The buzz surrounding Nebraska football sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd is continuing to grow. Head coach Matt Rhule was complementary of the wide receiver after practice on Saturday.
Lloyd has a ton of potential. We saw it a little bit last year. He recorded six catches for 237 yards and three touchdowns last season. His highest output in terms of receiving came against Purdue. In that contest, he caught one pass for 73 yards and a touchdown.
LIoyd also offered production on the ground for Nebraska last season, recording one attempt for 4 yards.
Now, the sophomore figures to be a big part of the equation at the wide receiver spot. He is having a strong spring, and that included in a scrimmage earlier this week. He caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Daniel Kaelin and really made himself stand out.
This of course is a very promising development. Nebraska football has had trouble developing wide receivers in past years, and it’s important for the sophomore to really take the next step.
He was not a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, ranked as a three-star athlete, and the ninth overall player in his class from the state of Nebraska per the 247Sports Composite rankings. Nevertheless, he is turning heads and making an impact.
LIoyd impressing Nebraska football coaching staff.
Rhule had nothing but positive things to say about him on Saturday, as transcribed by Husker247 ‘s Brian Christopherson.
OK, he did bring up Jaylen Lloyd because he loved that he ran track and then jumps right back into football. “And makes plays down the field. He’s a football player and he’s a track athlete. He’s not one or another. And that’s really, really cool. But the whole group is pushing each other and getting way, way, better.”
If anything, this speaks to the receiver’s work ethic, in addition to his speed and overall athleticism. That speed and overall playmaking ability will undoubtedly make him a favorite target for Dylan Raiola.
Sure, Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor are the shiny new toys out of the transfer portal. They will undoubtedly have a role in this room as well. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to get excited about Lloyd. The progression and development he’s showing on the practice field is encouraging. The fact that he is a local kid makes his emergence even more notable.
Progression is important in any player’s development, and it sounds like Lloyd is on the right track. Hopefully, he can parlay this into a strong fall camp.
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