OFFENSIVE POSITION:	NO. OF PROSPECTS LISTED:
Quarterbacks	2 (updated 12/14/04)
Running Backs	9 (updated 12/14/04)
Wide Receivers	27 (updated 12/14/04)
Tight Ends	9 (updated 12/14/04)
Offensive Tackles	15 (updated 11/18/04)
Offensive Guards	6 (updated 10/19/04)
Offensive Centers	2 (updated 10/17/04)
Kickers	1 (updated 10/19/04)

 

Part of the reason I waited so long to put together a 2005 website is that it soon became apparent that these coaches would make my job very easy if I just waited a bit.  After pulling in three sleeper-type "pro-style" QBs late in the 2004 recruiting season, our new coaches made recruiting a star QB the top priority of this class.  And they rose to the occasion with a fervor and tenacity that was shocking.  Of the top 7 passing quarterbacks in the nation (based on a consensus of services), Nebraska is believed to be the FIRST school to offer FIVE of them.  That, folks, is astounding.  We had a top target, and we got him.  Indeed, we didn't blindly go after the #1 rated guy, etc.  We did our homework, and grabbed the person who most closely fit our needs.  Rumor even has it we turned down a commit offer from the #2 rated QB (Mark Sanchez, to USC).  Regardless if that's true or not, our staff knew exactly what they were looking for, and got their #1 target at a huge need position.  And before the season had even started.

 

 

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: 12/14/04

 

 

While I was at first tempted to say that the fact we are doing so much better with top running back recruits was ironic, given our change in offensive scheme, my friend Matt as usual quickly corrected me.  There is nothing ironic about it.  Top skill position players harbor dreams of playing in the NFL.  Playing in an NFL-oriented offense in college is a big part of that dream.  Playing for a former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator, with a position coach fresh from playing the position in the NFL (Randy Jordan)...well that's just icing on the cake.  Though we don't have a commit yet at the time I write this, I feel very confident that this will be a landmark year at the position.

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Edward Britton

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO TEXAS TECH (10/26/04). Early targeted RB by NU staff.  Versatile athlete, and moderate "sleeper"

RATINGS (RIVALS): #22 ATH, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #24 ATH)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR RB, 1-star (not evaluated yet)

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #6 All-Purpose Back, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 5'-11"

WEIGHT: 160 lbs

SPEED: 4.51 (at camp)

HOMETOWN: El Paso (Montwood), TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 258 car, 2185 yds (8.4 ypc), 22 TD

NOTES:  We clearly like Britton early.  At one point, he may have even been our top choice.  Nonetheless, he is still among our top targets at the position.  While slightly built, he is lightning quick and very productive against solid competition.  He is more of an all-purpose athlete that could conceivably play other positions than running back.  He clearly factors academics into the equation, and whether or not that works for us or against us isn't certain yet.  We may lead for his services now, but I believe personally that we are slow-playing him slightly pending what Lucky does. Scheduled NU visit: 10/1/04 (KU).  Update (10/13/04): I expect Britton to end up closer to home and his father...either at TCU or Texas Tech.  Update (10/26/04): As predicted, I expect Britton to commit to Texas Tech shortly.

OTHER OFFERS: Stanford, Texas Tech, TCU, BYU, Okie State

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  A.J. Jimmerson

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO MICHIGAN STATE (11/7/04). Moderate interest from NU staff.  Heavy interest from Jimmerson.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #37 RB, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #27 RB)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #16 RB, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #12 Tailback, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #15 TB, #98 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 5'-11"

WEIGHT: 204 lbs

SPEED: 4.4

HOMETOWN: Florissant (Hazelwood Central), MO (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 190 car, 1445 yds (7.6 ypc), 24 TD; Rec: 33 rec, 536 (16.2 ypc), 4 TD

NOTES:  Just based on his receiving stats alone, it should be clear why there is some degree of mutual interest.  The WCO favors running backs who can be capable backs out of the backfield, and Jimmerson would seem to fit that.  I just don't know how much interest there is from the Husker staff on him, but they seem to be keeping in contact in case he is their "fallback".  Not a bad "fallback" if you ask me.  It should say a lot that despite our staff not putting the full court press on him, he continues to claim NU as his leader.  Update (10/13/04): I believe we are actually recruiting A.J. as a fullback, assuming he is interested.  He has exceptional ability as a receiver, and in our new offense the fullback is a versatile weapon both running and receiving.  We may make a late push for A.J.  Updated (11/2/04): A.J. has scheduled 4 of his 5 official visits, and they include NU!  Scheduled NU visit: 12/17/04 (bye).  Updated (11/8/04): A.J. has pulled the trigger on Michigan St.  Sounds like this is best for A.J. and NU.  By the way, Missouri is NOT happy about this.

