Purify Is Likely MVP for 2007

December 21, 2006 by Steve Hanway

Heading into to the 2006 season, it was clear that two players were the most critical in terms of what they meant to the Cornhuskers season - Zac Taylor and Zack Bowman. Taylor was the seasoned quarterback and unquestionable leader of the offense. Zack Bowman was the only cornerback who had a chance of covering many of the big wide receivers Nebraska would face. Taylor went on to be the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, while Bowman missed the season due to injury and the results were painful.

Heading into 2007, it’s easy to suggest that as Sam Keller goes, so go the Huskers. But given the fact that he is new to the offense, that some other options may exist in Joe Ganz, Zac Lee or even Patrick Witt it’s possible that the difference between Keller and the next best option at quarterback is not that great.

At wide receiver, the Huskers have gotten some nice production from Terrence Nunn, Nate Swift, Frantz Hardy, and Todd Peterson. But when the Huskers found themselves in critical passing situations (as they did versus Texas A&M), Purify was clearly the go-to player. Regardless of who is calling signals, the offense will be better with a weapon like Purify who can outleap smaller defenders or demand-double teams. No Husker returner at receiver brings quite that same dimension. The Huskers have a number of quality options at running back and have finally achieved some depth on the offensive line. Offensively, no one seems as indispensable at this point for next season.

Defensively, Barry Turner seems pretty critical as does Ndamukong Suh. But with some other options developing on the defensive line (Ty Steinkuhler, Brandon Johnson, Seth Jensen, Craig Roark, David Harvey, Andy Poulosky, Pierre Allen, Mike Smith, and Zach Potter – plus some possible JC transfers to add) and a strong linebacking corps and a sure to improve defensive backfield behind them, the loss of either player might not be felt as greatly.

While Zack Bowman could again be considered essential, the Huskers will have the benefit of a maturing class of second-year Huskers (Andre Jones, Major Culbert, Rickey Thenarse, Anthony West, and Tyrell Spain) plus a number of first-year options (at this point they appear to be Shawn Sullivan, Anthony Blue, Armando Murillo, and David Ross). Yes, Zack is probably the best defensive back for next season but his loss would not mean near as much in 2007. It’s also possible that he will be slowed to some degree from his injury and thus not be better than the other candidates for playing time.

So despite the fact that some defensive players may be awfully important, Purify appears to be the biggest difference maker for 2007. Here’s an early New Years’ toast to good health for Maurice, because the health of the Husker offense may depend on it.

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