Position:	# of Commits:	Players (best "star" rating**):	State(s):
Quarterback	2	Harrison Beck (5), Zac Taylor*$ (3)	FL, KS(OK)
Running Back	2	Leon Jackson (5), Marlon Lucky (5)	WA, CA
Fullback	1	Cody Glenn (3)	TX
Wide Receiver	2	Wallace Franklin (3), Broderick Hunter (4.5)	TX, TX
Tight End	1	David Harvey (2)	MD
Offensive Tackle	2	Rodney Picou (5/OG), Marcus Gordon*$ (3)	CA, KS(TN)
Offensive Guard	1	Craig Roark (5)	OK
Offensive Center	0	none	-
Defensive End	1	Zach Potter (4)	NE
Defensive Tackle	3	Jacob Hickman*** (4.5/OC), Lorenzo Jones (3), Barry Cryer*$ (3)	CA, TX, KS(LA)
Outside Linebacker	4	Nick Covey (4.5), Dontrell Moore*$ (3), Steve Octavien*$ (3), Jeff Souder*** (2)	AZ, KS(LA), IL(FL), NE
Middle Linebacker	1	Phillip Dillard (5)	OK
Cornerback	3	Calvin Mickens (4.5/FS), Zackary Bowman*$ (5), Robert Rands** (2)	TX, AZ(AK), NE
Safety	0	none	-
Punter	0	-	-
Place-kicker	1	Jordan Congdon (3)	CA
TOTALS	24	(includes 6 JUCO, 2 grayshirts, 1 track scholarship)	-

 

 

NAME:  Harrison Beck

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (6/9/04).  Highest-targeted QB by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #3 Pro-Style QB, #100 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #7 Pro-Style QB (not in Top 100), 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #4 Drop-Back QB, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #4 QB, #43 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-1"

WEIGHT: 205 lbs

SPEED: 4.67 sec.

HOMETOWN: Clearwater, FL (4A)

STATS: (Jr) Pass: 200 att, 2,300 yds, 21 TD, 9 INT; Rush: 150 yds

NOTES: The offers speak for themselves.  This is a remarkable commitment for our staff.  As an added bonus, Harrison is a very solid commitment and has been actively recruiting (on his own) on NU's behalf.  This set the tone very early for what our new staff is all about in recruiting.  Update (10/26/04): Scheduled NU visit: 10/29/04 (MU).  Update (12/14/04): It should be noted that Harrison has been hotly pursued by the likes of everybody from Coker at Miami to Steve Spurrier at South Carolina.  Through it all, he has been a beacon of commitment.  Much will be asked of this kid next year and in the future...thus far I am optimistic about his mindset.  He didn't even mind when we recruited and grabbed a JUCO QB.

OTHER OFFERS: Miami (FL), Florida St, Florida, Michigan, Ole Miss, NC State

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Zac Taylor (added 12/14/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (12/11/04).  Late JUCO targeted QB by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): unknown

RATINGS (EMFINGER): not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 210 lbs

SPEED: 4.7 sec.

HOMETOWN: Butler County C.C., KS (JUCO)

STATS: (JUCO - So) Pass: unknown

NOTES:  Scheduled NU visit: 12/10/04 (bye).  Zac is an interesting story.  He grew up originally in Norman, Oklahoma, which made him very aware of the Huskers in his youth.  Out of high school, he was a legitimate Division-I talent...ending up at Wake Forest.  He then transferred from Wake Forest and made his way to Butler.  This year he led Butler to a #1 national JUCO ranking.  His numbers were very good, and a couple of his offers aren't bad at all.  He is being brought in to give some competition and security behind Beck.  He has 3 to play 2.

OTHER OFFERS: Marshall, Memphis, Troy State, North Texas

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

 

Running Backs

Updated: 11/8/04

 

 

NAME:  Leon Jackson

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (10/7/04).  Very realistic upper-tier RB/S prospect by NU staff.  Projected as a RB, WR or S by NU coaches.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #10 CB, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #4 ATH, #41 in Rivals100)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #11 RB, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #7 RB, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #2 S, #23 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 200 lbs

SPEED: 4.4 sec.

HOMETOWN: Pasco (Pasco), WA (???)