OTHER OFFERS: Kansas St, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan St, Indiana

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Montarrio Hardesty

CATEGORY: Very realistic prospect for NU staff. Possible early commit on or after official visit.  Being recruited by NU as a safety.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #5 APB, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #11 ATH, 4-stars)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #UR DB/RB, 4-stars (haven't decided which position to rank him at)

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #16 TB

HEIGHT: 6'-0"

WEIGHT: 190 lbs

SPEED: 4.5 (at camp)

HOMETOWN: New Bern, NC (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 263 car, 1987 yds, 19 TD; Rec: 13 rec, 307, 2 TD

NOTES:  Well, most of what I'm hearing about Montarrio is good.  He is clearly a great athlete, as different services have him highly rated...albeit at completely different positions.  I am trying to get to the bottom of where we like him to play at, but I'm also hearing that he could be a Husker commit less than a week from this writing.  Scheduled NU visit: 10/1/04 (KU).  Wherever he plays, he is a solid addition to the team should he select Nebraska.  We are his only scheduled visit at this time.  Note his other offers and his location.  This staff isn't afraid to charge right into regions where NU hasn't historically faired well and mix it up with the local schools.  Here we are raiding the deep south with impunity. I love it.  Update (12/14/04): Montarrio and NU lost interest mutually soon after the signing of Marlon Lucky.  Montarrio insists on playing running back, and Nebraska refused to recruit him as one.

OTHER OFFERS: Notre Dame, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, North Carolina, NC State

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Mikell Simpson

CATEGORY: Highest-rated RB by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #14 RB, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #13 RB)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #17 RB, 4-stars

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #6 S, #90 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-0.5"

WEIGHT: 202 lbs

SPEED: 4.38 (at PSU camp)

HOMETOWN: Harrisburg, PA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 88 car, 862 yds (9.8 ypc), 21 TD; Rec: 23 rec, 520 (22.6 ypc), 5 TD

NOTES:  Check out the efficiency in his stats.  Just goofy.  Between the 4.38 he clocked at the Nike camp at Penn State, and his gaudy 10 yards-per-carry, he a big play waiting to happen.  He actually was said to favor us early.  I don't know that we have let that door close yet, but we have been more actively pursuing other targets.  If anything, we have kept up enough contact that should we run out of options, we can make a late push for him.  Actually, we are in his top 4, along with Alabama, UCLA and Virginia.  The absence of home-state PSU is alarming.  Update (12/14/04): We never needed to call him.  We got the guy(s) we wanted.

OTHER OFFERS: Alabama, UCLA, Virginia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Wisconsin,  Minnesota, Michigan St

PICTURES: (from Insiders.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Kalvin Bailey

CATEGORY: New FB target by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #1 FB, #94 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #31 RB, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #9 FB, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #6 FB

HEIGHT: 5'-11"

WEIGHT: 245 lbs

SPEED: 4.7

HOMETOWN: Seffner (Armwood), FL (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 1737 yds, 23 TD

NOTES:  This is a new target, added 10/1/04 to this site.  Bailey is showing a surprising amount of new interest - he actually eliminated us in July, but has since decided to visit NU after all.  You never know what can happen with a visit.  Emfinger still is listing him as a Florida verbal, which doesn't jive with other services.  Update (10/13/04): I don't think we have much of a chance here.  Update (11/8/04): Per a report on Rivals today, Kalvin has a top two of Nebraska and Georgia???  He says he likes those two schools the best because they are looking at him as a "feature back" and not a fullback.  I don't buy it.  Maybe we have promised him the same thing we promised Leon Jackson...a shot at tailback, with the understanding that if it doesn't work out we move him to fullback?  This is, without question, a premier player.  Update (12/14/04): after getting a commitment from Cody Glenn, we dropped interest in Bailey.

OTHER OFFERS: Miami (FL), Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Pittsburgh, USC, Florida (decommitted)

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

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:  Jonathan Stewart (added: 10/13/04)

CATEGORY: Late added upper-tier RB prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #4 RB, #24 in Rivals100, 5-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #1 RB)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #1 RB, #6 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #4 Tailback, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #1 TB, #3 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 5'-10"

WEIGHT: 224 lbs

SPEED: 4.52 sec. (at Oregon Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Lacey (Timberline), WA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rush: 2600 yds, 36 TD

NOTES: Stewart was offered relatively late in the recruiting season (at least for this staff)...around the start of October.  Word has it he was actually very excited to get the offer, which came right on the heels of his offer from USC (he was reportedly more excited about the NU offer).  I think the possibility is there for NU to potentially make a strong move for Jonathan, but at this point, he isn't a top priority (if that makes any sense).  His credentials are extremely impressive.  Update (12/14/04): Any interest that was there from NU was dropped upon Marlon Lucky's commitment.

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

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

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: 12/14/04

 

 

This is an area that has received a major overhaul in types of targets and types of responsibilities in our offense.  A playmaker is a definite need for our new scheme, but it was expected (by me) that this would be the last piece of the puzzle we'd find.  I thought it would take a year or more of established passing offense to entice top-flight WRs.  Thus far, I appear to have grossly underestimated our coaches ability to sell the program, and sell early playing time.  While we currently have 19 players (not all scholarship) on the team at the WR spot, it should be expected that between graduation and other "losses", there will be room for 3-4 receivers in this class.

