Several positions should catch eyes at Spring Game

1) Quarterback battle

What was once an interesting (possibly heated) position battle at the beginning of spring practice has become a gimpy hobble to the finish. Only three quarterbacks will be showcased on Saturday. Latravis Washington is still learning the playbook after agreeing to try quarterback after playing mostly linebacker in the past. Cody Green didn't practice in the first couple practices because of a problem in his hip and will be limited to generic plays. The favorite to win the battle, Zac Lee, will be the closest to full health after Kody Spano tore his ACL.

Although the competition might not be fierce, it'll still be worth watching to see how Lee looks in the revamped NU offense. Fans will also want to watch to see how much Washington has learned after looking at the playbook for only three weeks. And of course people will want to see the new sensation from Texas. Green looks to wow people with his feet and his arm, but probably not at full speed.

2) receivers

By now it's common knowledge that Nate Swift and Todd Peterson won't be coming out in uniform on Saturday. It's also known that Niles Paul will be absent from the field of play, which leaves receivers coach Ted Gilmore with several new faces at wideout. Seniors Chris Brooks and Menelik Holt promise to make plays, but also look for Curenski Gilleylen – who caught a 77-yard heave from Joe Ganz in last year's spring game – to make a push. Will Henry was the only other player to receive moderate time last season, but a crop of new faces will make their first on-field appearance in Memorial Stadium.

3) Punter

Dan Titchener is gone, but coaches feel pretty solid about the potential at the position. Place kicker Alex Henery has been considered for the position while two Nebraska natives are also vying for the job. Brett Maher did his kicking at Kearney High School before choosing the Huskers while Jon Damkroger comes from Firth. Expect all three to get their shots along with a possible appearance from Adi Kunalic.

4) Defensive Tackle

It's a guarantee that Ndamukong Suh will be in NU's defensive tackle spot, but the process of replacing Ty Steinkuhler is still in motion. Jared Crick has received praise from Suh all spring, but said the spot still isn't locked up. Crick will be challenged by several candidates, including Terrence Moore, Ben Martin and Ty's younger brother Baker Steinkuhler. Also, plan on watching who subs in for Suh – they'll have just as much of a chance as anybody else to play alongside him next fall.

5) The Entire Offensive Line

What was once the most figured-out spot on the field has been completely tossed around. Jake Hickman was a lock at center, having started at the position last spring, but has since moved to guard. Mike Caputo is slated as the center for now. Also in contention at guard is the returning Andy Christensen, who missed last season because of off-field altercations. D.J. Jones was also affected by spring moves and was bumped to tackle from guard. Mike Smith, Keith Williams, Jaivorio Burkes, Derek Meyer, Marcel Jones and Ricky Henry all figure to be in the mix for starting roles in the fall, but the main thing offensive line coach Barney Cotton will be concerned with is trying to find solid replacements for Lydon Murtha and Matt Slauson on the right side of the line.

spencerschubert@dailynebraskan.com