Marcus Mendoza Top Candidate To Be Impact Freshman
4 comments so far
March 15, 2007 by
If there's one area that's consistently underachieved in the Callahan era, it's been the return game. From Santino "at least I can catch it" Panico to Cortney "God, I'm tired" Grixby, there's been little excitement in the return game. This is where Mendoza comes in. Mendoza's got the speed that Panico lacked and won't be too worn down from other duties to add some explosiveness to the return game.
Beyond special teams, the injuries at running back and early departure of Brandon Jackson coupled with a full spring head start on the other incoming running backs, mean Mendoza could become an on-the-field contributor at I-back next fall. Given his small frame, you'd picture him as an outside runner or receiving back, with maybe some draw plays mixed in. Still, his lack of size would mean he'd not be a between the tackles back, short-yardage specialist or even a particularly tough blocker.
So you'd expect his running back duties to be situational and sporadic, keeping him fresh for the return game. That could mean big things for the team overall. A good return game makes the offense and defense that much better. With greater contributions from the "hidden third", the Huskers become that much closer to beating teams like USC, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The Huskers are sure to get help from some of the incoming junior college players in 2007. But Mendoza would seem to be the true freshman most likely to make a big splash.
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darren Mar 15 07
Mendoza is a rare case of a frosh (non QB)being on campus early for spring ball. He should get opportunities. And,more than anything, this kid is FAST...crazy fast. And I heard somewhere that you can't teach speed. :-)
Gregory Mar 15 07
Marcus, is the first "scat back" type guy recruited in years. (I'm trying to think of the last one.) Bobby Newcombe, pre knee injury? The best wingbacks used to fill that bill- I've also thought he could have a future in the slot.
Not big, just not too little and reportedly very fast! If he can do it, (it takes courage, too) it will unburden a starter and get more speed on the field. As a position player, RB or slot, Callahan will devise a "package" for him, sooner than later.
darren Mar 16 07
Wow...wingback...a word I miss.
Even without his contribution in the offensive backfield, if this kid can be the explosive kick return NU needs, then he is totally worth the scholarship.
Our kick retrun game was way below expecations for a program like NU. BC has stated that it is an area of focus this year, for good reason.
James Moore Mar 23 07
Being small doesn't necessarily mean that the guy can't run between the tackles (Warrick Dunn and most recently Quentin Griffin from Oklahoma come to mind). If he keeps his pads low, has the right instincts, being small COULD actually be an advantage. The concerns would be in pass protection which is frankly a concern for ALL newcomers to a complicated system like Callahan's. But there is no equalizer for speed and if he can contribute on special teams he will have made us immediately better. . .