STATS: (Sr) Rush: 30 car, 579 yds (19.3 ypc!!!), 10 TD (through 4 games)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 1170 yds, 27 TD; Rec: 620 yds (doesn't include playoffs)

NOTES: Leon's father is a huge Nebraska fan and strongly pushed Leon to commit on his visit to Lincoln.  However, Leon is going to be taking at least two more visits before deciding.  My feeling is that he is a virtual NU lock at this point, especially since he wants a chance at RB and we have told him that's where we'd start him.  Despite interviews though, he is willing to try any position, and NU likewise will take him wherever they can get him.  He is ridiculously fast in his films.  Leon has a little work to do to qualify...let's hope he does. Scheduled NU visit: 10/1/04 (KU). As expected, Leon did in fact commit soon after the visit, and NU gets an explosive running back and athlete.  Arguably the biggest commit of this class at the time he committed.

OTHER OFFERS: Oregon, Oregon St, Washington, Washington St, California, 

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Marlon Lucky

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (11/7/04).  Highest-rated RB by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #1 RB, #10 in Rivals100, 5-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #2 RB)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #5 RB, #31 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #2 Tailback, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #5 TB, #19 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 5'-11.5"

WEIGHT: 202 lbs

SPEED: 4.44 (at camp)

HOMETOWN: North Hollywood, CA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 276 car, 1778 yds (8.6 ypc), 28 TD; Rec: 15 rec, 219 (15.6 ypc), 2 TD

NOTES:  I have reason to believe that he will be our biggest recruiting win since probably Ahman Green in 1995.  Consider his lofty ranking, and the other teams vying for him.  His film is quite convincing.  Not only does he have balance, speed, strength and quickness...he also has excellent hands.  He is the ideal back for the WCO.  Currently, this battle is down to just USC and Nebraska.  He is bringing his entire family for his visit on Oct. 15th to the Baylor game, and with him being that serious about committing, and our new track record on visits, a commitment on his visit or very soon after would not surprise me.  One thing to temper your enthusiasm though - we need to make sure he fully qualifies.  To win him, and then lose him to grades would be a devastating blow.  Scheduled NU visit: 10/15/04 (BU). Update (10/13/04): I expect Marlon to commit on his visit to NU, or very soon after.  Update (10/26/04): I think he may be silently committed to NU.  We'll just have to wait and see.  Update (11/8/04): Awesome news!  Marlon announced his commitment to NU yesterday!  Huge win for our staff!!!!

OTHER OFFERS: USC, Florida, LSU, Washington, Oregon St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

Fullbacks

Updated:  12/14/04

 

 

 

NAME:  Cody Glenn (added 11/12/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (11/30/04). ( New realistic RB/FB target by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #25 RB, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #30 RB, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #13 Tailback, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): Not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-0"

WEIGHT: 211 lbs

SPEED: 4.62 (at Texas A&M Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Rusk, TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush (11 games): 217 car, 2006 yds (9.2 ypc), 27 TD

NOTES:  Cody is a very recent offer from our staff, whose offer came after the commits of both Jackson and Lucky at running back.  All things considered this looks like a case where we are trying to get a great athlete and running back and projecting them at fullback.  Glenn has a thick frame and lacks the breakaway the speed of Jackson and Lucky, which leads you to believe he would be a great FB in the WCO.  This would truly be a steal if we could grab a top-25 tailback in the nation and convince him to play fullback in our offense.  Our prospects for Cody look pretty good too...we are his only scheduled official visit, and are the only team that will get to host him for a gameday.  Given the type of schools recruiting him, this would be a major coup to pull him from Texas.  Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).  Update (12/14/04): Cody committed after his visit, and has since remained committed despite other schools coming after him.

OTHER OFFERS: Tennessee, Texas A&M, Oklahoma St, Arizona, BYU, Kansas

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wide Receivers

Updated: 10/28/04

 

 

NAME:  Wallace Franklin

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (8/26/04). Very realistic middle-tier WR prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #62 WR, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #58 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #21 Flanker WR, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 185 lbs

SPEED: 4.5

HOMETOWN: Beaumont, TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 15 rec, 430 (28.7 ypc), 4 TD

NOTES:  Scheduled along with teammate and friend Calvin Mickens before visiting officially.  Considered an exciting prospect by our coaching staff, Franklin is every bit 6'-3" and has great speed and good hands.  We feel we got a steal here.  Though Mickens had better offers, Franklin is thought to have much more upside. Scheduled NU visit: 10/15/04 (BU).