 

NAME:  Patrick Turner

CATEGORY: Highest-rated WR by NU staff.  Might land a visit.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #2, #15 in Rivals100, 5-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #3 WR, #11 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #2 Flanker WR, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #4 WR, #24 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-5"

WEIGHT: 210 lbs

SPEED: 4.55

HOMETOWN: Nashville (Goodpasture), TN (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 56 rec, 955 yds, 12 TD

(So) Rec: 56 rec, 1033 yds, 14 TD

NOTES: Needless to say, the chances of this happening are pretty remote.  As a consolation prize, it would actually pretty remarkable to even get a visit from this superstar player.  His NFL-ready body type is sure to be an asset to whoever gets him.

OTHER OFFERS: Florida, LSU, USC, OU, Miami (FL), Texas, Tennessee

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Nyan Boeteng

CATEGORY: Two-sport athlete being pursued by both our football and basketball programs.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #11 WR, #86 in Rivals100, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #12 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #13 WR, 4-stars

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #9 WR, #74 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 186 lbs

SPEED: 4.5 (at Rutgers camp)

HOMETOWN: Brooklyn (Lincoln), NY (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 44 rec, 940 yds, 14 TD

NOTES:  Note - suffered a broken ankle before his senior season and may not play at all this year. Boeteng has been pursued in basketball by the likes of Duke and Kansas, but his future is probably in football.  It is unsure if he'll make it to his scheduled NU visit on Oct.1st, but he definitely plans on visiting regardless.  It's hard to tell about his chances.  While it sounds bad, his injury may have backed enough top basketball programs that we could lure him to Lincoln.  It is worth noting that Barry Collier has agreed to let him play on the basketball team too (doesn't cost them a scholarship anyway).  Nyan lists us as his leader (over Maryland) after his visit.  Nonetheless, he sounds like kind of a "flake".  I would be skeptical of anything he says in interviews. Scheduled NU visit: 10/1/04 (KU).  Update (10/13/04): I no longer get that impression.  We are putting on the full-court (no pun intended) press to get him.  You never know?  By the way, his official camp vertical jump was 40"!!!  Update (12/14/04): All indications point towards Nyan being a "silent" NU commitment.  Expect his announcement at the U.S. Army All-Star game in early January.

OTHER OFFERS: USC, Michigan St, Iowa, Penn St, Maryland, Pittsburgh

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  D.J. Hord

CATEGORY: Realistic top-level WR target by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #12 WR, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #13 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #17 RB, 4-stars

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #12 WR, #95 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-1"

WEIGHT: 195 lbs

SPEED: 4.4

HOMETOWN: Kansas City (Rockhurst), MO (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 28 rec, 668 (23.9 ypc), 10 TD

NOTES:  Have heard multiple rumors that he is a silent NU commit.  Some sites call him a heavy OU lean, but with OU already securing 3 top-flight WRs in their class already, early playing time awaits D.J. in Lincoln should he choose Nebraska. His film showcases gamebreaking moves and speed.  Maybe less polished than a guy like Turner, he appears to be more of an improviser.  Scheduled for a late-year visit to NU.  His latest update (from an OU site) didn't even list NU among his favorites.  We shall see.

OTHER OFFERS: Oklahoma, LSU, Kansas St, Kansas, Wisconsin, Missouri, Okie St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Brodrick 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.  Update (12/14/04): With as erratic and unpredictable as our WR recruiting has been, having Brodrick firmly committed has been a blessing.  It sounds like he's well-suited to play inside receiver...willing to take a hit.  Excellent.

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

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Todd Nolen

CATEGORY: Realistic southern mid-tier WR prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #38 WR, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #44 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #41 Flanker WR, 4-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 185 lbs

SPEED: 4.5

HOMETOWN: Hampton, VA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 27 rec, 728 yds, 11 TD

NOTES:  I love that we're going after this kid, not only for his ability, but where he's from and who we're competing with.  Check his yards per catch also.  His coach has had other top-flight prospects play for him and go on to the SEC and ACC, and he says this kid is the fastest of all.  From same high school as Dre' Bly and Ronald Curry.  Update (10/17/04): He is setting up official visits to his two favorites (NU and Virginia) some time in December.  Will there still be a spot available for him by then?  We shall see.  Update (12/14/04): I'm not sure what happened here.  We are pursuing a couple other kids pretty hard right now...is Todd a back-up plan?  Who knows.

OTHER OFFERS: Virginia, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, North Carolina

PICTURES: (no picture available)

 

 

 

NAME:  Roberto Wallace

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO SAN DIEGO ST (10/21/04). Realistic middle-tier WR prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #46 WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): UR WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #34 Flanker WR, 4-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 190 lbs

SPEED: 4.6

HOMETOWN: Oceanside, CA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 25 rec, 495 yds (first season playing football)

NOTES:  From same high school that produced former Huskers Michael and Dion Booker.  Scheduled NU Visit: 9/3/04 (WIU).  Came away impressed from our visit, giving it a "10" in an interview.  He still lists NU as his leader.  Updated (10/26/04): Staying close to home was the deciding factor.

