NU Lands a Huge Offensive Line Prospect
7 comments so far
December 26, 2006 by
Nebraska made a sizeable addition - both literally and figuratively - to a 2007 recruiting class that is quickly rounding in to one of the nation's best. Highly touted offensive line prospect Jaivorio Burkes made a verbal commitment to join NU's class today, selecting the Huskers over his other finalist, Oklahoma, and dozens of other scholarship offers.
Burkes may be the most highly regarded high school player in NU's 2007 class. He's rated as a 4-star prospect (and the #7 guard in the country) by rivals.com, and a 4-star (#10 rated guard) by scout.com. At 6'4'' and 310 pounds, he is the prototype for what the NU staff is looking for in terms of size for an interior offensive linemen. The film I've seen of Burkes also reveals and important quality - great feet. He pulls from his three-point stance very well, and is able to square up on smaller players like linebackers in space. It's impressive to see a big player move so well.
NU won Burkes' verbal commitment from a plethora of other schools. This young man had offers from dozens of programs including powerhouses like Michigan and Tennessee. Burkes hails from Arizona, so it is nice to see the Huskers continue to mine another talent-rich area of the country and keep him from the PAC 10. But, it is perhaps most gratifying to see NU beat out the other Big 12 finalist for his services, Oklahoma. Any time you get a player AND keep them from a conference rival, it is like winning twice. And, with a potentially great player like Burkes, it is even better.
Burkes is the second offensive linemen in this class. While NU has numerous scholarship linemen on the roster now (and two already locked up for the 2008 class) it is nice to see the staff address an area that is seemingly a continual need. In the years when NU didn't recruit the line of scrimmage well, you can see the decline in success in subsequent years. My good friend Steve likes to call this "avoiding O-line Hell".
Burkes is the 28th member of this recruiting class. It appears NU only has a couple of scholarships remaining to hand out. And, I'm anxious to see how they are used. All things considered, this appears to be the most talented and well rounded group of players Bill Callahan and his staff has assembled in their time here, and that includes the 2005 class. I’m hopeful they can finish well and get them all in the fold.
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Grant Dec 26 06
On a bit of a roll. Hope the class that has pledged signs come February. Lot of talent across the board with this group. Trying to figure out wich one of the 28 will be the dark horse. The one not ranked as high, that ends up having the most impact. Anyone care to take a pick?
Josh Marshall Dec 26 06
Personally, I'd like to see us pickup another receiver. Per the website http://www.huskerpedia.com/recruits/, we only have two WR commits in this class. Eric Hagg - don't know much about him - and Niles Paul. I've read about Wallace Franklin - the JUCO WR - but, if I'm not mistaken he hasn't qualified academically. That said, I'm not holding my breath on him.
By the way, can someone enlighten me as to what a "greyshirt" is? Seriously, I have no idea what that term means.
Josh
gregory Dec 26 06
Josh, a greyshirt means a player pays his own way the fall semester of his freshman year. Then he's put on scholarship for the spring and can still use a redshirt the following fall. Kind of a headstart to develop physically.
jason Dec 27 06
Thanks Gregory!
To be honest, I didn't know what that meant either Josh, so here is a bit more.
Steve Dec 27 06
One thing I love about Burkes and Marcel Jones as well is that they both play basketball. You have to have great feet to play basketball and it translates very well to football. Think of NFL tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. Just great news!
Tyler Dec 27 06
Have you guys considered putting together a podcast re: your thoughts on the entire recruiting class?
Jason Dec 27 06
Tyler, we've kind of fell off the podcast wagon the past few weeks, haven't we? Don't worry. We'll put one together after the Cotton Bowl and we'll hit it hard in the off season covering the Husker's recruiting efforts.
Lots more to come. I'm just glad someone listens to our podcast. Thanks!