Steven Sipple: Leader of Nebraska’s DL room? Terrance Knighton’s answer may surprise you
Nebraska defensive line coach Terrance Knighton makes it eminently clear why Jimari Butler shouldn’t be overlooked in any discussions about the Huskers’ D-line.
Butler does get overlooked a bit outside the program — that’s my read, anyway — but it doesn’t happen within the walls of the Nebraska football complex, mind you.
A junior from Mobile, Alabama, Butler set career highs in 2023 with 34 tackles, 8 1/2 tackles for loss, and 5 1/2 sacks. His TFL and sack numbers led the team.
Even so, he sometimes gets overlooked although — get this — he’s the voice of a D-line room that features two high-profile seniors, Knighton told HuskerOnline last week.
“On the field, Ty Robinson flips a switch,” Knighton said of Nebraska’s senior defensive lineman, a two-year starter. “Off the field, he’s a pre-med guy and a guy you’d let date your daughter.”
Meanwhile, Knighton also regards Nebraska senior nose tackle Nash Hutmacher, a 12-game starter last season, as a future NFL Draft pick — perhaps even a first-rounder.
“But Jimari, all around, is the heart and soul of the group who holds the whole group accountable — holds even Ty and Nash accountable,” Knighton said Tuesday during a break in the Houston Christian satellite camp. “Those three guys having a strong relationship, and being at Nebraska three or four years together, they’ve developed a camaraderie of their own.
“Jimari is comfortable in the D-line room. He’s put on 20 pounds. He looks great and he’s ready to roll. And he’s definitely the vocal leadership guy of the group.”
With Nebraska beginning summer OTAs last week, leadership among players becomes intensely important. Butler’s presence is critical in that regard.
DB Ethan Nation no longer listed on Nebraska roster
Butler, Fidone stepped up strongly after loss to UM
The 6-foot-4 Butler, who’s up to 260 pounds, demonstrated his leadership chops at a high level following last season’s 45-7 home loss to Michigan. The Wolverines led 28-0 at halftime. For many in the program, it felt embarrassing.
“After the Michigan game, we came in the next day and coach (Matt Rhule) had a full-scrimmage practice,” Knighton said. “Jimari was one of the guys, front and center, calling guys out on the defense, calling guys out on the defensive line.
“Jimari and (tight end) Thomas Fidone, it was those two guys who kind of took the lead the next day. From there, Jimari felt comfortable in his role. As a coach, it’s my job to make those guys feel comfortable and try to help them ascend to more leadership, and he did a great job.”
The next week, Butler produced 1 1/2 sacks as Nebraska responded to the Michigan loss with a 20-7 road win against Illinois. It was a crucial triumph for the Rhule’s first-year program.
“Hats off to Jimari,” Knighton said. “Last year, he lined up as a three technique at 230 pounds. Now, he can play any position on the front, being 260. He’s got the mindset. He’s put in the work. He’s stronger, more flexible.
“The D-line, as a group, we do yoga every Friday. They even make me do it. It’s been great. The leadership in that room has taken the group to the next level. At this point, the success of the group will depend on Ty, Nash, (Elijah) Jeudy, and Jimari. They have to lead.”
Butler leads the way, above all, and I can’t say I knew it until last week.
Knighton sheds light on James Williams’ growth
Knighton was illuminating in discussing more than just Butler. The second-year Husker assistant also made it clear that James Williams is on the rise.
The 6-5, 235-pound Williams played in four games last season, preserving a redshirt in his first year in the program. A transfer from Iowa Central Community College — he played one season at the Fort Dodge school, recording six sacks — Williams was disruptive as a pass rusher in 2023, finishing with two sacks among his four tackles.
Williams this offseason has grown into more than just a pass rusher, Knighton said.
“James is a young kid, he’s raw,” the coach said. “But he has all the skill set, the size, the length to be an NFL player. Once he puts it together and gets a full offseason with us — which he’s doing right now — and gets stronger and bigger and learns the playbook better … the sky’s the limit for him right now.”
I told Knighton that people might be surprised to hear him say Williams has NFL potential, considering his limited playing experience in Division I.
“Watch the tape — just watch the tape,” Knighton said. “In the Maryland game, (the Terrapins) have an athletic front, athletic tackles. That was the first time I’ve seen a tackle line up and look at the referee as if he was a wide receiver to make sure he was on the line of scrimmage.”
The tackle set up in his stance as far back as he could.
“That was because of James’ ability to rush the edge,” Knight said. “That was great to see, and he won’t be a secret this year.”
Based on what I’m hearing about Williams, he could emerge as one of the Nebraska defense’s best players, period.
Make no mistake, college players can make upward moves in a program without many people outside the program knowing about it. It can happen in June, for instance. It certainly can happen in the spring. I didn’t know Williams was rising so quickly, and Knighton’s praise of Butler is thought-provoking as well.
Bring on the autumn. I’ve got the itch.
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