Nebraska football veterans impressed with freshmen, transfers

Three spring practices in and new Nebraska players are already drawing praise from their more established teammates.

Malcolm Hartzog and John Bullock — two veteran Huskers defenders entering years No. 2 and 6, respectively — walked off the Hawks Championship Center Field on Thursday morning and tossed on red NU quarter zips for a few minutes in front of the cameras. None were too tired to list, rapid-fire, some of the 23 freshmen and transfers who have caught their eye already.

Bullock, a linebacker, named Florida transfer and offensive guard Micah Mazzccua — “You can tell he’s very physically gifted” — and former Texas receiver Isaiah Neyor. Dylan Raiola too, saying of the teenaged quarterback: “You can tell the talent he has.”

Hartzog singled out senior defensive back Tommi Hill, who started six of the last seven games at cornerback in 2023.

“He’s stepping his game up,” Hartzog said. “He’s got a big year ahead of him. He’s picking up right where he left off.”

Meanwhile, freshman Larry Tarver has been “fast” in the secondary too, Hartzog said. Another DB early enrollee, Mario Buford, is “going to be a top guy” at some point in his career.

As for a receiver that’s tough to hang with on the back end? Hartzog chooses redshirt freshman Demitrius Bell, who turned heads on the scout team last fall and continues to flash his quickness and ability now.

“He’s got the talent to go to the next level,” Hartzog said. “He’s one of those guys who’s going to help change it.”