Big Red Roundtable: Spring Practice has Sprung

2 comments so far March 28, 2007 by Jason Siffring

The Big Red Roundtable, an elite force of Husker bloggers, convened this week to celebrate the start of spring practice. Husker Mike hosted the event (and did a lovely job decorating). Also joining in were Corn Nation, Double Extra Point, and newcomer, Midwest Coast Bias (in podcast form).

Read on for discussion about the race at QB, players to watch in spring ball, and the ever-popular debate over the Spring Game format.

The coaching staff says the quarterback race is wide open between Sam Keller, Joe Ganz, Beau Davis, and Patrick Witt. What is your expectation as how this will turn out next season?

Steve Hanway: Barring injury or off the field problems, Keller #1 and Ganz #2.

Darren Carlson: Steve just wrote a post on BRN on this topic that I whole heartedly agree with. It's really a 2-man race between Ganz and Keller. If Zac Lee were healthier, he would be a major factor. Physically, it is easy to see that Keller has an advantage. But, anybody paying attention to NU the last 3 years knows there is a learning curve with the offense. Think of the difference between Zac Taylor year 1 and year 2 for example.

So, I really believe that his familiarity with the offense, good footwork, and rapport with teammates may actually make Ganz the #1 by the end of SPRING ball. But, with a summer of 7-on-7 and film study, Keller will catch up mentally, and his talent will overwhelm for the starting spot. Regardless, this is exactly the kind of competition you want at this spot. Only good things come from depth and competition.

Besides quarterback, what positions will have the biggest battles and how do you expect them to work out?

Darren: There is a lot that merits watching.

I'm not sure it is a battle, but the FB and TE spots worry me, and I'm curious to see what they find there. Those "middle weight" players, as Steve likes to call them, are vital in this (or any) offense. I'll be watching those spots closely.

Defensive line is a spot to watch, though with Turner out for Spring, there is a void at DE. Mostly I want to get a sense of what we have behind Suh and Steinkuhler at NT and DT. We must have 4 or 5 guys to compete.

Obviously there will be thick competition at the spots where we have the most players. Who will emerge from the youngsters and newcomers in the defensive backfield? My gut says it will be Bowman, Jones, Asante and Green back there as starters. But, Thenarse, Murillo, Grixby, West and others will make it very fun to watch!

I also want to see which receivers step up this spring. We all know about Purify. And Nunn may break the receptions record for a career. But, after that, you will have talented and capable players like Swift, Hardy and Peterson fighting off newcomers like Holt, Henry and Brooks for time. Really, we're going to need 6 or 7 guys, and not 3 or 4. So, this is good.

Steve: The most interesting battle will be at strong safety between Larry Asante and Rickey Thenarse. Both have big upside but only one guy can start. Likewise, it will be interesting to see whether fan favorite (punching bag, that is) Cortney Grixby can keep a starting job.

Two years ago, the 2005 recruiting class was touted as one of the nation's best. Only a few players from this group have made an impact thus far; who do you expect to emerge this spring?

Steve: This is the year we see Ndamukong Suh live up to expectations. I like what I've seen so far. He will be dominant. Barry Turner is another player that will be a nice pass rusher. Steve Octavien (if he can stay healthy) will live around the ball. Zack Bowman (also if healthy) will be a solid corner. Marlon Lucky can put up big numbers as a true starter. Matt Slauson should be a very good guard.

The common element? These guys all were class of 2005. That class deserved its ranking.

Darren: Wow, I a little amazed that some impatient fans are sort of writing off this much-ballyhooed class. Because I think THIS is really the year when some of those stars start to come in to their own.

Breakout years:

• Bowman - Captain, All-conference candidate, etc
• Lucky - Assuming he bounces back, it is all there in spades. Watch the bowl game tape, and you'll see a much more patient and thoughtful runner. Combine that mental growth with 100% health and WATCH OUT.
• Suh - Coach Callahan referred to him as having "all-league" potential this week. I honestly don't see this kid staying 4 years. He's that good.
• Octavien - I know this guy's talent has teased and teased. But, he'll have every opportunity at the weakside backer. And just look at that UT film from last year. He was all over the field!

Contributors:

• Hardy - This guy has only produced more each year. Assuming he can hold off the younger guys, he gives NU a deep threat at WR.
• Hickman - Got some nice reps last year at guard. I could see him playing meaningful minutes this year behind the starters.

Big Potential:

• Glenn - At times, he was NU's best back last year. He must get and stay healthy. When he's 100%, he's a beast.
• Turner - Ready to step in for Moore, once he gets healthy. This kid has an amazing upside. He flashed it in his first year.
• Potter - Like Turner, he didn't get many reps playing behind a senior. He has talent. It is time to work hard and show it.

Players like Covey, Dillard and Brooks are also looking for their moment to step up. All three have been either hamstrung by injury, stuck behind older players or not ready for big-time college ball. All three have the talent to play in the Big 12.

If you can't tell, I'm bullish on class of 2005. I think the star ratings and heavy JC emphasis made people want immediate returns. And, they got that from Taylor, Dagunduro, Cryer and Bowman. I think we'll look back on this class as a real turning point for NU in many spots. Too much time is spent talking about the quitters or academic casualties. There are still a LOT of players in this class.

In the 1990's, Coach Osborne started matching up the #1 offense against the #1 defense in the spring game. Bill Callahan switched this around and put the #1 offense and defense on the same team, playing against the reserves. Do you prefer a format?

Darren: Personally, I prefer to see 1s vs. 1s. I think fans get to learn a lot more about the team and depth that way. However, I think that age is long behind us. Callahan - and to a large extent, Steve Pederson - understand that they can maximize the Spring Game as a recruiting event. And, doing so has put us well ahead of the curve in the recruiting cycle each year. So, it has become a show.

People want to see scoring. Because of that, it will remain 1s vs. 2s. It is a show, an exhibition for fans and especially recruits. The coaches learn about their players and teams in their closed-doors scrimmages. As fans, we want to be more "in the tent" and see that too. So, we get our feelings a little hurt. Oh well, if it helps land some more big-time players, I can live with it.

Steve: The spring game should always be #1 vs. #1. It's good for the fans, and it's good for the top units.

Related: Check out responses from Husker Mike, Corn Nation, Double Extra Point, and newcomer, Midwest Coast Bias.

You don't have to be invited to participate in the Big Red Roundtable. Feel free to chime in on your own site or in the comments below.

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