OTHER OFFERS: Michigan St, Oregon St, Utah, San Diego St, Wyoming, Colorado St, Washington St

PICTURES: (from Insiders.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Anthony Crosby

CATEGORY: Realistic middle-tier "WR" prospect by NU staff.  Projected as a S by NU coaches.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #66 WR, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #63 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): UR WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #34 Flanker WR, 4-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-0"

WEIGHT: 188 lbs

SPEED: 4.64 (at Stanford Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Stockton (St. Mary's), CA (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 55 rec, 987 yds (17.9 ypc), 19 TDs; Def: 43 UT, 28 AT, 1 sack, 6 INTs

NOTES:  Scheduled NU Visit: 9/3/04 (WIU).  Came away impressed from our visit, as did his mother.  Both gave the trip a "10".  Both were most impressed with the quality of people and the diversity of the coaching staff. He still lists NU as his leader.  Update (12/14/04): Sounds like NU has dropped him, or vice versa?  No definitive answer, but him hanging up on callers for the Nebraska Insiders site isn't a good sign.

OTHER OFFERS: Arizona St, Boise St, San Diego St

PICTURES: (from Insiders.com)

 

 

 

 

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:  Brandon LaFell

CATEGORY: Solid middle-tier WR prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #54 WR, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #52 WR)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR WR, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #23 WR, 4-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 180 lbs

SPEED: 4.5

HOMETOWN: Houston (Lamar), TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 49 rec, 552 yds, 15 TD

NOTES:  Pretty impressive offer list for a person of his rating.  Clearly has no problem finding the endzone.  For some reason I have a good feeling about him...can't put my finger on it.  As of a 9/22/04 Rivals update, he named NU his leader.  Coach Blake is heading up his recruitment, and big surprise, is his favorite coach to talk to. Update (10/13/04): Scheduled NU visit: 10/30/04 (MU).  Update (10/17/04): It is noteworthy that Brandon is good friends with #1 TE prospect Martellus Bennett.  They have talked about playing together in college.  Brandon is a great prospect in his own right, but the opportunity to actually get a "package" deal with Bennett is too amazing to even wish for.  Updated (10/26/04): Brandon has rescheduled his visit.  Scheduled NU visit: 11/26/04 (CU).  Update (12/14/04): Brandon really enjoyed his Missouri visit.  I'm not sure here, and I don't think our coaching staff is either.

OTHER OFFERS: LSU, Missouri, Texas A&M, Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Houston, Oklahoma State

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  B.J. Vickers (added 12/14/04)

CATEGORY: Realistic top-level JUCO WR target by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): unknown

RATINGS (EMFINGER): not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 215 lbs

SPEED: 4.5

HOMETOWN: Santa Monica College, Santa Monica (JUCO)

STATS: (JUCO - So) Rec: 52 rec, 1022 yards, 13 TD

NOTES:  Coach John Blake has known B.J. and his family for a while...they are friends.  Right now I think B.J. favors California and Arizona, but if he makes his visit to NU (might be December 17th, or early January) you never know.  B.J. is a big-time prospect, originally from Venice, CA.  He signed with Louisville out of high school.

OTHER OFFERS: California, Arizona, Louisville, Utah, Washington, Hawaii

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

Others worth watching (offers extended or interest as WR):

 

 

Fred Rouse (#1 WR by Rivals) - Tallahassee, FL

DeSean Jackson (#3 WR by Rivals) - Long Beach, CA

Eric Huggins (#4 WR by Rivals) - Conway, SC *OU COMMIT*

Mohamed Massaquoi (#5 WR by Rivals) -  Charlotte, NC *GEORGIA COMMIT*

Malcolm Kelly (#7 WR by Rivals) - Longview, TX *OU COMMIT*

O.J. Murdock (#15 WR by Rivals) - Tampa, FL

Chris Brooks (#18 WR by Rivals) - Hazelwood, MO *MISSOURI COMMIT*

Manuel Johnson (#20 WR by Rivals) - Gilmer, TX *OU COMMIT*

Howard Morrow (#24 WR by Rivals) - Keller, TX *TEXAS A&M COMMIT*

Josh Briscoe (#34 WR by Rivals) - Lawndale, NC

David Nelson (#37 WR by Rivals) - Wichita Falls, TX *NOTRE DAME COMMIT*

Marquis Wilson (#58 WR by Rivals) - Draper, UT *UTAH COMMIT* Scheduled NU visit: 9/3/04 (WIU).

