The World-Herald is counting down the top 50 Nebraska football players you need to know heading into the season.
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47. Mosai Newsom

Nebraska addressed its defensive line needs in the transfer portal, but it’s still crucial for incumbents like Mosai Newsom to flash.
6-4, 285 • Sophomore • Defensive lineman
Nebraska addressed its defensive line needs in the transfer portal, but it’s still crucial for incumbents like Newsom to flash.
Transfers Devin Drew (Texas Tech) and Stephon Wynn (Alabama) only have one and two years of eligibility remaining, respectively.
And while Nebraska is excited about both, it can’t bank on landing ready-to-produce linemen in the portal every offseason.
It needs internal improvement from players like Newsom, who hasn’t played a game in three seasons.
2022 Husker Camp Countdown
No. 50 Eteva Mauga-Clements

Nebraska needs Eteva Mauga-Clements’ seasoned-leadership on special teams. But it could probably use him on the Husker defense, too. Read more here.
No. 49 Noa Pola-Gates

This season will be Noa Pola-Gates’ fourth at Nebraska, which means it’s time to produce. The Huskers added two juco safeties this offseason, but Pola-Gates has experience in NU’s defense. Read more here.
No. 48 Brant Banks

Odds are decent that the Huskers will need a pinch-hitter along the offensive line at some point. Banks’ positional versatility makes him a prime candidate to fill that need. Read more here.
No. 47 Mosai Newsom

Nebraska addressed its defensive line needs in the transfer portal, but it’s still crucial for incumbents like Mosai Newsom to flash. Read more here.
No. 46 Gabe Ervin

Nebraska's running back room has changed significantly since Gabe Ervin won the starting job and then suffered a season-ending injury. Can he make up for lost time fast enough to maintain a significant role this season? Read more here.
No. 45 Nate Boerkircher

Nate Boerkircher shined during the spring while half of Nebraska’s tight ends missed time with injury. Read more here.
No. 44 Logan Smothers

The storyline to watch this season with Logan Smothers is whether he can win the backup quarterback job. Long term, it’s how much he can develop as a passer under Mark Whipple. Read more here.
No. 43 Marcus Washington

There’s a lot of evidence suggesting Nebraska has significant plans for Marcus Washington. But there are a few uncertainties. Read more here.
No. 42 Jimari Butler

Nebraska has been patient with Jimari Butler. But three years in, it’s time to see what he can do. Read more here.
No. 41 Janiran Bonner

Janiran Bonner only arrived on campus this summer, but he has the build and athleticism to earn snaps this year. Read more here.
No. 40 DeShon Singleton

DeShon Singleton should play this season. He’s big enough, fast enough and said this spring that he felt comfortable with his knowledge of Nebraska’s defensive scheme. Read more here.
sam.mckewon@owh.com, 402-540-4222, twitter.com/swmckewonOWH