Husker Dan: The Transfer Portal Update

Will it help special teams?

Alika Jenner/Getty Images via Wibbitz

Last week, I wrote a column about special teams not being so special. I pointed out that of the top 25 football programs in FBS, seven of them had losing seasons in 2021. And another thing I discovered is the last place special teams program (Western Michigan) actually had a winning season (8-5)!

I also opined that the Huskers may have lost about 15 games over the past four seasons due to special teams meltdowns.

Nebraska may have improved its lot in special teams by getting some players via the transfer portal who might have a positive impact on that segment of the game this fall.

Let's look at the transfer portal as it stands today.

Special Teams

Brian Buschini (6' 0" 219 lbs Punter from Montana University)

The pick of the litter-at least on special teams-just might be Brian Buschini who comes from the same school as former Husker receiver Samori Toure. Buschini was the FCS Punter of the Year in 2021. He punted 69 times for an average of 46.0 yards for the Grizzlies.

Timmy Bleekrode (Place Kicker from Furman University)

In 2021, Bleekrode played for the Furman Paladins and scored 75 points while making 78% of his field goals and going 30 of 32 on extra points.

Brady Weas (Long Snapper from Georgetown University)

Brady is a walk-on whose Hoya team finished last season with a 38.8 yard net punting average.

Receiving Corps

With the departure of Samori Toure, the Huskers were in need of an outside threat at the wide receiver spot. They may have found one in a transfer from New Mexico State.

Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (6' 0" 185 lbs. WR From New Mexico State University)

Last season, Isaiah caught 37 passes for 578 yards with a 15.6 yards per catch average.

The next area that needs a lot of improvement is the Husker offensive line. It looks as if new offensive line coach Donovan Raiola has found a couple of capable players.

Offensive Line

Hunter Anthony (6' 6" 320 lbs. OL from Oklahoma State University)

Hunter may be the pick of the litter so far on offense. Anthony comes to Lincoln with a lot of fire in his belly.

Kevin Williams, Jr. (6' 5" 330 lbs. OL from Northern Colorado University)

Kevin was recruited by Nebraska a couple of years ago as a preferred walk-on, but he declined the Husker offer and went to Northern Colorado instead. Kevin is "coming home" to his native state (he played high school football for my alma mater, Omaha North High School).

Secondary

The Huskers may have helped their secondary by signing a defensive back from Arizona State.

Tommi Hill (6' 0" 185lbs. CB from Arizona State University)

In addition to his defensive back responsibilities, Hill averaged almost 20 yards on kickoff returns. As Husker fans know, kick returns and punt returns have been abysmal over the past four years for Nebraska.

The good thing about these players is that they will be eligible to start in 2022. There will likely be a few more players coming to Nebraska via the transfer portal. Stay tuned for more updates.

• Related: HuskerMax Recruiting Page

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