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Nebraska defensive line coach Terrance Knighton discusses growing depth in his group.

Nebraska’s defensive line flexed its depth in 2023, getting contributions from a number of players.

The bulk of those contributors are back, along with mainstays Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. Nebraska defensive line coach Terrance Knighton said Tuesday that the goal this spring is making sure the waves of players coming at opponents in 2024 are even stronger.

Everybody has their things they’re working on, but it’s great right now because I always preach about attacking in waves and we need eight or nine guys who can play like starters,” Knighton said of his group.

A number of defensive linemen will be working toward bigger roles and better results in 2024. That group includes

The increased depth is a good problem to have, Knighton said, though he has to find how each of the pieces best fit together.

All those guys bring different things to the table…as a coach it’s a challenge because you have to figure out guys strengths and when to get them in,” Knighton said. “All our guys are working on being well-rounded players.”

Knighton went through a number of the up-and-comers on his defensive line and how they’re faring this spring

James Williams: The junior college transfer went from the scout team to a strong situational pass rusher last season, playing in four games to maintain his redshirt. Williams had four tackles and 2.0 sacks in fewer than 100 snaps. Nebraska is working to get him on the field in more than just obvious passing situations.

“He’s tough,” Williams said. “He’ll stick his nose in there, work the technique. His body has to catch up to his mind because he  needs to gain a little more weight, get a little bit stronger…he hasn’t lost his flexibility and get-off on the edge. His focus is 9-on-7 and one-on-one run blocks.”