Brandon Woods (#26 ATH by Rivals) - Durham, NC *VIRGINIA COMMIT*

Daryl Jones (UR WR 3-stars by Rivals) - Spring, TX

Michael Johnson (UR WR/ATH 2-stars by Rivals) - Stockton, CA (No NU offer)

Stephen Benjamin (UR WR 2-stars by Rivals) - Chicago, IL

Elijah Theus, Jr. (UR WR 3-stars by Rivals) - Sugarland, TX

 

 

 

Tight Ends

Updated: 10/26/04

 

 

There is a noticeable void behind our starter, Matt Herian.  This new offense is designed to feature the tight end prominently, and we hope to entice some top-end tight end prospects here.  At this point, we appear to be a bit behind at this position, and our current commit at the position (Harvey) is slated to play DE at NU.  We have come in hard after a couple top-notch prospects though lately.

 

NAME:  Dajleon Farr

CATEGORY: Realistic Outside top-tier TE prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #3 TE, #48 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #1 TE, #10 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #2 Blocking TE, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #2 TE, #34 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 235 lbs

SPEED: 4.5

HOMETOWN: Galena Park (North Shore), TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 7 rec, 165 yds, 1 TD

NOTES:  Must be a pretty impressive specimen, considering the offers and his junior numbers.  Is used exclusively as a blocker in his high school offense.  We came in relatively late for him, and put Coach Blake to work on him.  Sounds like we've gained enough ground that we might get an official visit from him.  Our work is cut out for us here, but you never know if we get him to visit.  Updated (10/26/04): Through a quick series of events, we got his second official visit on short notice, after OU.  He had been keeping his favorites quiet, but today we finally learned his top group.  At this point, OU, NU and USC are probably his top three, with LSU and UT (remarkably) on the outside looking in.  Honestly, I have the hunch that this one will come down to OU and NU.  Hopefully we have a great atmosphere vs. Missouri to impress him into a major steal for NU!  Scheduled NU visit: 10/29/04 (MU).  Update (12/14/04): Dajleon dropped NU before we even started pursuing him.  Rumor has it we weren't prepared to compensate him for his $ervices.  I'm glad.  Our coaching staff recruits well enough as it is, without resorting to cheating.

OTHER OFFERS: LSU, Miami (FL), USC, Texas, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Florida

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Richard Gordon

CATEGORY: Distant top-tier TE prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #4 TE, #98 in Rivals100, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #5 TE)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #16 DE, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #8 Strongside DE, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-4"

WEIGHT: 242 lbs

SPEED: 4.63 (at Miami Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Miami (Norland), FL (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 8 rec; Def: 25 tackles

NOTES:  Like Farr, doesn't possess gaudy statistics, but his camp-timed 4.63 at his size is very good.  Not sure here.  Won't be taking any visits until after the season.  Hometown school hasn't offered yet, but regardless I would be surprised if he leaves the state of Florida.

OTHER OFFERS: Florida St, Florida, Ohio St, NC State, Alabama

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Chase Coffman

CATEGORY: Solid middle-tier TE prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #18 TE, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #20 TE)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #16 DE, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #8 Strongside DE, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 210 lbs

SPEED: 4.81 (at Iowa Nike Camp)

HOMETOWN: Peculiar (Raymore-Peculiar), MO (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 50 rec, 813 yds, 13 TD

(So) Rec: 39 rec, 615 yds, 11 TD

NOTES:  Coffman is not even accepting any new offers at this point.  He will decide between his final four: KSU, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.  His father played football at KSU, so you would think that would give them an edge, but both he and his father deny that.  Scheduled NU visit: 10/29/04 (MU).  Update (12/14/04): Chase has dropped NU, and maybe vice versa too.

OTHER OFFERS: Kansas St, Iowa, Missouri

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

NAME:  Martellus Bennett (added: 10/13/04)

CATEGORY: Outside top-tier TE prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #1 TE, #6 in Rivals100, 5-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #2 TE, #30 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #1 Blocking TE, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #1 TE, #41 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-7"

WEIGHT: 235 lbs

SPEED: 4.8 (39" VJ)

HOMETOWN: Alief (Taylor), TX (???)

STATS: (Jr) Rec: 12 rec, 134 yds

NOTES:  A complete physical specimen.  Standing 6'-7" with a 39" VJ and a 300-lb bench press, Martellus is the type of freak who garners high praise and big attention.  He was long listed as a "soft" Miami commitment, but his latest update had him now leaning towards Texas.   Regardless, NU got an unexpected bonus when he announced he is scheduled to visit Lincoln.  This is practically unthinkable.  Scheduled NU visit: 10/29/04 (MU).  Update (10/17/04): There is a friendship with NU WR target Brandon LaFell which might be helpful here.  Also, Coach Collier and the basketball program are putting the full-court press on Martellus as well.  Coach Blake is handling his recruitment.  Updated (10/26/04): Just as soon as he came into the picture, Martellus has apparently left it.  He cancelled his visit and probably will not reschedule.  Maybe we don't have enough money??? Just kidding.  Kind of.

OTHER OFFERS: LSU, Miami (FL), Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Florida

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

Others worth watching (offers extended or interest as TE):

 

Anthony Moeaki (#2 TE by Rivals) - Wheaton, IL

 

Tommy Trott (#8 TE by Rivals) - Montgomery, AL Scheduled NU visit: 10/29/04 (MU).  Updated (10/26/04): rescheduled visit to after the season.

