With a solid quarterback and gifted running back returning, the Husker offense should be a potent one in 2008. Here's a look at the Huskers on the offensive side of the ball:
Quarterback
Preseason Depth Chart
Joe Ganz (6-1, 210, Sr.)
Patrick Witt (6-4, 225, R-Fr.)
Zac Lee (6-2, 210, So.)
It was evident, 12 months ago, that Ganz was going to be playing second fiddle behind Sam Keller. As a transfer from Arizona State, Keller was going to have to go down with an injury before Ganz would see time as a starter under Bill Callahan.
As it turns out, that's exactly what happened. Keller broke his collarbone in the fourth quarter of the Texas game and Ganz came on and performed splendidly after that. He set single-game records for yards passing and touchdowns against Kansas State and threw for 1,435 yards and 16 touchdowns in Nebraska's final three games last year.
Now he will get the chance to show what he's got in a full season as the senior leader of the Husker offense. He will be more of a run-pass threat behind a more solid offensive line and has the opportunity to put up some solid numbers this season.
Witt and Lee are both coming off redshirt seasons. Coach Bo Pelini likes Witt as his number two guy for now, with Lee close behind in the third slot.
I-Back
Preseason Depth Chart
Marlon Lucky (6-0, 215, Sr.)
Roy Helu Jr. (6-0, 215, So.)
Quentin Castille (6-1, 245, So.)
Lucky is the man in the I-back slot for the Huskers this year and is the leading returning ground-gainer in the Big 12 Conference. He posted 1,019 yards on the ground and accounted for 1,743 all-purpose yards. He also set a school record last year with an amazing 75 receptions.
Lucky won't be the only horse in the stable, though. Helu and Castille were both very impressive this past spring and saw some playing time last year. Helu had a very good spring and Castille really came on and had a fantastic offseason. They should both compete with Lucky for reps this fall.
Fullback
Preseason Depth Chart
Thomas Lawson (6-0, 250, Sr.)
Justin Mackovicka (6-1, 240, So.)
The fullback was almost a forgotten position the last few years at Nebraska. The position was rarely utilized in the offense under Callahan outside of a blocking back, and consequently returning senior Thomas Lawson didn't log a lot in the way of statistics.
Lawson will be a capable player at the position, though, and will be pushed by a player whose last name is quite familiar with longtime Husker fans. Justin Mackovicka is the youngest of the family of brothers who excelled at fullback for the Huskers during the 1990's, and he will battle for time at the position this year.
Z-Receiver
Preseason Depth Chart
Todd Peterson (6-4, 215, Sr.)
Niles Paul (6-1, 210, So.)
Curenski Gilleylen (6-0, 210, R-Fr.)
Peterson brings experience to the position as the team's third leading returning receiver. The senior caught 18 passes -- five of them for touchdowns -- and averaged almost 20 yards per catch last year.
Paul saw limited time as a true freshman and should get a chance to showcase his talents this year. Gilleylen was a redshirt last year and will look to get some playing time this season as well.
X-Receiver
Preseason Depth Chart
Nate Swift (6-2, 200, Sr.)
Menelik Holt (6-4, 220, Jr.)
Chris Brooks (6-2, 210, Jr.)
Swift is the top returning receiver and second to Lucky in catches and yards last year. He hauled in 36 passes for 520 yards and will be a key contributor once again this season.
Holt made some big plays in limited action last year, averaging 24 yards per catch. He will need to step up this year, as will Brooks, who saw action in one game last year.
Tight End
Preseason Depth Chart
Mike McNeill (6-4, 240, So.)
Ryan Hill (6-3, 245, R-Fr.)
Not having Hunter Teafatiller in the lineup -- who is out due to legal problems -- means the Huskers will be thin at this position. McNeil saw limited action last year and made one catch, while Hill was a redshirt last year.
Left Tackle
Preseason Depth Chart
Lydon Murtha (6-7, 315, Sr.)
Mike Smith (6-6, 285, So.)
Murtha switches sides after playing right tackle last year, and his experience will be a big help at this position.
Left Guard
Preseason Depth Chart
Mike Huff (6-4, 300, Sr.)
Keith Williams (6-5, 305, So.)
Huff was a starter last year and will anchor the position yet again this year to give the Huskers a solid presence on the left side.
Center
Preseason Depth Chart
Jacob Hickman (6-4, 290, Jr.)
Mike Caputo (6-1, 275, R-Fr.)
Hickman moves over from the guard position, and his athleticism and quick feet will help solidify the offensive line in the middle.
Right Guard
Preseason Depth Chart
Matt Slauson (6-5, 320, Sr.)
D.J. Jones (6-5, 305, So.)
Slauson bounced back and forth between tackle and guard under Callahan, but seems to have found a home at the right guard slot.
Right Tackle
Preseason Depth Chart
Jaivorio Burkes (6-5, 325, So.)
Marcel Jones (6-7, 310, R-Fr.)
This will be the only glaring question mark on the offensive line, as youngsters Burkes and Jones will battle for this slot. Burkes has shown a lot of promise and could make a name for himself this year.
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