Nebraska DC Erik Chinander updates DL battle, tabs walk-on as potential contributor

Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander gave an update on the battle for the starting jobs on the defensive line.

Chinander outlined several defensive linemen who will be battling for spots on the defense. Walk-on defensive lineman Colton Feist received praise from Chinander for working hard during the offseason. Chinander believed that Feist was in contention to win a starting spot on Nebraska’s defense. He explained how Feist impressed the program:

“Show up every day and show that you’re better than the guys we picked for scholarships,” Chinander said.

Nebraska DC Erik Chinander offers praise for walk-on defensive lineman Colton Feist, who’s in position to fill a major role in the playing rotation.

What’s it take to get to his place? “Show up every day and show that you’re better than the guys we picked for scholarships.” pic.twitter.com/XBuF1EQByr

— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) August 8, 2022

For the battle on Nebraska’s interior defensive line, Nash Hutmacher has jumped out in front in that competition. Hutmacher was competing with Alabama transfer Stephon Wynn. In May, Wynn transferred from Alabama to Nebraska. The biggest problem for Wynn was taking more time than Hutmacher to understand Nebraska’s defense.

Nebraska DC Erik Chinander says, at interior DL, Nash Hutmacher is a little ahead of Stephon Wynn in terms of grasp of defense. Chinander says he wants to see what it looks like when both know the position at equals.

— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) August 8, 2022

Chinander wanted to see what the competition would be like once Wynn was on the same page as Hutmacher. It was not easy for Wynn to fully grasp a new defense after two months since he joined the program.

These battles will come down to the end of the offseason training camp for Nebraska. Chinander is going into his 5th season as Nebraska’s defensive coordinator.