Kyle Moore Walk-on to Watch
1 comment so far
March 23, 2007 by
While the depth chart at the wide-open fullback spot is sure to include some walk-ons, it's linebacker Kyle Moore who might be the most important walk-on at Nebraska this spring.
Kyle, brother of defensive end Jay Moore, goes into spring football as the #2 strongside linebacker. While that may not mean a lot of playing time in 2007, it makes him a top candidate to start in 2008. The Huskers lose four of their top linebackers to graduation in 2007, including all three starters. Only two scholarship upperclassmen return and only two scholarship underclassmen are expected to arrive in the fall. At a bare minimum, that leaves two positions open in the two-deep. Barring some mid-year junior college transfers, that means Nebraska will need walk-ons that are ready to play.
Fullback is a spot that's easier to fill with walk-ons. They block on most every play and occasionally catch an easy short pass. Linebackers have to tackle in space, shed blocks, rush the passer, and drop into pass coverage. It requires a larger skill set than fullback. Both are positions where walk-ons can contribute. That's because a player doesn't need great natural size or world-class speed. Often they just need time to develop physically.
Brian Shaw was a walk-on who emerged as a quality linebacker as part of Nebraska's great 1999 unit. The man Moore will help replace, Stewart Bradley, was also a walk-on who now might be a first-day draft pick. So it's not a stretch that Moore could be more (no pun intended) than just a body to get Nebraska through a thin stretch. He could develop into a quality multi-year starter. You wouldn't expect a great deal from Moore this spring or even next season, but if he can hold the #2 spot as the competition increases, that may be a sign that he's going to be a guy the coaches can count on. After all, he's got the DNA for it.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or subscribe to our free newsletter!
Related Stories: Spring Practice
Post a comment
Gregory Mar 24 07
Steve
Loved the Brian Shaw mention!
He was a guy who walked on at the same time Parade All American Tony Ortiz, from New Jersey, began his time. Now, Tony had an illness that hindered him that first season, but from then on, he could never shake this farm kid, Shaw. They were alternates the whole time here, if I recall, became good friends too, I read about Brian taking Tony to his parents farm, on weekends.
It reminds me once again, the strenth and legasy of the walkon program. Callahan expressed big enthusiasm for the 10 or so "preferred" walkons, who signed on this year. No question at this point, he's dialed in on the concept of these enthusiastic, hard working kids, who (for several) will develop into "playahs"!
Also, when I go a week without reading this site, it becomes almost like a good magazine, filled with interesting topics! Like the "official" magazine, that I have to wait a month or more for, in the off season.
Great stuff!