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Some early takes on the opening depth chart

Here are a few early takes from Nebraska's opening depth chart released on Monday as the Huskers get ready to take on Arkansas State.

Nebraska released their opening depth chart on Monday.
Nebraska released their opening depth chart on Monday. (Tyler Krecklow)
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Back-up quarterback race settled 

When you look at how things turned out on the opening depth chart, it's pretty clear the plan right now is to redshirt freshman Tristan Gebbia in 2017, as he's listed No. 3 behind redshirt freshman Patrick O'Brien.

A lot of "OR's" at running back

Head coach Mike Riley did not want to commit to a No. 1 running back in Fall Camp, and that was once again the case on the opening depth chart.

The Huskers listed Tre Bryant, Mikale Wilbon and Devine Ozigbo with "OR's" next to their names at the No. 1 running back. The bigger question will be if they decide to redshirt freshman Jaylin Bradley. Riley already said on Monday that they plan to play Bradley in 2017.

Another interesting move is junior Austin Rose is listed as the Huskers No. 2 fullback, which leads you to believe Ben Miles will redshirt the 2017 season.

Two tight ends listed

It was intersting to see Nebraska list two different tight end positions on the depth chart. This is the first time I can ever remember them doing that.

I think it tells you how much they think of senior Connor Ketter, and just how often we will see the Huskers in two tight end sets this season.

No real drama on the offensive line

Nebraska's starting group on the offensive line has been fairly settled this entire camp.

One of the bigger questions was if we'd see freshman Brenden Jaimes listed as the No. 2 left tackle behind Nick Gates. NU listed Jaimes No. 3 on Monday, which leads you to believe he will probably redshirt.

Deontre Thomas makes a statement on the defensive depth chart

Of all the freshman on the defensive depth chart, arguably the most impressive listing is defensive lineman Deontre Thomas. The Oklahoma native is listed as the No. 2 nose tackle behind junior Mick Stoltenberg.

Fellow freshman Damion Daniels is also listed at nose as the co-No. 2 guy behind Thomas. Riley said they are up in the air on if he'll play this season.

The only other freshman listed on the depth chart is linebacker Avery Roberts as the No. 2 inside linebacker behind senior Chris Weber.

Kieron Williams' fall to No. 3 is interesting 

A year ago senior safety Kieron Williams led Nebraska in interceptions and was a key starter on the back end.

This season he'll go into the year No. 3, which is probably one of the bigger overall surprises. I think most expected him to be listed No. 2 overall.

The only other secondary eye opener was seeing Jeremiah Stovall listed as the No. 2 overall cornerback over scholarship guys like Tony Butler.

Spielman gets the nod at kick returner 

This was something most of us had a good idea was going to happen, but redshirt freshman JD Spielman got the nod at kick returner on the opening depth chart.

This should be a good spot for the Minnesota native to make an impact in the game, as he really excelled there at the high school level.

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