All those stories about Cameron Lenhardt being the young guy who fit right in as if he were an old guy – true as they are now old news.
«I really like Cam Lenhardt,» Ty Robinson told us even before Lenhardt played one snap at Nebraska.
Not that long ago in standard time that was said. But actually real long ago in college football time – which is akin to dog years with the fast forward button pressed down.
The new guys become the old guys so fast. And as Nebraska’s defensive line gets its portal remodeling work done ahead of 2025 – Jaylen George is the newest Husker addition – it seems an especially pivotal time for a returnee like Lenhardt.
He actually played fewer snaps this past regular season (189) than the the 2023 campaign (266). He totaled 13 tackles, with two TFLs and half a sack this fall. A year ago he showed his potential, playing 10 games and through injury, notching five tackles for loss and three sacks.
Whatever has been, this month and the upcoming Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl already feels like a new season already.
It has to especially seem that way on the D-line. Gone to the the portal and other places are those like Jimari Butler, James Williams, Vincent Jackson, Kai Wallin and Brodie Tagaloa, as well as walk-on Leslie Black. And down to their last game in a Nebraska uniform are Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher.
Certainly Nebraska is in the process of filling those spaces for 2025 with 2024 class No. 6 overall rated player Williams Nwaneri already signed to the roster, for instance. And George’s announcement should soon become official too.
But whatever further additions come, Lenhardt looms as an important figure, as his role this month would seem to increase now both in reps and a leader. Husker head coach Matt Rhule even had the D-lineman talk to the team about the excitement of going to this bowl in New York City since the D-lineman comes from Staten Island.
Regarding that potential growth in responsibility, Lenhardt said last week, «It’s a goal of mine. It’s a good opportunity for me and stuff like that. I’m just going to take it with some gratitude. Step up at bat because those guys left a mark, so just step up in their shoes.»
Nebraska received important news when Keona Davis, who played 90 snaps a true freshman, stepped back from some initial portal plans to return to the program. And Riley Van Poppel, who kept to four games this year and a redshirt, held up well for key snaps at Iowa. Elijah Jeudy has said he plans to return. Dylan Parrott is 6-5, 315 and is a walk-on who was on the travel roster this year as a sophomore.
And while it’s understood information can change by the hour this month regarding player status, but Sua Lefotu, Mason Goldman and Ashton Murphy are other D-linemen still in that room. Lefotu had a season-ending injury after playing in two contests. D-line signees include Malcolm Simpson, Tyson Terry and Kade Pietrzak, who will be on the 2025 roster.
The latter three will get their chances to jump in the fray soon. Those like Lenhardt have already been doing it this month, with an official announcement still around the corner on expected D-line coach hire Terry Bradden.
«A lot of us are going to have to take a lot more reps,» Lenhardt said of bowl prep. «It’s a good opportunity for people who didn’t really play much earlier in the season.»
Van Poppel’s name was mentioned to him.
«Having him, Keona, a lot of those guys. Even Mason. It’s going to take everybody. We’ve been really honing in on that in practice.»
There’s «100 percent» a lot of juice from younger players in bowl practices preparing for the game against Boston College, Lenhardt said.
«They’re just more locked in. It’s just a good opportunity for them. We’re going to New York City to play, so a lot of people are pumped up about that.»
Lenhardt will be happy to show them around some food spots too. Get a bacon, egg and cheese somewhere, for sure.
Someone he won’t have to show around anywhere is a senior like Rahmir Johnson, who will also be playing close to home as he finishes his Husker career.
«It’s a privilege to be out there with them, especially their first bowl game,» Lenhardt said of the seniors, including his fellow D-linemen wearing the uniform a final time. «Send them off with a win. That would be something we want to achieve as a team and I know I’m taking pride in that.