“Do It Now”
7 comments so far
January 15, 2008 by
For those who haven’t heard, Bo Pelini told Omaha running back recruit Collins Okafor that if he wanted to decommit to “decommit now”. He also said, “I’ve never had a losing season and I’m not planning on having one now”. Doesn’t that sound exactly like the legend of Bo, the same man who famously answered why Nebraska was the best job, “because I took it”?
His tough love approach seems to be working. Okafor announced his “recommitment” to Nebraska yesterday, and former Husker decommit (and then Colorado commit) defensive end Josh Williams of Texas has now “recommitted” to Nebraska as well after making an unofficial visit over the weekend. On the heels of a strong senior season, Williams had been offered by a number of other Big 12 programs.
Okafor had also mentioned in a radio interview that he might become roommates with Sean Fisher, which would seem to indicate Fisher’s intent on remaining committed to Nebraska. That still leaves nine visitors to be heard from.
Four-star commit Will Compton was still a soft commit going into the weekend and seemed to be considering Missouri and Illinois. If he was told to “do it now”, he hasn’t at least in any formal way. Cornerback David Whitmore and recently committed David Grant also haven’t recanted their commitments. If Pelini similarly challenged these guys to stay strong or quit now, they haven’t quit.
The Huskers still need to land some more guys and if past years are any indicator, they might lose an existing commit or two more between now and signing day. But it’s clear that they are looking players in the eye and asking for real commitments. While it might not be the approach that lures every high profile player, it is one that helps establish who can be counted on and when they need to look elsewhere. And just maybe it can cut down on the transfers by these kids once they’re in the program.
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darren Jan 15 08
My response to Williams re-committing is simply that it confirms that the process is all about relationships. Why? Because Ted Gilmore was the lead recruiter. The ties were never severed, so we were able to keep him or get him back. For the same reason, I'm not going to hold my breath about other players re-selecting NU. This was pretty unique.
Bill in Iowa Jan 15 08
As important as existing relationships are, what seemed (from reading the short LJS article) to seal the deal with Williams is the excitement of Bo and the staff.
With the entire staff in place and moved into their offices, it seems the excitement level and optimism is oozing at the point some recruits like Williams are thinking, "Hey, something exciting is happening here...maybe I am going to miss out?"
According to Sean Fisher, Compton was very impressed. I thought for sure, Compton was going to go over to Mizzou. But after this weekend, I think his decision just got a lot tougher.
So, in short, yes we are a little handicapped (this recruiting season) as far as establishing relationships, but we also know Bo and staff can connect with players, even in the short term. It's a glimmer of light in a dark recruiting season and it bodes well for the rest of this season. And next year...look out! Recruiting is going to be "lights out"!
REAL Hawkeye Jan 15 08
My sources tell me that Nebraska recruiting class will rank in the bottom 3rd in the country. Add that to a 5-7 record in 07 and you are at best 4th in the Big 12 North in 08. I see a lot of frustration in Big Red land. Too bad Osborne took the AD job. It will tarnish his legend...... & as far as I'm concerned, Polino is a hot head who's going to let his temper cloud his judgement and when his mistakes mount so will be the undoing of Husker Land....Go CYCLONES!!!!!
Jason Jan 15 08
Hawkeye,
Can you introduce me to your sources? Since they can apparently predict the future, I'd like to take them to Vegas with me.
BTW, I don't think most Husker fans are expecting a highly ranked recruiting class this year. Transition years are traditionally tough on recruiting. But, bottom 3? Doubtful.
Don't take my word for it though. Rivals currently has ISU at #64 and the Huskers at #30.
cvldfg Jan 15 08
Whatever dude.
Dwayne Jan 15 08
Hawkeye,
I don't think that is too bad for the Huskers to be where they are as far as recruiting with the turn-around in the department. I will be completely satisfied if they can remain within that top 30. You see Missouri is at 26 and they had a really good season and that's all they could muster, plus the defectos that have chosen to turn their commitment to them. Hoch and Gabbert. These coaches will hopefully bring some stability back, however there aren't any guarantees with what lies in the future. All in all, I like NU's positioning. I don't necessarily know how they throw those stars around but I think some of it is potential at the next level. I don't know if Gabbert truly showed what he may be capable of in an injured senior year. I'll take a QB that can move and create rather than a drop back guy any day in college. I see Pelini moving to quick, rangy guys that can motor, and hopefully he can get a few more beefy linemen for either side of the ball to commit in the next few weeks, but it may be tough at this point. Henry may be a good one from what I've read.
Scott Jan 17 08
Hey Hawkeye,
How is Iowa State's recruiting this year? The word Iowa State and recruiting don't really go hand in hand just yet. The word leftovers come to mind. Iowa State is at best, 12th in the Big 12. Iowa State has no legend.