Linebacker a Big Recruiting Need
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June 6, 2007 by
In college football, one year to the next your biggest strength can become your greatest weakness. In 2007, linebacker is the unit with arguably the most depth, talent, and experience anywhere on the team. In 2008, it may well be the thinnest and least experienced position on the team.
Right now, there are only four scholarship players on the roster listed as linebackers with eligibility beyond 2007. They are Nick Covey, Phillip Dillard, Blake Lawrence, and Austin Stafford. Yes, three of them were four-star recruits out of high school. But barring injuries, none of them will have any starting experience when the 2008 season begins.
How did NU get here? As usual, recruiting failures have come back to haunt the Huskers. From the recruiting class of 2004, Michael Keenan departed, Lance Brandenburgh never redshirted, and Clayton Sievers is now listed at defensive end. Jeff Souder, a 2005 recruit, left Nebraska rather than sit on the bench. Steve Allen, a 2006 recruit, never made it to Lincoln. Two 2007 commits, Jared Glover and Travis Lewis, decommitted to attend other Big 12 schools. Talk about adding insult to injury. For those scoring at home, that's seven players that could be set to compete for playing time in 2008, none of whom will be on the roster.
Instead, Nebraska will likely have to scramble to find junior college players that can arrive early, move players to linebacker from other positions (like safety, defensive end, fullback, or tight end) and they'll need to rely on walk-ons like Kyle Moore.
While we're all thrilled at Nebraska's progress to date in recruiting, linebacker is a screaming need that so far is unaddressed. Nebraska's offered scholarships to at least ten linebackers, but so far none have committed. Millard North's Sean Fisher would seem like an obvious match but so far he hasn't pulled the trigger. His interest in Oklahoma could make him another player that bolts near signing day.
The help wanted sign should be hanging in the NU coaches offices until signing day. "Linebackers Needed, No Experience Necessary".
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Gregory Jun 06 07
Thanks for the sobering reminder, Steve!
The Travis Lewis decommit was ridiculous. But I'm not mad at him (anymore).
I'm anticipating a lot more pressure from the "D", delivered in diverse manners. Along with helping the team this year, the pressure packages should be used effectively to sell Nebraska to the "back 7" recruits being courted.
Honestly, I like that Austin and Blake are a little light, starting out. Gaining about 10 quality pounds (to about 215 or 225) will allow for tackling in space and offer blitz options, in '08.