Huskers Add Junior College Receiver for 2008
2 comments so far
June 11, 2007 by
Nebraska added another (unofficial) member to its 2008 recruiting class, securing a verbal commitment from wide receiver Adrian Hilburn. Hilburn is now the eighth player to verbally commit to NU. He is also the first member of the class to come from a junior college.
The 6'2'' 190 pound Hilburn hails from the City College of San Francisco. That JC has been known for turning out desirable receiving prospects in recent years, including highly-touted Kenny O'Neal in 2007 and NU's very own Mo Purify in 2006. It appears that NU secured a commitment from Hilburn prior to too many teams making inroads with him. Though, he was coveted by Texas A&M and Kansas State, among others. And, it is always nice to see NU beat out another conference school for a player. Hilburn will add to a corps of receivers that looks more stocked with talent every day.
Played with Zach Lee
NU was able to quickly build a relationship with Hilburn in no small part because the Huskers had already recruited his quarterback from the previous season, Zach Lee. No doubt, the opportunity to be reunited with Lee played a part in Hilburn's choice. And, as the third player in as many years to come from NU from that school, it appears Dennis Wagner (who primarily handled the recruiting) has opened up a nice pipeline.
Could Be Here for Spring Ball
Other than his physical talent and rapport with Lee, Hilburn brings another desirable quality to NU - academic eligibility. The eligibility and transfer status of JC players is always one known sticking point, with delays costing valuable developmental time for players. At this point Hilburn appears on track to graduate with his associates degree in December, which would allow him to participate in spring drills for 2008.
My estimation is that he'll need that time and a relationship with Lee to push for playing time in a group of quickly emerging NU receivers.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!
Related Stories: Recruiting
Post a comment
RJ Jun 11 07
I love this staff and the way they can recruit. It really seems that they are way out in front with a lot of these guys. What they have done with the Oline is amazing, Gabbert, and getting some more depth at WR. Now, we just need some big hitters to sign on at LB (as was mentioned in another article)and we will be well on our way. But like I said, this staff knows what they need and they have proven they can get out there and get the job done! GBR
'sa blang thang Jun 12 07
Agree with RJ rgdg our coaches' recruiting prowess. I think we'll be rivaling or exceeding TX and OU--and other elite schools--in the near future, which is something I could never say when TO was our coach: OU, FSU, MIA, MI, etc, always had superior talent, we just out--willed them at times.
Calli's got a bit of a San Fran JUCO pipeline going it seems; maybe some of those players are Raiders fans and knew of Calli while he was there.
Doesn't seem like we're getting the elite receivers out of h.s. yet, (like we are with QBs(Beck, Freeman, Witt, Gabbert, though 2 were busts, of course); maybe Paul will be that type of guy.
We need some big time TEs and more RBs. Our team talent is starting to look somewhat like the level of Ohio ST. or MI, but not yet like USC, FL, or LSU.