One of Nebraska’s most dynamic playmakers is no longer in the program.
Huskers coach Scott Frost said Thursday that third-year wide receiver and Bellevue West alumnus Xavier Betts is out of training and his future at NU is unclear. He declined to elaborate, repeatedly stating that the fast 6ft 2in 200lb “is not a member of the team right now”. Betts was the second-highest-ranked rookie in the team’s class of 2020.
Does he expect Betts to return?
“Doesn’t matter,” said Frost. “Now he is not a member of the team.”
Betts was the second-best receiver in Nebraska after throwing 20 for 286 yards last season. He also had three carries – mostly sweeps – for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Receivers coach Mickey Joseph didn’t mention the Betts during his media appearance Tuesday, but did so earlier in March. At the time, Joseph said that Betts’ best football seemed to be ahead of him.
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“Zavier has grown a lot, he has matured a lot,” Joseph said. “You know, Xavier was an immature child when I first got here. But now he has grown. He starts asking questions. He’s starting to understand why he’s here in Nebraska.”
Joseph also said that being an in-state player on a hometown team is an added challenge. His next step, according to the coach, was more consistency.
“I’m just watching last year’s movie,” Joseph said. “One week he shows up, the next week he doesn’t show up. So now my goal is to get him to be consistent so that he shows up every week and gives 100 percent every week. He has to believe in himself.”
Meet the 2022 Nebraska Football Coaching Staff
Scott Frost, head coach
First season at NU: 2018
2022 Salary: $4 million
Alma mater: Nebraska
Other training stops: UCF (2016-17), Oregon (2009-15), Northern Iowa (2007-08), Kansas State (2006)
CHRIS MACHIAN, MESSENGER OF THE PEACE
Mark Whipple, offensive/defensive coordinator
First season in the state: 2022
2022 Salary: $875,000
Alma mater: Brown
Other training stops: Pitt (2019-21), Massachusetts (2014-18), Cleveland Browns (2011-12), Miami (2009-10), Philadelphia Eagles (2008), Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-06), Massachusetts (1998-2003), Brown (1994–97), New Haven (1988–1993), New Hampshire (1986–87), Arizona Wranglers (1984), Brown (1983), Union (1981–82), St. Lawrence (1980)
ANNA REED, MESSENGER OF THE WORLD
Eric Chinander, defense coordinator
First season in the state: 2018
2022 Salary: $850,000
Alma mater: Iowa
Other training stops: UCF (2016-17), Oregon (2014-15, 2010-12), Philadelphia Eagles (2013), Northern Iowa (2004-09), Ellsworth Community College (2003)
EILEEN T. MESLAR, MESSENGER OF THE PEACE
Bill Bush, Special Groups Coordinator
First season in the state: 2022 (Also NU Analyst 2021, Staff Member 2004-07, PhD Student 1990-93)
Salary: $400,000
Alma mater: Nebraska Wesleyan
Other training stops: LSU (2018-20), Rutgers (2016-17), Ohio State (2015), Wisconsin (2013-14), Utah (2009-12), Nebraska (2004-07), Utah (2001-03), Utah (2001-03), New Mexico State (1997-2000), Northern Arizona (1995-96), Wisconsin (1994), Nebraska (1990-93), Nebraska Wesleyan (1989)
MATT MILLER, MESSENGER OF THE WORLD
Mickey Joseph, wide receivers/passing coordinator/assistant head coach
First season in the state: 2022
2022 Salary: $600,000
Alma mater: Nebraska
Other training stops: LSU (2017-21), Louisiana Tech (2016), Grambling State (2014-15), Alcorn State (2013), Langston (2008-12), Desire Street Academy HS (2005-08), Oklahoma Central (2004- 05) ), Nicholls State (2001-03), Alabama State (2000), Tulane (1999), Archbishop Shaw HS (1998), Wayne State (1997), Omaha State North HS (1995-96)
ANNA REED, MESSENGER OF THE WORLD
Donovan Raiola, offensive line
First season in the state: 2022
2022 Salary: $325,000
Alma mater: Wisconsin
Other training stops: Chicago Bears (2018–21), Aurora University (2017), Notre Dame (2015–16), Hawaii (2014), Kapalama HS (2012–13)
ANNA REED, MESSENGER OF THE WORLD
Sean Becton, tight ends
First season in the state: 2018
2022 Salary: $450,000
Alma mater: UKF
Other training stops: UCF (2009-17, 1996-2003, 1992-93), Orlando Predators (2008), Mainland HS (1993-96)
CHRIS MACHIAN, MESSENGER OF THE PEACE
Brian Applewhite, running back
First season in the state: 2022
2022 Salary: $325,000
Alma mater: Northern Colorado
Other training stops: TCU (2020-21), Colorado State (2015-19), Louisiana-Monroe (2010-14), Montana State (2009), Wyoming (2003-08), Northern Colorado (1999-02)
TKU ATHLETICS
Mike Dawson, quarterback
First season in the state: 2020 (also coached at NU in 2018)
2022 Salary: $550,000
Alma mater: University of Massachusetts
Other training stops: New York Giants (2019), UCF (2016-17), Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15), Boston College (2009-11), Akron (2006-08), New Hampshire (2000-05), Pitt (1999) ), Maine (1998)
CHRIS MACHIAN, MESSENGER OF THE PEACE
Barret Ruud, midfielders
First season in the state: 2018
2022 Salary: $325,000
Alma mater: Nebraska
Other training stops: UKF (2016-17)
ANNA REED, MESSENGER OF THE WORLD
Travis Fisher, quarterbacks
First season in the state: 2018
2022 Salary: $450,000
Alma mater: UKF
Other training stops: UCF (2015–17, 2013), Southeast Missouri (2014)
LILY SMITH, MESSENGER OF THE WORLD
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