 

James Dray (#12 TE by Rivals) -  Oradell, NJ

 

Kyle Anderson (#15 TE by Rivals) - The Woodlands, TX

 

 

 

Offensive Tackles

Updated: 10/26/04

 

 

Over the last few years the need for star offensive linemen who can not only run block but pass block has become glaring.  With this shift to the more balanced WCO scheme, we need pro-style OTs like never before.  While at the time of this writing we have started extremely strong at the interior line positions, we are still need a couple key commitments at this critical position in the WCO.  Immediate playing time is available for top prospects!

 

NAME:  Dan Doering

CATEGORY: Realistic top-tier OT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #3 OT, #22 in Rivals100, 5-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #4 OT)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #5 OL, #27 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #1 Weakside OT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #1 OT, #12 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 300 lbs

SPEED: 5.0

HOMETOWN: Barrington, IL (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  We are definitely in his top three (Iowa, Notre Dame, Nebraska), but may not get much closer than that.  He has seen Iowa in person about a zillion times (slight exaggeration) and has yet to officially visit Lincoln.  He has been here unofficially though.  We need to get an official visit from him and throw out all the stops.  He is planning on scheduling one later in the year, after his officials to Iowa, Notre Dame and other.  At one point I think NU actually led for him, but full credit needs to go to the folks in Iowa City for working Dan HARD. Updated (10/14/04): Scheduled NU visit: 12/17/04 (bye).  Update (12/14/04): This situation is distressing, as I had heard through sources that at one time, fairly recently, we lead from Dan.  But alas, it didn't work out that way in the end.

OTHER OFFERS: Iowa, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Wisconsin, Tennessee

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Matt Hardrick

CATEGORY: Remote top-tier OT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #5 OT, #32 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #8 OL, #59 in Top 100, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #2 Strongside OT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #5 OT, #51 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-5"

WEIGHT: 338 lbs

SPEED: 5.3

HOMETOWN: Orlando (Edgewater), FL (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  I don't believe we much of a chance here.  His top as of mid-September are LSU and FSU,  with Miami (FL) coming in third.  It would be a minor win just to secure a visit, but I'm not optimistic.  Recruited by: Elmassian, Blake.

OTHER OFFERS: LSU, Miami, FSU, Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan, Ole Miss

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Dace Richardson

CATEGORY: Fair top-tier OT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #7 OT, #44 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #3 OL, #24 in Top 100, 5-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #7 Weakside OT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #6 OT, #56 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 300 lbs

SPEED: 5.0

HOMETOWN: Wheaton (Wheaton South), IL (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Dace basically did a whistle-stop unofficial tour of a bunch of schools before the season started.  He was trying to get to NU as well, but it didn't work out.  He still may officially visit NU, but he was enamored by the USC offer and will really be tough to take from his leaders. Recruited by: Cosgrove, Wagner, Callahan.

OTHER OFFERS: USC, Michigan, Michigan St, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Chris Scott

CATEGORY: Realistic top-tier OT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #13 OT, #97 in Rivals100, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #5 OG)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #3 OL #9 OL, #68 in Top 100, 5-stars (Updated 10/17/04)

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #7 Weakside OT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #3 OG, #68 in Top 100

HEIGHT: 6'-5"

WEIGHT: 300 lbs

SPEED: 5.1

HOMETOWN: Lovejoy, GA (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Of all our top-flight offensive tackle targets, we have the best shot with Chris.  Updated (10/14/04): new visit date.  Now an unofficial visit as well. Recruited by: Blake, Wagner.  Scheduled NU visit: 12/10/04 12/17/04. Scheduled unofficial NU visit: 10/15/04.  Updated (10/26/04): Chris really enjoyed his unofficial visit.  He plans to return for an official at the same time as Doering and Roark.  You can be sure we'll leave the red carpet out for him then!  Update (12/14/04): Scott ended up not making a visit to NU, deciding to stay closer to the South.

OTHER OFFERS: LSU, Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma, Mississippi St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Orion Matthies

CATEGORY: Very Realistic sleeper/middle-tier OT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #28 OT, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #48 OT)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): NR OL, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 300 lbs

SPEED: 5.04 (at Nebraska Camp)

HOMETOWN: Overton, NE (D-1/8-man)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Orion came out of nowhere and just blew us away at our camp.  He was matched up most of the time with highly-touted OL prospect Daniel Borg, and by most eye-witness accounts completely dominated him.  In the end, Borg's stock plummeted, NU dropped their offer to Borg, and instead extended interest in a conditional offer to Matthies.  Matthies is a well-built 300 lbs with a great frame and good feet.  After word spread about him, his stock raised on Rivals, but the other two publications haven't caught wind of him yet.  There's been talk that he would be agreeable to a grayshirt offer, but that is not confirmed at this time.  He hasn't taken an official visit to NU, and may not have to. Update (10/13/04): I have heard that qualifying may be an issue for Orion unfortunately, which would probably place him at a local smaller college.  Whoever gets him will get an outstanding prospect!!!

