Friday, February 3rd 2012

Legends and Leaders Division Names to Continue

The Big Ten reassessed the division names, Leaders and Legends, and ESPN got a first look at the results.  A survey of 516 fans indicated that 57% felt positively towards the names and the acceptance of the names increased as the season wore on.  There was initially backlash after the new divisions were named when Nebraska joined the conference, with the same complaints still in existence.  Fans feel that the names are confusing and cannot remember which division to which teams are members (Nebraska is in the Legends division, for those who cannot remember). 

Walk-on highlights

If you've got some time to kill, here's a video with highlights from each of Nebraska's 2012 walk-ons:

 

Recruiting Round Table Wrap Up

The BRN writing staff offers their overall impressions of the 2012 class

Now that the initial excitement of Signing Day 2012 has ended and most of the over-reactions (both good and bad) have been expressed, it seems like the right time to revisit the Huskers' results with fresh eyes. Thankfully, here at BRN we have a variety of contributors and perspectives. So, a round table discussion seemed in order. Here are our thoughts on the class. Take time to share your ideas in the comments if you like.  

Thursday, February 2nd 2012

Players Added on Signing Day Shouldn’t Be Overshadowed by Those That Weren’t

Former Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan was quoted after the decommitment of Josh Freeman (who instead went to Kansas State), "It’s been my experience that guys you have to continue to work on, and have a high-maintenance (manner) about themselves — a lot of those guys struggle throughout their careers. Guys who know where they want to go and have an exactness about their decision, those are usually the guys who pan out. There’s no confusion. There’s no clutter in their minds.”  Freeman has gone on to an NFL career, and even was a Pro-Bowl alternate.  Still, he went 0-3 against Nebraska. 

Moves, Departures Make News Among Arrivals

National signing day borders on a celebration, with news of new arrivals filling the newspaper and Internet discussion boards. But, yesterday wasn't entirely about the new arrivals. There were roster moves and departures announced that merit being considered as well. Their impact on the Husker roster and 2012 season may be far more immediate than the contribution of many incoming recruits. 

Jared Crick: NFL lab rat

Jared Crick: NFL lab rat

Jared Crick undergoes testing at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) lab at Super Bowl XLVI. Crick is one of several potential rookies testing with GSSI to learn how to best fuel their bodies as they prepare for the NFL Draft.

Wednesday, February 1st 2012

Pelini reflects on recruiting

On the 25th anniversary of his own signing day, Bo Pelini remembered what it was like for him when he signed to play at Ohio State.

I tell you one thing, in my house there was going to be no grabbing of a hat. I signed and my parents grabbed me and said 'get your butt to school.' That's the way it happened there. That's the way it should be.

This is pure speculation here, but I'm guessing Pelini did not announce via suspenders either. 

Active Signing Day for Huskers

This year's National Signing Day looks to be the most intriguing and active day the Huskers have had in Bo Pelini's tenure so far.  With at least 5 big time prospects holding press conferences throughout the morning and early afternoon, fans of Husker recruiting will have plenty to keep them busy in order to be up to date with each decision.   

Tuesday, January 31st 2012

Quarterbacks in Recruit Class Set for Huskers

The Huskers have a strong commitment from dual threat quarterback Tommy Armstrong of Texas.  Walk on prospect Ryker Fyfe will add a positive dynamic to the depth chart and push for playing time with a pro-style approach.  Although it was a surprise that Devin Fuller ended up committing to UCLA after Rutgers coach Greg Schiano decided to jump to the NFL, it was not necessarily a surprise that he did not pick Nebraska.  It would have been interesting to see a top 50 type of player compete for QB playing time for the Huskers, but Fuller may have seen the log jam at the position and decided Bo Pelini would have wanted his talent on the defensive side of the ball. 

Friday, January 27th 2012

Cross Adds Depth at Running Back

Nebraska may have had to alter its recruiting strategy late in the game when Lester Ward and Collins Okafor announced their intent to leave Nebraska after four years with degrees (and kudos to them for earning those degrees).  They added a big back to their recruiting class yesterday in three-star running back prospect Imani Cross from Georgia.  

Thursday, January 26th 2012

The Latest Recruiting Developments

Situations changing for three of NU's top prospects

Earlier this week, I outlined how things might look for the stretch run of Nebraska's 2012 recruiting class. Three names are the ones that most fans and recruiting zealots seem to be watching closely - Andrus Peat, Devin Fuller and Alonzo Moore. This week, there have been meaningful changes in the recruitment of all three.   

Wednesday, January 25th 2012

Fyfe an intriguing prospect at QB

Ryker Fyfe's decision to walk-on at Nebraska won't be the most high-profile decision in the final days before signing day, but it certainly is intriguing. More so than most walk-on QBs anyway. Why? Because, technically, he's listed as a "pro-style" QB.

You don't see many of those coming out of Nebraska. And, lately, you don't see many of those coming to Nebraska. 

Tuesday, January 24th 2012

Whitaker Makes Thirteen

The Huskers collected a thirteenth commitment for the Class of 2012 when California offensive lineman Corey Whitaker accepted a scholarship offer from Nebraska.  Rivals.com rates Whitaker as a three-star prospect.  The commitment might be considered "soft" as Whitaker may still make a scheduled trip to Oregon this weekend.  The Ducks have not yet offered Whitaker a scholarship but might well do so on his visit.  Whitaker is not the only variable between now and signing day. 

Monday, January 23rd 2012

The Recruiting Home Stretch

Recruiting is the life blood of most every college football program. For those who are in the running for conference titles and mythical national titles, talent is table stakes. It doesn't guarantee wins, but you can't compete without it. For months, sometimes even years, coaches cultivate relationships with prospective players. Many recruit-following fans hang on every cryptic word these young men say and tweet. After months of agonizing, verbal commits and de-commits, it really comes down to the next 9 days. National signing day is February 1st. That's when prospects can sign on the line which is dotted. Not to go too "Glengarry Glen Ross" on you all, but coffee is for closers! (warning language very NSFW) The numbers imply that Nebraska is destined to have a relatively small class this recruiting cycle. But, even with a limited number of scholarships to hand out, the makeup and overall talent quotient of that group can change dramatically with just a few key commitments. Let's examine NU's options for the home stretch. 

Sunday, January 22nd 2012

Osborne on the passing of Paterno

Nebraska AD Tom Osborne issued the following statement on Sunday following the death of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno:

I am saddened to hear the news of Joe Paterno’s passing. Joe was a genuinely good person. Whenever you recruited or played against Joe you knew how he operated and that he always stood for the right things. Of course, his longevity over time and his impact on college football is remarkable. Anybody who knew Joe feels badly about the circumstances. I suspect the emotional turmoil of the last few weeks might have played into it. We offer our condolences to his family and wish them the very best.

LeRoy Alexander Picks Nebraska

Nebraska picked up a somewhat unexpected commitment this weekend, when LeRoy Alexander verbally pledged to play at NU. The 6'1'', 185 Alexander is labeled as an "athlete" in this class, as he could play on either side of the ball in college. He comes from the heart of the Big Ten recruiting territory, having played at Whitmer high school in Toledo, Ohio. He's rated as a 3-star prospect by Rivals.com and had a scholarship offer from Toledo before choosing NU. Other Big Ten schools - Michigan State in particular - had also shown interest in recruiting Alexander. He becomes the 12th member of the Husker recruiting class. Nebraska is expected to have a relatively small class this recruiting cycle. National signing day is February 1st.