Linebacker John Bullock announces return to Nebraska in 2024

Another veteran starter on Nebraska’s much-improved defense announced his return for next season on Thursday night.

Inside linebacker John Bullock posted on social media that he was coming back for a sixth season. The Omaha native walked on Senior Day but had the option of an additional COVID season.

Bullock is coming off a breakout 2023 campaign where he surged to the top of the ILB rotation. He started 10 of 12 games and ranked fourth on the team with a career-high 50 tackles.

The former Creighton Prep standout also posted 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Just as impressive as his production was Nebraska selecting Bullock as one of Nebraska’s single-digit jersey numbers (5). His teammates voted him one of the Huskers’ top leaders and “toughest” players.

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Bullock joins fellow Blackshirts Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford, and Nash Hutmacher in opting for another season in Lincoln. Offensive tackle Bryce Benhart also announced his return this week, while center Ben Scott confirmed he was staying before the end of the season.

A walk-on for his first four seasons at Nebraska, head coach Matt Rhule put Bullock on scholarship this offseason. The 6-foot, 220-pounder’s speed and versatility on special teams immediately caught Rhule’s attention.

“That’s helped me, well, this guy’s really fast, and he’s kind of a big 218-pound kid,” Rhule said last spring. “Can we get him to 225? His speed first (stood out) and his athleticism, then we moved him over there and he was just real natural, got better and better. I think he’s a legitimate starting-caliber player.”