Culbert Will be Major Contributor to the Running Game
11 comments so far
August 14, 2007 by
A couple of news items this week from fall camp have made it clear that counting on Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn to stay healthy for 12 to 14 games is no slam dunk. While Glenn is said to be performing well, he’s also still suffering lingering effects of the foot problems that sidelined him late last season. They won’t necessarily get all better all at once. Marlon Lucky just added a concussion to his list of injuries over the past 2 plus seasons. One thing about concussions, they often come in bunches.
So that means the Huskers will almost certainly need to find another running back who can contribute this fall. Despite three new recruits (and other possibilities like Prince Amukamara), history has shown that true freshman running backs under Bill Callahan are very limited in what they can offer. Marcus Mendoza is a possible exception as he joined the Huskers mid-year, but a hamstring injury kept Mendoza from enjoying the full benefit of spring practices.
That leaves Major Culbert as the most “experienced” running back after Lucky and Glenn. With their track record of injuries, it’s easy to expect that he’ll be called upon often to either spell a starter or to be one. Culbert seems to be the classic “athlete” you see listed on recruiting web sites. That is, he’s so obviously talented in a number of areas that you don’t pigeonhole him to a single position. While Tierre Green hasn’t drawn unanimous raves from fans, the coaches have put him on the field at four different positions in four years. As a freshman, Green lead the I-backs with a 6.5 yards per carry average. Culbert seems likely to have that same kind of potential. Culbert’s 210-lbs. frame also seems perfect for handling the rigors of I-back (compared to Mendoza’s 185).
While it seemed a shame to lose Culbert from the safety rotation, he’s probably more necessary at I-back. Green along with Larry Asante have managed to keep a playmaker like Rickey Thenarse out of the starting lineup. And reports about Brian Wilson have been positive. So rather than having Culbert spend the year fighting to crack the two-deep on defense, he’ll now fill a screaming need for the offense. Don’t be surprised if he carries the ball 100 times or more.
Next year, when Green and Wilson have graduated and the 2007 recruits have had the benefit of spring football, a return to safety may well be the right move for Culbert. For now, he’s where he’s needed and where he can contribute most.
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Tyler Aug 14 07
His comments this week let you know what his heart's desire is.....he just wants to play. Here's hoping the coaches can make a definitive decision so he can settle his mind and throw himself completely in the role. If anyone can manage several young egos, isnt' it Coach Randy Jordan?
Grant Aug 14 07
With the way Castielle is impressing don't be surprised to see Culbert back in the secondary within a month. May not happen, but wouldn't be a big shock if it did.
rj Aug 14 07
Grant - I don't know man...we need as many guys ready to take the spot as possible. it is a long season and out side of bjax, we haven't had real good luck keeping guys healthy over the long haul lately.
I think we need that stable to be as big, deep and ready as possible especially with some news on Kenny Wilson I just read this morning....
Grant Aug 14 07
What was the buzz on Wilson?
rj Aug 14 07
from what I understand, due to some complications, his career may be done. NOT 100% on that, but that is what I read. I hope it is not true obviously.
darren Aug 14 07
Grant, I love the buzz on Castille as much as anybody. But, with this offense, he'll be fortunate to be a situational player or have certain "packages" installed for him.
If we get from him what we get from Cody Glenn during his freshman year - spot contributions, more as the season goes on - that would be great. Nice to have another big back in Nov.
Culbert is a much more essential piece of the puzzle, in my opinion. Having had a bowl prep practice period and a spring and now a full fall camp, he should be able to know most or all of the offense, including pass protection.
darren Aug 14 07
Oh, and don't forget, Major is a *talent* too. This is a fella who went for more than 1200 yards in one of LA's toughest HS leagues. That's not chopped liver.
And, when inserted in to a game in a key situation against Missouri as a freshman last year, all he did was produce. So much so that people were clamoring to see more of him.
Major indeed, Steve.
Husker Mike Aug 14 07
In this offense, the most important thing any back can do is block. If any of these young backs focus on that first, they'll see playing time.
And Darren's right, we'll only see the freshmen backs in situations that they've mastered. Sometimes it will tip off the defense, unfortunately, but it's better than putting them in situations where they aren't prepared. Despite what some people think, this is a complicated offense and it takes time to master it.
As far as Kenny Wilson, he suffered a severe staph infection in his leg last winter and then broke that same leg this spring. I think there are some questions as to just how strong that leg is going to be going forward.
ColfromColorado Aug 14 07
Yes, Culbert is where he belongs now. Besides, he looks like an excellent IB. With Lucky & Cody not playing, it drives home the need for him to stay at IB. Also, it is an excellent point that the WCO is complex enough true freshman have not successfully just jumped in and played well. Castille looks special and will play this year. That does not mean he will have a fantastic year. It means he will be played. He still will not know the WCO like players who have been there a while. That includes Culbert. No, Culbert will not be going back to D by the end of this month or the end of next month. If he has a very successful season at IB, he may never leave that position.
GBR!!!
Mark Larson Aug 15 07
Speaking of contributing ...... what is the word on Kunalic ?? I haven't seen or read much of anything concerning our PK prospects. With our schedule, we need some threes !!!
ze robertinho Aug 18 07
Well, I haven't seen Culbert run the ball too much--other than the spring game--but he was primarily an RB in H.S., so no doubt feels comfortable at and probably prefers that position. If he proves to be effective that will certainly be a blessing.
However, I'm banking on Castille to make his mark and probably take over the 3rd spot by the 4th or 5th game. That guy's the real deal IMO. But I certainly won't complain if Culbert turns out to be a stud.