OTHER OFFERS: none

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Duke Robinson

CATEGORY: Distant upper-tier OT prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #19 OT, 4-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #16 OT)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #67 OL, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #6 Weakside OT, 5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 330 lbs

SPEED: 5.1

HOMETOWN: Atlanta (Booker T. Washington), GA (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  It doesn't seem like we are even close to his top list, though he claims otherwise.  We also don't appear to have contacted him much since May.  LSU is his leader.

OTHER OFFERS: Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, UCLA

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Adam Gibson (JUCO) (added: 10/13/04)

CATEGORY: Realistic upper-tier JUCO OT prospect by NU staff.  Note: named a preseason First-team NJCAA All-American in 2004.

RATINGS (RIVALS): Not listed

RATINGS (INSIDERS): Not listed (JUCO) / 2-star OT (HS)

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-5"

WEIGHT: 360 lbs

SPEED: 5.1

HOMETOWN: Rock Valley College (JUCO) / Indianapolis (Decatur Central), IN (HS)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Adam is the brother of current NFL starting OT and former Wisconsin Badger Aaron Gibson.  He is a pure man-child, with a huge frame and a mean disposition.  He was named a preseason JUCO All-American this year.  Interestingly, he has already eliminated Wisconsin from consideration.  It is believed Nebraska is heavily pursuing Adam, and he is in the process of planning an official visit.  Adam committed to Wisconsin out of high school in 2003.  Update (12/14/04): Doesn't sound like NU was as interested in Adam as some thought.

OTHER OFFERS: Oklahoma, Kansas,  Louisville

PICTURES: (from Rock Valley College)

 

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

Others worth watching (offers extended or interest as OT):

 

Garrett Reynolds (added 11/18/04) (#51 OT by Rivals) - Knoxville, TN - Scheduled NU visit: 12/17/04 (bye).

Robert Oberst (added 11/18/04) (UR JUCO OT by Rivals) - Cabrillo College, CA - No NU offer at this time.

Eugene Monroe (#1 OT by Rivals) - Plainfield, NJ *VIRGINIA COMMIT*

Reginald Youngblood (#2 OT by Rivals) - Houston, TX

Kevin Bemoll (#8 OT by Rivals) - Mission Viejo, CA *OHIO STATE COMMIT*

Cory Zirbel (#12 OT by Rivals) -  Murray, KY

Justin Schifano (#14 OT by Rivals) - Webster, NY *MICHIGAN COMMIT*

Pat Sheil (#15 OT by Rivals) - Clifton, VA *BOSTON COLLEGE COMMIT*

Louis Vasquez (#27 OT by Rivals) - Corsicana, TX *TEXAS TECH COMMIT*

Daniel Borg (#40 OT by Rivals) - Tuscon, AZ *ARIZONA COMMIT* (NU pulled offer after getting dominated by O. Matthies at NU camp)

 

 

Offensive Guards

Updated: 10/19/04

 

 

While we seemingly have yet to score a commitment at the important OT spot, a couple of these prospects listed as guards by recruiting services are projected as OTs (or DTs) by NU's staff.  We came out of the gates early at this position, and locked down a couple top-5 players at the position.  We won't necessarily stand pat here, even with 3 apparent commitments at this spot (by the end of September).  There is one target left that we'd like to get, as Hickman is projected as a DT and Picou is projected as an OT (he also is kinda "iffy").

 

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:  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)

 

 

 

 

NAME:  Eric Hedstrom

CATEGORY: Very realistic upper-tier OG prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #11 OG, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #13 OG)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #28 OL, 4-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): Not listed

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): Not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-6"

WEIGHT: 265 lbs

SPEED: 5.0

HOMETOWN: Arlington Heights (Prospect), IL (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Eric and his parents took an unofficial visit to NU in the first week of August.  In interviews following his visit, he appeared just blown away with the experience...and it seemed that NU was his leader for sure.  However, just a month later, he apparently eliminated NU altogether and didn't have them in his top three (Purdue, Illinois, Northwestern).  Getting a read on Eric is all but impossible for interviewers though...his dad does most of the talking for him (to an alarming degree), which makes it very tough to get a feel for who excites him.  At first glance, it appeared that with NU's sudden departure that they may have pulled his offer or lost interest (and vice versa), but I have been told that this is not necessarily the case.  This is one to watch in the next few months.  His dad predicted he'd commit sometime in September or early October...and he's still uncommitted.  We'll see.  Update (11/18/04): Latest things I'm hearing sound really good for NU.  In fact, astoundingly good.  We might not only get Eric, but get him without taking one of our 25 available scholarships for 2005.  Watch this closely.