OTHER OFFERS: Auburn, UTEP, UL-L, Tulsa

PICTURES: (Updated 10/17/04: modified photo from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Brodrick/Broderick Hunter

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (10/4/05).  Extremely realistic upper-tier target by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #33 WR, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #35 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #11 Flanker WR, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-1"

WEIGHT: 211 lbs

SPEED: 4.5

HOMETOWN: Humble, TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 43 rec, 618 yds (14.4 ypc), 9 TD

NOTES:  Scheduled NU visit: 10/1/04.  Is considered a lock to commit on visit.  Would be a nice pick-up for coaching staff.  Scouting report states that he excels at yards after catch.  A playmaker.  Said to be a complete wide receiver...route running, hands, speed, acceleration.  There is a pang of fear however, in that he sounds like a rather "soft" commit at this point.  He also happens to be putting up HUGE numbers his senior year already, so that will attract some unwanted attention on him.

OTHER OFFERS: Arizona, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Oklahoma (per Insiders)

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

Tight Ends

Updated: 10/10/04

 

 

NAME:  David Harvey

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (7/3/04). Very realistic sleeper TE prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): NR SDE, 2-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR TE, 2-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #25 TE

HEIGHT: 6'-4"

WEIGHT: 230 lbs

SPEED: 4.98 (at Maryland Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Pomfret (McDonough), MD (???)

STATS: (Jr) Unknown

NOTES:  Committed soon after a visit to one of our camps, where we extended an offer.  Our coaching staff saw something here.  Could be a bust, or could be a star-in-the-making.  Who knows?

OTHER OFFERS: None

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

Offensive Tackles

Updated: 12/14/04

 

 

NAME:  Rodney Picou

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (8/10/04). Surprising upper-tier OG prospect by NU staff.  Projected at OT at NU.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #4 OG, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #7 OG)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #38 OL, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #5 OG, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #1 OG, #33 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-4"

WEIGHT: 299 lbs

SPEED: 5.19 (at San Diego Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Moreno Valley (Canyon Springs), CA (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  This was a surprising commitment by this upper-tier OL out of California.  Rodney camped at NU and apparently was impressed enough to commit to Nebraska.  I have been skeptical about how solid this commitment is since the beginning...FSU was his favorite growing up, and both FSU and USC are waiting in the wings because of the other reason I'm concerned: Rodney is a qualification risk.  I don't know how close he is to qualifying, but if he does indeed end up making it, we will at least have been there with him since the beginning.  I don't know if that will be enough to withstand a late offer from FSU or USC, but I sure hope so.  He is actually being looked at as a tackle.

OTHER OFFERS: Florida State*, USC*, San Diego St, Utah (*based on qualifying)

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Marcus Gordon (JUCO) (added: 11/18/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (12/12/04).  Late-offered middle-tier JUCO OT prospect by NU staff. 

RATINGS (RIVALS): UR JUCO OT, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): Not listed

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 320 lbs

SPEED: 5.0

HOMETOWN: Highland C.C., KS (JUCO)/ Memphis (Westside), TN (HS)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Marcus is a late offer for this staff, coming near the start of November.  Marcus has some solid offers, but it is unclear if he is a top prospect or a "Plan B"-type target.  Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).  Update (12/14/04): Marcus committed and will enroll at NU early.  He is a crucial pick-up for this staff, who down the stretch had troubles closing on OT prospects.

OTHER OFFERS: South Carolina, Kansas, UTEP, Ole Miss, Utah State

PICTURES: (none found)

 

 

Offensive Guards

Updated: 10/28/04

 

 

NAME:  Craig Roark

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (6/29/04). Surprising upper-tier OG prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #10 OG, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #12 OG)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #39 OL, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #1 OG, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #8 OG

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 295 lbs

SPEED: 4.92 (at Nebraska Camp)

HOMETOWN: Ada, OK (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  This is a fantastic pick-up for the coaching staff on numerous levels.  First of all, Craig is a fantastic, powerful offensive lineman.  I would say that his strength is probably run-blocking, which is just fine for an OG in the WCO.  On top of that though, Craig has also been quite the unofficial "recruiter" for Nebraska - calling up any young high schooler who will listen.  Craig's enthusiasm for NU comes through when he talks to the kids, on a level they respect.  I know he made a big difference in getting Phillip Dillard and I wouldn't put it past him to help with a few more star recruits before it's all said and done.  And third, his commitment is great because it was the first shot across the bow of the OU coaching staff...followed by Dillard and Bowman, and possibly Smith too.  This staff fears no team, and will go after kids in other big-name backyards. Update (10/14/04): added another December visit so he will be here with Doering and Scott. Scheduled NU visit: 9/4/04 (WIU). Unofficial NU visit: 10/1/04 (KU). Unofficial NU visit: 12/17/04 (bye).

