Three takes over Stanford offensive tackle Walter Rouse by moving to Nebraska

In year 2 of NU’s NIL boom, Matt Rhule took a different – and perhaps better – approach.

If the Huskers devoted a lot of energy last year to signing receivers and quarterbacks who could immediately help out, this year was all about top-notch linemen who can start right away.

First, Arizona State center Ben Scott joined the program. Now a multi-year starting tackle from Stanford who, after recovering from a torn labrum, could anchor either side of the line. Both are arguably better than the two players they were going to replace and offer immediate experience.

Can they add a Trey Palmer? They could add up to more, in a sense. A good offensive line makes a lot of things easier for an offense.

Nebraska beat Iowa and Oklahoma on the recruiting trail, which is a rare feat. NU can beat one or the other, but rarely both when both are in the mix.

It’s a shame for offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, who, in Rouse, landed his best hire yet, even if it’s only for a year.

The Hawkeyes and Sooners tend to do well in producing NFL linemen — better in recent years than Nebraska, anyway — and both had needs at the position. Rouse’s selection puts additional momentum into NU’s off-season leg.

Health matters, but NU gains leadership on and off the field.

Rouse was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the “Academic Heisman” for its consideration of performance in sport and in the classroom.

He’s a sharp-witted guy with experience in a professional style program at Stanford.

He has to recover from his lip problem, so he won’t train until training camp. Once he can go, he gives Nebraska the option to move one of their current top tackles – Turner Corcoran, Bryce Benhart or Teddy Prochazka – to guard. It wouldn’t be difficult to move Corcoran to right or left guard, put Ethan Piper up front, have Scott anchor at center, with Rouse at one tackle and Prochazka or Benhart at the other.

Nebraska can have a decent offensive line next season – on paper, at least – if everyone stays healthy.