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Nebraska lands transfer commitment from key DB, former starter for USC
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Nebraska is looking for a big leap in Year 2 of head coach Matt Rhule after some close losses in 2023. Already looking to have a strong defense, the Cornhuskers added another veteran piece on that side of the ball Friday afternoon.
The new piece comes in the form of Ceyair Wright, a defensive back with 23 career appearances for the Trojans, including 15 starts the past two seasons. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the culture under Rhule is what really stood out.
“The thing that caught my attention was how much all the coaches poured into me. Everyone was invested to elevate me as a person and player,” said Wright.
NEWS: Former USC defensive back Ceyair Wright has committed to transfer to Nebraska, he tells ESPN. Wright (@ceyairr) started 15 games for the Trojans the last two years and has played in 23 career games with six pass break-ups and one interception. pic.twitter.com/GAyE4H0V7e
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 28, 2024
Wright’s best season came in 2022 when he appeared in 14 games with 28 tackles, an interception and 2 pass breakups. He was limited to 7 games in the 2023 season but contributed 11 tackles, a TFL and 3 pass breakups when healthy.
Impact for Nebraska
Nebraska’s defense was already looking up for the 2024 season with a strong unit returning 7 starters from the 2023 season. Despite a losing record, the Huskers finished 2023 11th in the country for total defense with 303.5 yards allowed per game. Nebraska was even better at yards per play, giving up just 4.62 yards per play in a mark that ranked 7th nationally.
Passing defense was the one area that Nebraska was not near the top of the leaderboard, but the Huskers were still No. 40 in the country while giving up 210.6 yards per game.
The addition of Wright adds to an area that is already a strength for the Huskers, and he will add increased depth entering 2024. If the offense rebounds this fall, the defense of Nebraska should have the program poised to make it to the postseason and a bowl game under Rhule.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.