Veteran defensive back Malcolm Hartzog is expressing enthusiasm for his evolving role within the Nebraska Cornhuskers defense under coordinator DC John Butler. A key contributor over the past three seasons, amassing 1,626 defensive snaps, Hartzog is particularly excited about transitioning to the nickel position this fall.
«It’s very comfortable for me,» Hartzog stated, highlighting his anticipation for being more involved «in the box» and within the RPO (run-pass option) window. The senior has also added a few pounds during the offseason, aiming to play in the 185 to 187-pound range while maintaining his agility. «I’m still moving how I want to move,» he affirmed.
Hartzog’s track record suggests a willingness to contribute in multiple facets of the defense. Point Football Focus graded his run defense at a solid 79.0 in 2023, placing him fourth on the team, and his tackling grade of 78.5 was seventh best. He believes his new role will allow him to further emphasize his physicality and tackling ability, while still utilizing his coverage skills honed at cornerback and free safety, positions he played extensively in 2024.
«I feel like this year I’m going to be more in a run fit, more in the RPO window and stuff like that,» Hartzog explained. «I feel like that’s going to be big for me. Make a couple tackles. Put that on tape and still be able to cover a person like the corner spot – same technique, same things like that.»
The veteran defensive back is also optimistic about the impact of defensive coordinator John Butler on the secondary. «All the positions – the nickel spot, free safety, the rover – we’ve got a little touch to them,» Hartzog noted, praising the subtle but significant changes Butler has implemented.
Hartzog earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors last season, starting seven games at safety and five at cornerback. He led the team with four interceptions, the most by a Husker since 2015, and added a career-high 45 tackles. While acknowledging past plays that didn’t go his way, such as in the USC game, Hartzog is focused on improvement.
«Just getting better in my man coverage making plays on the ball,» he said of his offseason work, aiming for more interceptions this year. He has even studied film of the Buffalo Bills, where Butler previously served as the secondary coach, to gain further insights.
Hartzog is part of an experienced group of returning defensive backs, including DeShon Singleton, Marques Buford Jr., and Ceyair Wright. He believes the competition within the unit has intensified, with promising young players emerging. «Last year to this year we’ve got a lot more dudes,» Hartzog stated, emphasizing the potential impact of the younger players under Butler’s guidance and the energy brought by new secondary coach Addison Williams.
As he enters his senior year, Hartzog, a Nebraska recruit from Mississippi, is determined to make the most of his final season. «This spring right here has been one of the most fun ones that I’ve had so far,» he concluded. «Being a senior knowing it’s my last year I’ve just been going out there giving it my all. That’s what made it fun. My brothers too. The DBs, they push us every day. I just want to do this for them. My last year, leave the place to be remembered … and lead the way for them.»