Five Nebraska true freshmen ready to make an immediate impact in 2023
The start of Nebraska’s first fall camp under head coach Matt Rhule is now just around the corner. While the Huskers added several notable transfers this offseason, they also brought in a talented 2023 high school class.
Here are five true freshmen we could see making an immediate impact for NU this season…
Tristan Alvano, K
Tristan Alvano arrives as one of the most celebrated high school kickers in Nebraska state history.
He cemented his legacy by connecting on all five of his field goals – four from 40-plus – to lead Omaha Westside to a Class A championship game victory. His 16 makes last season also set a Nebraska high school record.
If Alvano picks up where he left off the last time he kicked in Memorial Stadium, he could have every opportunity to be a Day 1 starter as a true freshman.
Malachi Coleman, WR
Malachi Coleman was one of the most significant dominos to fall in Rhule’s efforts to lock down the state’s top talent.
The former Lincoln East standout was a four-star prospect and the top-rated player in Nebraska for his class. He was selected to play in the 2023 All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl, where he caught two touchdown passes.
At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds with sprinter speed, Coleman has all the physical tools necessary to be a Week 1 contributor for the Huskers. Given how wide-open NU’s receiver room is right now, his role could be even greater by the end of the year.
Jaidyn Doss, WR
As noted, the window of opportunity at receiver couldn’t be open much wider than it is going into fall camp. That means Coleman isn’t the only freshman pass-catcher who could jump right into the mix.
Jaidyn Doss is another wideout with all the physical tools to play immediately this season. The 6-foot, 195, native of Raymore, Missouri, was one of the most productive receivers in The Show-Me State.
Doss hauled in 121 career passes for 2,212 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed 94 times for 922 yards and seven TDs, including three career 100-yard efforts. That versatility could make him an intriguing piece in Rhule’s offense.
Cameron Lenhardt, DL
From a recruiting rankings standpoint, Cameron Lenhardt was among Nebraska’s more notable early-enrollee freshmen. His play throughout spring ball and then the Red-White game backed up that hype and then some.
The former four-star prospect, who ranked No. 359 nationally, made his presence felt from the jump. After working his way to first-team reps in practice, Lenhardt shined in the spring game with four tackles.
Plenty remains unsettled at the Huskers’ edge positions, and Lenhardt is already well on his way to becoming an immediate factor for the Blackshirts this season.
Princewill Umanmielen, DL
Just like Lenhardt, Princewill Umanmielen made everyone take notice with his play as an early-enrollee freshman this spring.
A four-star rated the No. 227 player in the country, the Austin, Texas, native quickly showcased the versatility and consistency that NU defensive coordinator Tony White covets. He, too, added an exclamation point in the Red-White game, finishing with a sack and a game-high three tackles for loss.
Umanmielen could be an instant option as an edge rusher, but he also got some reps at “Jack” linebacker during the spring.
