Ranking the Recruits

3 comments so far January 14, 2007 by Steve Hanway

With the recruiting cycle nearly finished, it's helpful to go into the final days with a clear sense of who matters most. That way if a player departs at the last minute I’m already “on the record” with whether or not a particular player constitutes a big loss.

These rankings aren’t only about the quality of a player but also take into account what the rest of the roster (and recruiting class) looks like. For example, I might have rated Harrison Beck the most important member of the 2005 recruiting class before Zac Taylor was added. But once Taylor was on board, a player like Zack Bowman became more pivotal.

For these rankings, I've left out the early arrivals on campus. It's safe to assume that none of those guys will be departing (at least not until after Spring football)

So here are the rankings with some commentary:

1) Niles Paul (WR) – The coaches may yet add a wide receiver to this class but for now Paul, Hagg, and possibly Amukamara are the only other options in this class. An area of need with Purify, Nunn, and Hardy leaving after 2007.

2) Jaivorio Burkes (OL) – In a class that’s thin on offensive lineman, Burkes would hurt to lose

3) Travis Lewis (LB/S) – The Huskers need linebackers for 2008.

4) Blake Lawrence (LB) – See Lewis

5) Austin Stafford (LB) – See Lawrence

6) Joseph Townsend (DT) – Standout JC defensive tackle would be rated higher if not for Barfield’s early arrival and other tackles in the class

7) Chris Perry (DT) – Standout prep defensive tackle would be hard to replace

8) David Ross (CB) – Prep corner addresses longer term need

9) LaTravis Washington (S) – Huskers need help at safety

10) Quentin Castille (RB/FB) – Only big back once Glenn graduates

11) Demetrious Davis (DT) – Helps ween Huskers off dependency on JC players at tackle

12) Ryan Hill (TE) - Only pure TE in the class

13) Adi Kunalic (PK) – Becomes important with departure of Congdon and Daniel Lee sitting a year

14) Marcel Jones (OL) – Second of only two offensive lineman in the group

15) Shawn Sullivan (CB) – Prep corner helps depth at problem position

16) Anthony Blue (CB) – See Sullivan

17) Kevin Dixon (DT) – Another JC player to work in the mix at tackle

18) Patrick Grant (DE/LB) – Versatile and athletic edge player helps depth

19) William Yancy (DE) – Might be rated higher if not for strong class in 2006 of DE and other options in 2007

20) Roy Helu (RB/S) – Could give Huskers a boost at safety, also has legit RB skills

21) Prince Amukamara (Athlete) – Solid athlete who might play RB, WR, or DB. Lack of clear position along with other needs addressed keeps him low on the list.

22) Eric Hagg (WR) – Fair or unfair, he’s getting the least love from recruiting services.

23) Terrence Moore (DT) – Another prep tackle for the long term. Sheer numbers at position keep him down here.

24) Jared Crick (DE/TE) – In state talent to develop

That's how I'd do it anyway. How about you?

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