Who is Ready for a Breakout Year?
3 comments so far
August 31, 2006 by
Nearly every year, a player or two has what people refer to as a "breakout" year, where their performance and results improve significantly. Maybe they are a newcomer. Maybe fans underestimated them initially. Maybe they were a red shirt that needed a year to develop. Regardless, each season provides a new opportunity for somebody to emerge. To tackle the topic of who might have a breakout season for the Huskers in 2006, the BRN staff convened a little round table. We offer our candidates for breakout performers on both sides of the ball.
Darren's picks
My selection for offensive breakout player is Matt Slauson. Okay, I know that isn't as sexy as picking a skill position player. But, I think our offensive production hinges on our line play. And, Slauson fits the "breakout" mold to a T - his rather obscure recruitment, showing signs of real progress late in last season, and having considerable physical talent and competitive fire. This is a guy who can go from relative obscurity (outside of NE) and contend for post-season honors of some sort as a tackle or guard.
On defense, I’m going with Tierre Green. Again, there are probably more high-profile players that I could go with. But, I think Tierre could surprise folks for a variety of reasons. First, expectations for him are relatively low, which aids the notion of breakout, in my opinion. Next, Tierre is a gifted athlete with great speed, as evidenced by his ability to play so many positions in his career. And, the move to safety may finally put him at his most natural position. Finally, the front 7 could protect him enough that he can use that great speed to make open-field plays on the ball. He could be headed for season like Troy Watchcorn had in 2000, or Willie Amos had in 2001, where he gets 4 or 5 interceptions.
Steve’s picks
Offensively, I'll go with Todd Peterson. We saw late last season how he became a favorite target of Zac Taylor's. His size and speed combination, coupled with his experience, means that this guy could score 10 touchdowns. Mo Purify will have his highlights, but it sounds like he'll be included in only a limited set of packages. I look for big things from Purify in 2007. Peterson on the other hand can run the full playbook today and with his size he will create a lot of mismatches.
I'm taking the easy way out and going with Steve Octavien on defense. Everything we hear about this guy points to huge impact. Only injury can keep him from being a big-time playmaker on defense. Heck, some NFL draft gurus are already penciling him in as a first-rounder. Octavien can make the kind of hits that change games. Whether it is causing fumbles or sending a guy to the sidelines, he will make his presence felt.
Luke's picks
I have to agree with Steve on the offensive breakout player. Todd Peterson just seems to be in the right place at the right time for big plays. He runs very solid routes and works hard to get open. He has good size and good leaping ability (he dunked on me in high school). Also, defenses aren't going to be as focus him as much as Nate Swift and Terrence Nunn, so that will give him some good opportunities early in the season to show what he's made of.
I had a really hard time deciding on a breakout defensive player. I have little doubt that Steve Octavien is going to have a great year. Maybe he best fits the purist’s definition of a breakout player since he only played one game last year before he was injured. But, I'm going to say Bo Ruud is my choice for breakout defensive player. Ruud had a good season last year, but I think he's still walking in the shadow of his brother. Octavien is probably more talented than him, but I think the competition at the linebacker postition will result in some excellent play by Ruud. I think he's going to step out of the shadow of his brother and say, "Look, I can play this game pretty well, too."
Have ideas on who you think might have a breakout year for NU? Just sound off and let us know by posting in the comment field below.
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omarhuskerfan Aug 31 06
omar's picks
Offense Tightend, while it is understood that Matt H. was the man two years ago we will see the emergence of the Tight end in the WCO who ever it is most likely Matt Herian. I don't know if that qualifies as he as on tons of watch lists before last year but, he will be the man.
Defence: Stu Bradely makes his presence known becomes a 2 team all american and has a handful of hits that will be on Husker hightlight reels for ever (i.e. Tom Rudd's hit). Stu comes out of this year a last first day or earily Second day draft pick.
vulcan Aug 31 06
Brandon Rigoni. He's already had a breakout fairytale season, getting a scholarship, making captain, and now getting a blackshirt. Still, he's listed as a #2, but true to form, every play that he's on the field he will make his presence felt. He stands a good chance to pop some teeth grinding hits that could loosen the ball and turn the tide at opportune moments.
Everyone expects good things from Zac Taylor, and he is considered one of the top 3 players on the team, so is it too much to expect a breakout year for him? For me, no. Though expected to do well, I think his play will not only put him in the NU record book, but will shock many across the nation. I think he will have redefined what his potential really was and take this team where no one thought it could go.
BLEADEHEAGS Oct 05 07
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