Nebraska Center Justin Evans: Huskers O-Line Ready for Dominant Season
Nebraska football is feeling the heat. After back-to-back 7-6 seasons, the Huskers are desperate to reclaim their winning tradition. Center Justin Evans, a leader on the offensive line, says the team is ready to turn the corner.
“I would love to hear my name with the great centers that came before me,” Evans said at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. “I think it’s a huge honor to be even mentioned with Dominic Raiola, Cam Jurgens, even Dave Rimington.”
Evans anchors a revamped offensive line. Three new starters joined via the transfer portal: left guard Paul Mubenga (LSU), right guard Brendan Black (Iowa State), and right tackle Tree Babalade (South Carolina). Left tackle Elijah Pritchett returns as an NFL prospect.
“When you bring in new guys, it’s always going to be a process,” Evans said. “But I can say the guys that we’ve took in, they have been able to adapt to the program tremendously. This is probably like the best group that I’ve been around.”
Last season, Nebraska ranked 115th nationally in sacks allowed (33), but the line also helped running back Emmett Johnson rush for 1,451 yards, best in the Big Ten. Evans expects a more physical, dominant unit this fall.
“I would just like to see us be dominant and play a lot more physical,” he said. “I think you can expect that from this upcoming line this year.”
The Huskers also have a new quarterback: Anthony Colandrea, who transferred from UNLV after stints at Virginia. Evans praised his mobility and football IQ.
“He’s been a burst of energy,” Evans said. “He helps me out with calls a lot. I think he’s going to be a lot more mobile, and that’ll be good for us upfront.”
Nebraska’s November schedule is brutal: at Illinois, at Rutgers, vs. Ohio State, at Iowa. The Huskers are 2-10 in November under head coach Matt Rhule. Evans says the team is focused on taking it one week at a time.
“You want to win the games no matter what month of the year it is,” he said.
With a veteran center, new talent on the line, and a mobile quarterback, Nebraska fans have reason for cautious optimism. The pressure is on, but Evans is embracing it.