Happy Campers
Nebraska's summer football camp - The Big Red Football School - became a great event under Coach Osborne. Players got the chance to learn, and build relationships with the coaches and the program. Today, the NU camp programs are still one of the lynch pins for recruiting. And Coach Callahan has expanded them to include an "elite" QB camp as well as a kicking academy (hey, kickers are important and it helped NU land Jordan Congdon). With two sessions and roughly 300 players per session, coaches get ample opportunity to see stud players and spot diamonds in the rough. So far, it appears the camps are really serving their purpose. Here are just a few of the names rising to the surface.
QB Prospects
Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. It is the key position in this class and been the topic of many stories, including a few on this site. Now, NU will lose out on Lyle Moevao to OSU, so the pressure to sign two in this class remains. Here are the prospects coming out of camp.
Logan Gray - Okay, technically Gray wasn't a camp participant. He was just visiting and watching for a day or two. And, even though he wasn't out competing and showing his skills, all of the buzz is about this kid. He's got the physical tools, standing 6'2'' and running a supposed 4.45 40-yard dash. NU is one of five schools in the running, including Florida, Georgia, Auburn and California. Gray's native Missouri is also in the picture, but may be fading because of their depth at QB right now. Gray is clearly NU's top target at this point. And with that speed, could be an almost unique "dual-threat" option.
Chasen Stangel - Lots to like about this young man. He's the kid working hard to get noticed and get an NU offer. He won the skills competition at camp. He's not physically imposing at 6'1'' and 185 lbs. He appears he's the "plan B" guy for NU, with offers from Purdue, Utah State, UTEP and Wyoming. And, with prospects like Logan Gray still on the board, NU doesn't appear ready to go to plan B quite yet. Keep him on your radar though, as I'll bet NU's coaches are.
Press Taylor - Yes, he's the brother of Zach. For those really wanting a Taylor clone, here he is. The problem is that he's exactly like Zach...meaning he is headed for Butler County CC for a couple of years. No immediate impact there.
In-State QBs - There may be some good options at QB for NU right here in NE. Players like Steve Heiman out of Papillion were in camp working hard to draw attention for scholarship offer or to be a walk on. It's not entirely out of the question.
Intriguing Players
Quarterbacks aren't the only story. Other players are on the radar at camp too. Some players have offers from NU while others are trying to earn them this year while a couple other are interesting prospects for the next recruiting cycle.
LaTravis Washington - While a part of NU's quarterback camp, Washington would likely play another position at NU (outside LB or safety). He's a fantastic athlete with serious ties to NU. He's the brother of former Husker Fabian Washington and hails from Bradenton, FLA, the home town of Touchdown Tommie. He's enthusiastic about Nebraska. Let's hope they can lock him up.
Noah Keller - Keller is a LB and FB prospect out of Kearney, and was at the second session of camp. Because of his great production in HS and his recent eye-popping workout numbers at a camp in Oregon, some consider him one of the best players in the state. As he is without and offer right now, he's still trying to prove something to coaches. His height (6'1'') may be a factor. In my opinion, Callahan and staff should trust the production in HS, and offer this kid. But, they're the coaches. I'm just a hack.
Zane Abner - Yes, NU is going to pull wide receivers from talent-rich areas like Texas and California. But, that doesn't mean prospects can't develop here in NE, too. See current NU WR Todd Peterson (from Grand Island) as a perfect example. Abner - a WR/DB prospect out of Atkinson - fits that mold. He's 6'4'' with good but not great speed, and got a long look from coaches at camp. And, he has been offered as scholarship. This is exactly the kind of player that helps you to round out a class. And, a great example of why camps matter.
An Emerging Beast
Baker Steinkuhler - Camps also give coaches the chance to put some sophomore and junior prospects on the radar. This year nobody fits the bill better than Steinkuhler. The defensive tackle prospect is heading in to his junior season at Lincoln Southwest, and was arguably the most impressive prospect at NU's first session of camp. He's still just 16 years old, but already physically imposing at 6'6'' and 275. He has all the makings of the top prospect in NE and one of the nations best for next year. NU isn't the only one noticing. Notre Dame and Florida State know about him. But, with a Husker legend father (Dean) and a brother who is a current player (Ty), NU should be in the cat bird's seat to land him. I hope NU offers him early and locks him up to be the headliner in the class of 2008.
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