OTHER OFFERS: LSU, Ohio State, Florida St, Florida, Miami (FL), Kansas St, Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma (rumored - as a DT)

PICTURES: (from Insiders.com)

 

 

 

 

 

Offensive Centers

Updated: 09/30/04

 

None

 

Defensive Ends

Updated: 10/28/04

 

 

NAME:  Zach Potter

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (10/28/04). Very realistic upper-tier DE prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #6 SDE, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #23 DE, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #12 Blocking TE, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #17 DE

HEIGHT: 6'-7"

WEIGHT: 258 lbs

SPEED: 4.8 sec. (at Iowa Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Omaha (Creighton Prep), NE (A)

STATS: (Jr) Def: 13 TFL, 10 sacks, 12 PBU

NOTES: Zach is the only in-state player to have a confirmed full scholarship offer from NU.  Zach is a huge kid - every bit 6'-7" with a frame that has room to grow.  While some places project him as a TE and others as an OT, NU has him projected as a DE.  I think Zach is enjoying the recruiting game right now, but he is destined to be a Husker, barring an unforeseen miracle. Unofficial NU visit: 9/3/04 (WIU).  Updated (10/28/04): Zach has made his commitment official...big pick-up for NU!!!

OTHER OFFERS: Kansas St, Kansas, Notre Dame, Iowa

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

Defensive Tackles

Updated: 12/14/04

 

 

NAME:  Jacob Hickman

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (9/5/04). Very realistic upper-tier OG prospect by NU staff.  Projected at DT at NU.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #17 OG, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #25 DT)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #44 OL, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #8 OC, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-4"

WEIGHT: 244 lbs

SPEED: 5.0

HOMETOWN: Bakersfield (Centennial), CA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Def: 66 tackles, 13 sacks, 4 FR, 3 FF

NOTES:  Scheduled NU visit: 9/3/04 (WIU). Jacob was our first commit from the opening week of official visits.  He committed while on his visit.  Jacob actually prefers to play DL in college, but is open to play wherever needed.  We have slotted him initially at DT.  Don't be too alarmed by his listed weight...he is in the process of a "body transformation" and as a sophomore weighed nearly 300 lbs.  He dropped down in order to rebuild his body with the right kind of weight: muscle.  Last time I heard he was closer to 260 lbs, so he is apparently on the right track.  This was sort of a quiet commitment that came out of nowhere, but it provides us a nice prospect who can help in a number of places.  Update (12/14/04): Jacob has proven to have problems in regaining his weight and there are concerns about whether he will be effective.  I believe his offer has been changed to a "grayshirt".

OTHER OFFERS: UCLA, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Barry Cryer (added 11/18/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (11/26/04).  Realistic middle-tier JUCO DT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): UR JUCO DT, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): Not listed.

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #1 JUCO DT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): Not listed.

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 285 lbs

SPEED: 4.78 sec.

HOMETOWN: Dodge City C.C., KS (JUCO)

STATS: (JUCO - So) Def: 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 blocked FG

NOTES: While we have been watching Barry for some time, we only recently offered him. Likely this is related to our chances with a couple of top high school DTs.  It sounds like we've been up-front with Barry, telling him he isn't our top choice, but we are definitely interested in him. Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).  Per interviews today, he intends to commit to Nebraska on his visit for the Colorado game.  I believe whether or not that is commitment is accepted will depend on the actions of a couple other prospects.  Update (12/14/04): Shows you what I know.  His intentions to commit were accepted.  Barry is a part of this recruiting class!