OTHER OFFERS: Purdue, Tennessee, Illinois, UCLA, Arkansas, Northwestern

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

 

 

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:  Russell Tialavea

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO BYU (10/6/04). Solid middle-tier OG prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #34 OG, 3-stars (Updated 10/19/04: #36 OG)

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #45 DT, 3-stars

RATINGS (EMFINGER): #12 NT, 4.5-stars

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 6'-3"

WEIGHT: 265 lbs

SPEED: 5.0

HOMETOWN: Oceanside, CA (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Russell really enjoyed his visit, but our biggest hurdle here is his family and religion (Mormon).  His family really wants him at BYU and I can't see anyway that doesn't happen.  Nonetheless, we did an excellent job of selling him on NU while he was here, and he can always spread the word. Scheduled NU visit: 9/3/04 (WIU).

OTHER OFFERS: Kansas St, Oregon St, San Diego St.

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

Others worth watching (offers extended or interest as OG):

 

Jon Cooper (#26 OG by Rivals) - Ft. Collins, CO

 

 

Offensive Centers

Updated: 10/10/04

 

 

This is a particular niche player to recruit, but may be the most important offensive lineman position.  Player must be cerebral enough to make the necessary calls for the rest of line, must be agile enough to snap the ball and then pull, must be strong enough to take on 300+ lbs defensive tackles,  yet fast enough to stay with the quick linemen and engage linebackers.  A truly great center prospect can usually play any position on the line and since they touch the ball on every play can never be taken for granted.  We are always looking for our next Outland Award-winning center in Lincoln.  This year we probably will not take an offensive center in this class.

 

NAME:  Josh McNeil

CATEGORY: Very distant upper-tier OC prospect by NU staff.

RATINGS (RIVALS): #1 OC, #85 in Rivals100, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #12 OL, #85 in Top 100, 4-stars

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #6 OG

HEIGHT: 6'-4"

WEIGHT: 270 lbs

SPEED: 5.1

HOMETOWN: Collins, MS (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  I believe we have been eliminated from contention here.

OTHER OFFERS: Florida, Florida St, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia, Ole Miss, Miss St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)

 

 

NAME:  Jesse White

CATEGORY: COMMITTED TO OKLAHOMA (10/5/04).  Realistic upper-tier OC prospect by NU staff (if they want him).

RATINGS (RIVALS): #2 OC, 4-stars

RATINGS (INSIDERS): #35 OL, 4-stars

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): #9 OG

HEIGHT: 6'-2"

WEIGHT: 295 lbs

SPEED: 4.79

HOMETOWN: Denver (Mullen), CO (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Recruiting is a weird world.  Where do I begin? First of all, Jesse White is the son of the professional wrestler known as "Vader", so that qualifies as weird by itself.  Second, Jesse committed to UCLA on his visit there earlier this year...unfortunately UCLA apparently forgot to tell him that they don't even offer his desired major.  I believe there is also some question on whether or not he can even get into UCLA.  So Jesse is back out on the market, so to speak.  Initially, Colorado strangely showed little interest - which was unfortunate for them since he wants to go to CU.  Sensing an opportunity, Oklahoma swooped in.  Nebraska took a look and quickly backed off...there are some "issues" that scared away our staff...but apparently didn't bother OU.  Colorado has since started to recruit Jesse, but it is anybody's guess what happens now.  We stand probably a 25% chance here.

OTHER OFFERS: UCLA (decommitted when he realized they didn't have his desired major???), Colorado, Oklahoma, Colorado St

PICTURES (of son and father): (from Rivals.com / Other)

 

 

 

 

Kickers

Updated: 10/19/04

 

 

This is a traditionally under-valued position when it comes to recruiting.  Kickers at every level are typically taken for granted, but anybody who has watch college football in 2004 will tell you that good kickers are a precious (and apparently rare) commodity.  Rating systems for the various services don't do a particularly good job of rating kickers, and almost always they will have low star ratings due to the fact that most colleges don't offer kickers until late in the season (high # offers = high star-rating, usually).  In a given year, the nation's top-rated kicker might only be a 3-star (as in 2004).  Regardless, NU's situation is critical in that our new coaching staff seems to have very little faith in David Dyches (or current senior starter Sandro DeAngelis).  Nebraska, believe it or not, has two starting kickers in the NFL (Kris Brown - Houston, Josh Brown - Seattle) and one punter (Kyle Larson - Cleveland), so they might play on that in their recruiting.

 

 

 

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

RATINGS (LEMMING/ESPN): not listed

HEIGHT: 5'-10"

WEIGHT: 165 lbs

SPEED: 4.9

HOMETOWN: San Diego (St. Augustine), CA (???)

STATS: N/A

NOTES:  Despite his relative lack of apparent offers, the hype for Jordan has been spinning out of control from one recruiting service.  Apparently Jordan has taken his craft very seriously, training with NFL and college kickers for years.  He is believed to be a virtual lock for a commitment on his visit.  Special teams coach Bill Busch held a private workout with him for over an hour, and at the end offered a scholarship, so he must have done okay.  Scheduled NU visit: 10/1/04 (KU).  After his visit and subsequent commitment, he mentioned that one of the key factors he weighed was the chance for immediate playing time at NU.  Consider David Dyches on warning.

OTHER OFFERS: San Diego St

PICTURES: (from Rivals.com)