Hilburn Commitment Could Mean Lee the Man for 2008
4 comments so far
June 15, 2007 by
Adrian Hilburn, a junior college wide receiver and teammate of Zach Lee, became Nebraska’s eighth commit for the class of 2008. While the list of suitors (Tennessee and Texas A&M among them) would seem to indicate Hilburn’s obvious athletic merits, you also wonder if it’s a sign that Zach Lee has the inside track to the starting quarterback job in 2008.
Recruiting is hard. That’s why when a college coach forms a good relationship with a high school or junior college coach he will often come back for seconds at the talent buffet. Grab a guy’s teammate and there’s a good chance he’ll want to visit your school too.
Still, the importance of chemistry between a quarterback and receiver is hard to overstate. Even Sam Keller, whose dedication was questioned at Arizona State, values getting extra practice time with his receivers. It’s true at every level. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison are famous for the extra time they spend preparing together.
That’s why it seems no coincidence that along with Zac Taylor, Bill Callahan brought in Frantz Hardy and Justin Tomerlin from Butler County Community College. Sure Hardy and Tomerlin were standout recruits, but they also had experience playing with Zac Taylor. So seeing Hilburn join the Huskers makes it easy to believe that the Huskers are expecting major contributions from Zach Lee in 2008. Unless Blaine Gabbert can join the Huskers for spring football in 2008, Lee is the man that the recruiting websites would lead you to believe is the best candidate to start in 2008. And now he’ll have a former teammate with him for practice next spring.
Hilburn’s presence hardly makes Lee a lock to start, but for those handicapping the favorite at quarterback for 2008, the odds on Lee are looking better.
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Sean Jun 15 07
I don't believe Hilburn's commitment signals anything about Lee being the starter in 2008. Watch Patrick Witt take the job for himself. Gabbert won't be ready yet, and Witt was the second best QB this past spring - even better than Ganz IMO.
Gregory Jun 16 07
I agree with the signal, Steve. Callahan gives signals, more so than what I usually notice from politicians (or coaches). It may also signal that Zach is healthy, or close to full leg strength. He's an intriguing player, Zach. With reports of a "big gun" and top end quicks, at hopefully a legit 6'2". If he's good at running this offense, he could be too good to leave on the bench.
And, he could have a guy to play catch with.
jude plimmer Jun 26 07
Well Lee's not 6'2....and he runs, but where to?
Checking out his rushing yards @ San Francisco City College they are in the negative column.
I'd also be wary of the City's stats....due to the fact that most all of CCSF QB's do real well...they are stacked with good players.
Just look at what happened to Joe Ayoob.
BIGREDFAN Jun 29 07
I agree with Sean. Patrick Witt looked good in the Spring Game considering what he was up against. With no pass protection and blanketed receivers, I though he still looked pretty calm and accurate when he actually got a pass off. If he can pick up the offense I look for him to be the guy.