OTHER OFFERS: Iowa St, Kansas, Oklahoma St, Toledo, Ball St, Central Florida, Rutgers

PICTURES: (from Dodge City Community College)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Lorenzo Jones (added 11/18/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (11/27/04).  Late-added middle-tier DT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #36 DT, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): UR DT, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #8 DT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): Not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-4"

WEIGHT: 294 lbs

SPEED: 4.97 sec

HOMETOWN: McKinney, TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Def: unknown

NOTES: Jones was one of many late recruits that we are making a relatively late post-season (high school season,  that is) push for.  Despite his relatively low ratings in some services, he has some strong offers to his credit. Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).  Update (12/14/04): All of a sudden, we look like we might pull together a really outstanding and large DT class.  Big pick up!

OTHER OFFERS: Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa State, Oklahoma St, Arizona

PICTURES: (from Insiders.com)

 

 

 

Outside Linebackers

Updated: 12/14/04

 

 

NAME:  Nick Covey

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA.  Realistic middle-tier OLB prospect by NU staff.  Projected at SLB.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #32 OLB, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #31 OLB)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR LB, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #9 Strongside LB, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #16 ILB

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 210 lbs

SPEED: 4.49 sec. (at San Diego State Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Glendale (Mountain Ridge), AZ (???)

STATS: (Jr) Def: unavailable

NOTES: Nick was our first commitment, and is said to be an ideal SLB project.  He has fantastic speed (was the fastest player at the Nike camp he attended) and also has good size and a nice frame for the position.  Our staff was the first to really look at Nick, and feel like they got a steal here before other teams even knew what happened.  His film showcases his speed, and while he may take a year or so of development to get used to the LB position, the talent is definitely there.  I am very happy about this commitment. Committed to NU: 6/2/04 (Camp). Updated (10/13/04): Scheduled NU visit: 10/15/04 (BU).

OTHER OFFERS: Washington St, Arizona

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Dontrell Moore (added 11/12/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (11/10/04).  Realistic middle-tier JUCO OLB prospect by NU staff.  Projected at WLB.

RATINGS (RIVALS): NR OLB, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): Not listed

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): Not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 225 lbs

SPEED: 4.5 sec.

HOMETOWN: Coffeyville C.C., KS (JUCO)

STATS: (JUCO - So) Def (11 games): 18 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 13 QBH, 5 PBU, 2 FF, 1 FR

NOTES: Dontrell is an exciting junior college prospect that our coaches expect to step right in and star at the critical WLB position.  His JUCO coach has been in the stellar Jayhawk League for over a decade, and the closest comparison he used for Dontrell is former Husker Terrell Farley.  His coach called him a faster version of Farley.  With comments like that, its easy to see why our coaches are excited about this commitment. Originally from Louisiana.  Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).

OTHER OFFERS: Arkansas, Kansas St, Kansas, South Carolina, East Carolina, Troy

PICTURES: (from Insiders.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Steve Octavien (added 11/12/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (12/13/04).  Realistic middle-tier JUCO OLB prospect by NU staff.  Projected at SLB.

RATINGS (RIVALS): NR OLB, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): Not listed

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): Not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-1"

WEIGHT: 230 lbs

SPEED: 4.5 sec.

HOMETOWN: Palatine (William Rainey Harper College), IL (JUCO)

STATS: (JUCO - So) Def: unknown

NOTES: Octavien is another very athletic junior college outside linebacker NU is after.  He was a NJCAA Pre-Season All-American, and is the NJCAA National Champion (and record holder) in the discuss.  At 230 lbs, he also ran the second leg of their national champion 4x100 relay team.  Based on the comments I am hearing,  he is all but committed to Nebraska at this point and I expect that to become official by his official visit at the latest.  He will be eligible to graduate in December and count as a part of the 2004 class.  Originally from Naples (Lely), FL. Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).  Update (12/14/04): Steve is being penciled in as an immediate starter at OLB, along with fellow signee Dontrell Moore.

OTHER OFFERS: Kansas, Indiana, Arizona, Central Florida, Toledo, North Carolina

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

Middle Linebackers

Updated: 10/10/04

 

 

NAME:  Phillip Dillard

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA. Surprisingly realistic upper-tier MLB prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #6 ILB, #100 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #27 LB, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #5 Inside LB, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #5 ILB, #94 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 247 lbs

SPEED: 4.61 sec.

HOMETOWN: Jenks, OK (???)

