Top 40 Huskers for 2017: 31-35

Voting Criteria: Player's importance to the team in 2017, talent and potential for the upcoming season. A player's long term/NFL potential was not taken into consideration.

Voting Panel: Publisher Sean Callahan, HuskerOnline.com staff Robin Washut, Nate Clouse, Gregg Peterson, and HOL interns Matt Reynoldson and David Eickholt.

The son of wide receivers coach Keith Williams who sat out last season after transferring Fresno State, Keyan Williams is finally ready to join the mix in Nebraska's receiving corps.

While much work remains to be done in fall camp, Williams arguably ended spring practices as the No. 1 slot receiver.

A good route runner with dependable hands, the New Orleans native should have ample opportunity to play a big role for the Huskers in 2017.

Given Nebraska's limited returning experience on the defensive line, there's a good chance one or more incoming freshmen could make an immediate impact in 2017.

One of those newcomers who has as good of a chance as anyone to do that is Deontre Thomas.

A former three-star prospect from Mustang, Okla., Thomas is already built for the part with his 6-foot-3, 280-pound frame. There's also plenty buzz within the program about his potential in NU's new 3-4 scheme.

Every year there seems to be a true freshman or two who enroll early to participate in spring ball and immediately impress with their play.

This year Avery Roberts definitely fit that billing.

Despite his youth, Roberts hit the ground running in Nebraska's new defense and established himself as a second-string middle linebacker by the end of the spring. At the rate he's going, there's no telling how high his ceiling might be.

Former instate walk-on who works his way into Nebraska's wide receiver rotation and earns a scholarship.

Heard that storyline before? Well add junior Bryan Reimers as the latest name on that list.

After catching five passes for 75 yards last season, including a 22-yard touchdown vs. Oregon, Reimers is now set to be a fixture in NU's receiver rotation. His big frame (6-5, 210) makes him a unique piece in the wide out room.

J.D. Spielman was another true freshman who nearly saw the field right away last season, but Nebraska's coaching staff was able to resist the urge and preserve his redshirt.

Now ready to make his official Husker debut this year, Spielman is poised to compete for time at both wide receiver and in the return game.

His skill set has already drawn comparisons to De'Mornay Pierson-El, meaning he could be a perfect versatile weapon in NU's offense.

No. 36-40