Developing a Powerful Fleet
Despite Nebraska's storied history of I-backs and option quarterbacks, and no matter what Coach Callahan has to say about a renewed emphasis on the running game this year, the fact remains -- Nebraska has a passing offense. Consider the Alamo Bowl as an example. Even when the rushing game was exceeding expectations (161 yards), it was the passing game that generated most of the yards and points. One play stands out. On NU's first score, Michigan blitzed their strong safety. Taylor read the blitz, and so did WR Terrence Nunn. Nunn ran to the void in the zone, Taylor stood in and delivered, and NU got a wide-open touchdown. When the QB and WR are making the same read and executing at a high level, it can all look very easy.
The return of the trigger man - Taylor - has been much publicized for good reason. A returning QB means everything to an offense. But, in NU's current offense, experienced pass catchers are every bit as important as a stud I-back in the Osborne days. If a QB is priority 1 among skill positions, WR is 1A. A review of what NU returned at WR in 2005 compared to what they return for 2006 shows why fans should be bullish about NU's ability to score points this season.
Building Up Assets
Going in to 2005, what did we know about the receiving positions? At WR, Ross Pilkington took is 337 yards and 2 TDs, and left the team. NU returned Grant Mulkey (244 yards, 2 TDs), Mark LeFlore (208, 1) and Isiah Fluellen (158, 2). Not exactly an intimidating bunch. Nunn was just starting to show flashes (218 yards). Nobody really knew anything about Nate Swift, and they had only heard hype about Frantz Hardy out of Butler County CC.
At TE, the situation was even more bleak. Matt Herian had suffered a potentially career-ending injury, and wouldn't be playing a down in 2005. The only other TE with experience (Dusty Keiser) had graduated. That's it. NU would have to rely on brand new players at TE.
Consider that personnel group and ask yourself why you were surprised that NU struggled to score points much of 2005. Ah...but here's where things get fun. Like in war, willingness to develop assets (like battleships or aircraft) also requires a willingness to take some lumps in the field. Well now NU has taken their lumps at these positions, but is able to roll out a pretty sleek fleet of receivers to the field.
In 2006, NU returns its two leading receivers -- Swift who caught 641 yards worth of balls and 7 TDs, (in 7 games), and Nunn who had 495 yards and 7 TDs of his own. Hardy also comes back with 341 yards and a TD worth of learning. He's also added 10 pounds to his frame in the off season. He was too light last year. Mulkey brings his gutsy catches back for one more year, and Todd Peterson emerged late in the year as a big-body target for 150 yards and 2 TDs.
At TE, NU has a chance to be loaded. All signs point to Herian being able to return. And, at even 85% of his capacity, he might be the best pass catching TE in the conference. While they were atrocious at times last year, (including being not able to line up!) JB Phillips and Clayton Seivers took enough reps to be veteran players now. If you watch Alamo Bowl tape again, you'll see a solid game from Phillips. He sprung Ross on long runs with key blocks. And he had a TD catch, but it was negated by a penalty. And, both TE's played better against CU as well. If that weren't enough, Coach Callahan is talking up Josh Mueller (a highly touted recruit at the time), and as seen enough of red shirt freshman David Harvey and JC transfer Justin Tomerlin to know they could contribute. Throw in the incoming recruits and walk-on players, and NU has 10 TEs on the roster!
What Does It Mean for Next Year?
NU knows they have receivers who can execute the offense and make catches. The returning producers are all solid, and occasionally flash signs of brilliance. The production of late last year is a fair baseline expectation for this group, with a potential for much more. Swift, Nunn and Hardy all have room to grow. What was a lacking last year was a big-time player to create mismatches on the outside. For NU to make the leap from an 8-win team and compete with the USC's of the world, they need another big playmaker. The really good news is that there are at least three candidates to fill that void in 2006, outside of the returning players already mentioned.
Terrell Spain is a superior athlete (6'3'', 200 lbs) who has been "around" the program for a year, but academic issues have kept him from a formal contribution. Redshirt freshman Chris Brooks was a big time recruit last year, who has the size (6'4'') and speed combination to control the middle. Now qualified and healthy, Spain and Brooks get to participate in Spring ball. The precious repetitions can help them develop, as it did for both Swift and Peterson last year. Another ingredient will be what junior college transfer Maurice Purify brings to the field when he arrives this summer. At 6'5'', he has the size and talent to be big time if he can get a grasp of the offense. True freshman seldom contribute too much to a WR corps, so don't count on too much from Menelik Holt or Will Henry.
At TE, NU not only needs to have 3-4 solid contributors, but find a player or two who can create real pressure for the defense. In the West Coast offense, a TE can make a lot of plays. Herian fits the bill, so his health is the key to the whole thing. Phillips improved greatly late last season, and is more than capable as a blocker. Callahan likes Mueller a lot, so you could see him pass up the smaller Sievers. Keep and eye on both Harvey and Tomerlin as dark horses to contribute. All of the additional talent and depth allows for some TE prospects to be used in a more H-back role, to accommodate a lack of depth at the FB spot. It will be interesting to see who can make the transition from in-line blocker to coming out of the backfield.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or subscribe to our free newsletter!
Related Stories: Offense
Post a comment