NU Gets Lucky...Back
8 comments so far
January 15, 2008 by
Yesterday was filled with important news concerning NU's roster for 2008, as Collins Okafor and Josh Williams renewed their commitment to being part of the upcoming recruiting class for the Huskers. But, I was more excited by another piece of news concerning NU's roster. In his press conference, Okafor let it be known that running back Marlon Lucky will be returning to NU for his senior season. To me, the return of NU's most talented offensive skill player trumps any news about the whims of HS players any day.
Of Hype and Reality
Few Husker players have had the hype and scrutiny that Lucky has in is time in Lincoln. Fans chanted his name at a game during his recruiting visit. He was the crown jewel of the 2005 class. And that build up led some to wonder if he lived up to the hype, considering his modest numbers as a freshman (just 129 yards rushing), and his not emerging as NU's best back as a sophomore (728 rush yards). Throw in a medical/mental health scare for Marlon in the off season leading up to the 2007 season, and frankly, things weren't looking too hot.
Lucky's production as a junior silenced a lot of people. He amassed more that 1,700 yards from scrimmage. Of that, 1,019 came on rushing attempts, along with 9 touchdowns. And he caught 75 balls for 705 yards and three scores. I defy anybody to stare that kind of production in the face and argue he wasn't NU's offensive MVP this year. He was second team All-Big 12. And if that isn't enough, watch the tape of 2007. Marlon played extremely hard, and played very well in NU's biggest games.
Yes, I know many want to criticize that he isn't the "complete back" NU really needs, that he isn't great in the hole or after contact. NU has other backs on the roster too, if that fits your fancy. But, I'm absolutely thrilled to have Marlon back on the squad. I'm excited to see the ways that Shawn Watson can take advantage of Marlon's skills in space by using elements of the spread offense, as both a runner and receiver. And, having a senior in the backfield means a ton when it comes to picking up and blocking blitzes.
Why Not the NFL?
Okay, so if Lucky is such great shakes, why didn't he bolt for the NFL? I mean, it worked out pretty well for Brandon Jackson last year, and he didn't have stats as good as Lucky did this year. Right? Wrong. The answer is the depth of the running back draft this year. Not only would Lucky have been competing with senior backs like Mike Hart of Michigan, but also a huge crop of very talented junior running backs, like Heisman finalist Darren McFadden and Ray Rice from Rutgers just to name a few.
Brandon Jackson had a good year, saw a relatively weak class of backs in the draft compared to the competition he would face for carries at NU, and made the leap. It worked out well for him (2nd round to the Packers), and I applaud him for it. Lucky faces a much different set of circumstances, and made a different choice. It is a choice I think bodes very well for the Huskers as they embark on their 2008 campaign.
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Dwayne Jan 15 08
It not only bodes well for NU that he is staying, but if he can stay healthy next season, his stock in itself may rise tremendously. My feeling is that NU's offense hinges on his serviceability and without him, it sets NU back a bit. So many fans were irritable about his production and I found that hard to believe based on what he amassed. I am thrilled to see him back because my perception is that it is the best decision for everyone. Pelini understands what players strengths and weaknesses are and he will along with Watson develop a very simple package for him to excell in.
doombob Jan 15 08
Anybody see Darren Sproles in the Chargers game this weekend? How many times did KState run that same screen pass to him in all the years he was there? Lots. Lucky could be the same type of guy in the NFL: fast, strong, with great vision and acceleration. If he get another year under his belt getting stronger, faster, bigger, we will see him do well in the draft next year.
James Moore Jan 15 08
Great article. Well written & sound in its thinking. Lucky probably would've had more yards rushing this year if we hadn't faced so many negative situations (down & distance/score). He had (I thought) a very good sophomore year and as your article so eloquently put it 'I defy anyone to stare that kind of production in the face and say he wan't Nebraska's offensive MVP'. He was. He's had a lot thrown at him from the previous regime and handled it well. Another excellend point is the pass blocking, that will be a huge benefit we'll gain from his experience. He'll have a big breakout year. He and Ganz will provide two great Senior leaders to hit the field this year. Glad to have him back.
REAL Hawkeye Jan 15 08
What the Huskers need is to land Charles Good from Nashville, TN, an all state Fullback....
That way they can have GOOD & LUCKY in the Backfield......they'll need it.....
Jack D Jan 15 08
Marlon Lucky has slowly developed into a running back that shows promise at times. He shows bursts of speed when he gets outside of a defense, but has trouble using blocks at times. A good running back will block out all of the hype and just do his job, run hard between the tackles, make big time plays against great defenses, and create something out of nothing.
There are very young and talented frosh that are nipping at his heels to take the #1 spot (i.e. #29) so he has to elevate his game this year and show his worthiness of hopefully someday playing on sundays.
As for being compared to nfl running backs, Lucky may need to borrow a lil homework from a guy who has already mastered the college ranks, #28 for the Minnesota Vikings.
James Moore Jan 15 08
Doombob,
Just to tie into your point, remember the middle screen Kansas State ran against Oklahoma a few years back in the Big 12 Title Game to more or less break the game open in the 2nd quarter of that contest? That little guy can certainly go. . .
doombob Jan 16 08
It's a great play because the back can literally hide under the linemen. Linebackers and Defensive backs can't even see where the guy is until he's almost past them. We ran it with Ross a few years back and it just seems to work. It was one of the few types of plays that netted restults consistently for the Huskers this last year. Lucky should have a couple touchdowns next year off screen passes.
Greg Morrow Jan 17 08
Yes, Darren. It bodes quite well going into '08. I'm reminded of Watson being the coordinator (in the truest sense) this year. Along with possibly more "college friendly" plays, I'm hopeful for more practice snaps for the lower tier guys. Guys like Marcus Mendoza. Practice itself may be re-configured to allow for better opportunities for more of the roster (younger guys and walkons) to develop.
Marlon is the best athlete at I-Back since Ahman Green. He gets stronger, smoother and he'll be used more innovatively as DOOMBOB alluded to. I don't remember the last time a player of his stature didn't go pro as a junior. Keith "End Zone" Jones? Roger Craig? I think Calvin Jones left as a 4th year junior.