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Chubba Purdy’s ‘big jump’ is important for Nebraska football

Originally posted on Husker Big Red | By Chris Peterson | Last updated 8/8/23

Chubba Purdy is battling to be the Nebraska football backup quarterback and Matt Rhule said Tuesday he’s made “a big jump.”

Nebraska football knows who the starting quarterback is going to be — Jeff Sims. What The Huskers don’t know quite yet is who the backup quarterback will be.

Matt Rhule may have given Nebraska football fans a hint on Tuesday during his post-practice media session. The head coach praised Chubba Purdy, the former transfer from Florida State, who started multiple games for the Huskers in 2022.

Purdy could have transferred out of the program but stuck around and Rhule said that he challenged Purdy, a former four-star recruit, and it sounds like the quarterback responded. Not only did Rhule mention that Purdy “made a big jump” from the spring, but he also said the game was starting to slow down for him.

That’s something you want to hear about a quarterback. Decision-making is just as important as accuracy or arm strength and at the very least, it seems like Purdy has improved on the mental side of the game. Rhule was certainly impressed by his willingness to compete.

What of the QBs? Chubba Purdy got some kudos from Rhule today. The Huskers staff challenged him in the spring.

"And he's done nothing but respond. That's a credit to him and his family. A lot of kids nowadays run and hide. Chubba took everything head on."https://t.co/ILd3H0vRmn

— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) August 8, 2023

Why Chubba Purdy’s development is important for Nebraska

Purdy is one of just three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, so if there’s an injury, there’s a good shot he sees the field.

Henrich Haarberg certainly had some moments in the spring. However, he needs to take another step in his development too, particularly as a passer, before he’s ready for the Big Ten.

I’m sure that Haarberg has also improved. That’s why I’m not conceding the backup quarterback job to Purdy by any means. Yet, Purdy has played in 10 career games and attempted 104 passes. It wasn’t always pretty last season, but that wasn’t always his fault either.

Regardless of what happened in the past, Nebraska football has a quarterback in Jeff Sims that has never started for a full season. With an improved offensive line and a better team around him, the hope is that Sims can be a 12-game starter for the Huskers.

That’s essential if this team is to reach bowl eligibility. But having a quarterback hurt can’t be an excuse to fall apart. The offense could barely move the ball last season without Casey Thompson and that can’t be the case again.

Purdy isn’t going to be the preferred starter for Nebraska football this season, but there’s still hope for him. At some point, he’s going to be needed and hopefully, this jump means if that time comes, he’ll be ready.

This article first appeared on Husker Big Red and was syndicated with permission.

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