NFL dreams. Maybe Chubba didn't want to follow in his brother's footstep at ISU. There - I may have answered my own question.)

If Frost and Whipple can develop at least three quarterbacks who are capable of playing winning football, the Huskers might have a chance to become a much better football team this fall.

How ’Bout Them Huskers!

Several weeks ago, my 16-year-old grandson Will and I began making podcasts about the world of Husker football. Our joint venture is dedicated to Husker sports but will also include whatever is happening in the world of sports.

Some background information: When he was just a little kid, Will would sit on my lap whenever we watched the Huskers or any other sporting event. Because he didn't know much about sports at that time, he would ask, “What happened, Grandpa?” Then I would explain to him what was going on. It didn't take long for him to catch on. Now I'm the one asking the questions!

Doing the podcasts together is a win-win situation. It gives Will and me the chance to bond and to talk about Husker football. That's a pretty great combination!

Our podcasts will also feature interviews with a variety sports figures.

The easiest way to catch our podcasts  “How ’Bout Them Huskers” is on Audible. Here’s the link. You’ll be presented with a list of our past episodes. I hope you enjoy them.