Nebraska offensive coordinator Troy Walters helped UCF produce the best scoring offense in the country last year. That goal remains the same in 2018.
“The same offense,” Walters said. “Our goal is to be the No. 1 offense in the country. We’re going to set our expectations high, and we’re going to work our butts off as a staff and as players to accomplish that goal. We’re going to be fast, and we’re going to try and put stress on the defense.
Walters’ run-pass option style will feature a lot of no huddle, explosive quarterback play, effective running plays, and quick receivers on the edge.
He will have a number of talented pieces to work with in Lincoln, including senior receiver Stanley Morgan who set a single-season school record with 986 receiving yards, falling just shy of becoming the first Nebraska receiver with a 1,000-yard season.
“He loves Nebraska,” Walters said of Morgan. “He loves Lincoln, he loves football and he wanted to come back and really go out on a high note, and we’re excited that he’s back.”
Walters will also serve as receivers coach, and overall likes what he has available at that position outside of Morgan.
“I like what we have,” Walters said. “I think we have some depth at the receiver position. Guys that have played, guys that have made plays. Stanley, J.D. (Spielman), Tyjon (Lindsey). I’m looking forward to seeing what (Jaevon) McQuitty can do.”
McQuitty, the second-best receiver in Nebraska’s 2017 class behind Lindsey, sat out last season after injuring his knee in August.
Nebraska returns four receivers this season who have seen significant playing experience, including third-team All Big Ten receiver J.D. Spielman, who finished with 830 receiving yards last season as a freshman.
Walters will also have some receiving options at tight end to work with. The Huskers have nine tight ends on roster, but only one of them, sophomore Jack Stoll, has seen any significant playing time.
Size wise, Walters still likes what’s available.
“I think tight end wise, we’ve got a lot of depth,” Walters said. “Bigger players than what we had at UCF. So, I think we’ll be more dominant in the run game and (tight ends coach Sean) Beckton will do a good job of developing those guys in the pass game.”
Beckton says Stoll has become a leader amongst the tight end bunch due to his experience. The Lone Tree, CO native showed flickers of athleticism late last season, catching eight passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
Other than that, no current Husker tight end has seen the field in a college game. But, Beckton’s overlying message is one of inclusion and family.
“I want to make those guys all feel that they’re a part of it,” Beckton said. “When I first met them all as a group, that’s one of the things I told those guys. ‘Hey, we’re a big family, and we’re going to act like it. Somebody’s got to be the starter. Somebody’s got to be the sixth guy, but we’re all going to contribute to this football team.
“I think they all bought into that.”
Nebraska fans are craving to get a glimpse of this offense in action ahead of next month’s Spring Game, and they’ll be even more antsy to see it in real time during games this fall.
Whichever quarterback lines up under center, he will be the focal point of an offense that has several formidable receiving options.
He will also be the focal point of an offense that plays fast. Fast and smart.
“We want to try to play fast,” Walters said. “But at the same time, we want to be smart. We’re not going to play fast and be sloppy. We’re going to play fast at times, and there’s going to be times where we want to slow it down and make sure we use some clock and get the best look on defense.”
You can contact Tommy at 402-840-5226, or you can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_KLIN.
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