You can make it an even dozen (at least) players who have left Nebraska since Scott Frost took over for Mike Riley late last year.
the latest to bolt is Avery Roberts, who the university confirmed Wednesday had asked for and been granted a release from his scholarship. While not specified, it’s believed that Roberts’ positioning on the linebacker depth chart triggered his decision to leave.
The Omaha World-Herald writes that, "[b]ecause Roberts entered fall camp and received scholarship money, he’ll count against NU’s 85-man limit through December.”
A four-star member of Riley’s final recruiting class in 2017, Roberts was rated as the No. 8 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 1 player at any position in the state of Delaware. Only one signee in NU’s class that year, wide receiver Tyrone Lindsey, was rated higher than Roberts.
Last season as a true freshman, Roberts played mainly on special teams.
Roberts is at least the 12th player to leave the Cornhuskers this offseason. The other 11 are offensive lineman Bryan Brokop, wide receiver Zack Darlington (HERE) offensive lineman Michael Decker (HERE), tight end David Engelhaupt (HERE), linebacker Willie Hampton (HERE), defensive back Will Jackson (HERE), fullback Ben Miles (HERE), quarterback Patrick O’Brien (HERE), tight end Matt Snyder (HERE) inside linebacker Andrew Ward (HERE) and wide receiver Keyan Williams (HERE). Eight of those 10 transferred, while one of the remaining two, Decker, retired from football and the other, Darlington, joined the Army.