NU Continues To Look To "West"

3 comments so far May 17, 2006 by Darren K. Carlson

Nebraska has done very well recruiting the West, both geographically and in name. Under Callahan, NU has had an influx of California players. Last year's class had 10 from CA, including one named West. That trend continues. After a 100+ day gap between verbal commitments, NU picked up its second member of the 2007 class this week. De Andre West, an "athlete" out of Oakland CA verbally committed to attend NU.

There is a lot to like about this "get" for the Huskers. Here's a list of things to consider, in no particular order.

- West looks like a solid prospect. He plays both sides of the ball, had 1500 yards rushing, tons of tackles at LB, and speed to burn. The current thinking is that he projects as a safety in college. In my opinion, it's great to be stocked with lots of great "athletes", and let the positions fall where they may. And, the production in HS shows the kid is a football player and not just a kid who's fast in gym shorts.

- West committed to NU without visiting. Normally, NU has to "wow" kids with the stadium, fan support and facilities. Not the case here, as Mr. West won't visit until June. That says a lot about the relationship.

- Speaking of relationship, Coach Wagner was the lead recruiter for this young man. That is interesting because he won't be his position coach. That means Wags was able to sell this kid on the program as a whole, and on their personal interaction, without having the position coach come in with Xs and Os or "you can play now" talk.

- Callahan's reputation in the NFL mattered. This verbal was due in no small part because of BC's success and reputation in Oakland. Was his last year with the Raiders ugly? Sure...but things always end ugly or they wouldn't end. At the end of the day, this guy coordinated a record-breaking offense, won the AFC, and coach in a little game called the Super Bowl. Memo to Ron Prince - that stuff matters.

- NU offered West first. It's practically a truism - you never forget your first. High school football stars have egos, and being the first team to recognize that talent and make an offer matters...big time. It is very much BC and company's strategy to offer early. Win early, win often.

- One could be concerned that this kid doesn't have a lot of other offers (just Boise State had given him a written offer at the time of his verbal). But, his HS coach said many other Pac 10 schools were showing lots of interest, particularly UCLA. I think this is just a function of NU getting in early before a kid's name gets too "hot" and the competition gets steep.

Now, they just need about 15 more guys, especially a quarterback...

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