Football

Kai Wallin making an impact on Nebraska’s defensive line

by
Huskers Today
September 16, 2024

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule made the tough decision to redshirt Kai Wallin last season, and he’s sure glad he did.

Wallin has been a key part of Nebraska’s defensive line rotation this season, with the level of play he and Cameron Lenhardt offered on Saturday being enough to keep starter Jimari Butler off the field as he dealt with a minor injury.

Wallin started a fast a year ago, too, appearing in Nebraska’s first four games. The Huskers coaches then shut down his season, a decision Rhule said was because they are seeking to “build a championship-caliber roster.”

“Sometimes we do things that are difficult to do in the moment but pay off in the long run, and Kai and James (Williams) were two of those decisions that we redshirted last year,” Rhule said. “I appreciate the confidence that Kai and his family had in us to do that because he was playing pretty well when we sat him.”

Wallin has played 10 or more snaps in each of Nebraska’s first three games this season, recording two tackles while generating pass rush. With the sophomore now up 10 pounds to a playing weight of 260 pounds this season, Rhule has seen the benefits of a redshirt campaign pay off.

“He’s playing better than he would have played if he played last year,” Rhule said of Wallin. “He’s rugged, he’s physical, he can go inside and play the three-technique, he can play outside as a five and he’s getting good pass rush so he’s a guy you can put in there and mix in with the ones and know that your level of play’s not going to drop off.”