STATS: (Jr) Def: 101 tackles, 6 sacks

NOTES: Phillip is a terrific inside linebacker prospect from a talent-rich prep powerhouse, in the heart of the Sooner state.  This commitment has potentially far-reaching implications, and is a great example of the tenacity and lack of fear by this coaching staff in recruiting.  In film, Phillip hits very hard, and is an intimidating presence in the middle.  He is expected to challenge for a starting job at MLB as a true freshman, and this opportunity appealed to him (his parents also liked us, which didn't hurt).  This is a huge pickup at a critical position. Scheduled NU visit: 9/3/04 (WIU).

OTHER OFFERS: Florida, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Kansas St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

 

Cornerbacks

Updated: 11/8/04

 

 

NAME:  Calvin Mickens

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (8/26/04). Very realistic middle-tier CB prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): NR CB, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #37 CB, 3-stars)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR CB, 2-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #14 FS, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 195 lbs

SPEED: 4.47 sec.

HOMETOWN: Beaumont, TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 21 rec, 270 yds (12.9 ypc), 5 TD

NOTES: Mickens is a legitimate CB prospect with true height and speed.  He and teammate Wallace Franklin have snuck under the recruiting radar, relatively speaking, but a number of good schools have shown interest and offered.  Our depth is thin at this position and Calvin provides depth and potential. Scheduled NU visit: 10/15/04 (BU).

OTHER OFFERS: Arizona, Missouri, Texas A&M, Northwestern, Washington St, UTEP

PICTURES: (Updated 10/17/04: modified photo from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Zackary Bowman

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA. Surprising upper-tier JUCO CB prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): UR CB (JUCO) (updated 10/26/04: 5-stars) / UR S, 2-stars (HS)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): UR WR (JUCO) / #86 S, 2-stars (HS)

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 200 lbs

SPEED: 4.4 sec.

HOMETOWN: Roswell (N.M. Military Institute), NM (JUCO) / Anchorage (Bartlett), AK (???)

STATS: (JUCO - Fr) unavailable / (HS - Jr) unavailable 

NOTES: Zackary is one of those "quiet" JUCO 5-star commits, much like Demorrio Williams was.  He was the sole visitor for our game vs. Southern Miss, and I saw in his eyes that he was sold the minute he walked off the bus.  His eyes said "wow".  Zack escaped attention in high school primarily due to his location...Alaska...and his military family.  Moving around constantly, Zack never really established press for himself nor did he have an opportunity to take entrance exams...hence the JUCO route.  Football recruiting is prone to hyperbole, particularly when you're talking about speed.  Nonetheless, his JUCO coach claims Zack is remarkably fast...like consistently 4.3-4.4 electronic.  He must be pretty fast, as OU, Florida and Texas Tech were very interested.  Our coaching staff is very high about his commitment...they anticipate using him primarily at CB, with him also serving as a WR.  He's believed to be that good. Scheduled NU visit: 9/10/04 (USM).  Update (10/13/04): Well, I finally caught his film, and I'm very impressed!  Zack is very tall, very aggressive, and very fast.  He adjusts to the ball quickly, and shows great closing speed.  In all, an excellent prospect.  Updated (10/26/04):  Zach has been named a 5-star by Rivals.

OTHER OFFERS: Oklahoma, Florida, Texas Tech, South Carolina, Arizona St, East Carolina

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Robert Rands (added 11/8/04)

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (11/8/04). Surprise unheralded PR/KR/ATH prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): NR CB, 2-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR CB, 2-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 5'-8"

WEIGHT: 160 lbs

SPEED: 4.41 sec.

HOMETOWN: Bellevue (East), NE (Class A)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 1269 yards, 12 TD; KR: 6 ret, 153 yards; Def: 38 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT

NOTES: Rands is a major surprise by this coaching staff.  Just when you thought that they were exclusively going after big-time national recruits only, they take a bit of a project from Nebraska.  Rands is a guy that they were very impressed with in camp, but wanted to evaluate over the course of the season.  That they ended up offering him is a great sign to the entire state of high school coaches and players that "yes, we also go after Nebraska kids too."  He is lightning fast and I believe he is being brought in almost purely as a returner.  Again, a very NFL mentality.

OTHER OFFERS: none

PICTURES: ( from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

Safeties

Updated: 09/30/04

 

None

 

 

Kicker

Updated: 10/28/04

 

 

NAME:  Jordan Congdon

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO NEBRASKA (10/5/04). Very realistic middle-tier K prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #16 K, 2-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #2 K, 3-stars)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR K, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed