C.J. Zimmerer Commits to Nebraska
7 comments so far
May 14, 2008 by
Nebraska received a verbal commitment from Omaha Gross fullback C.J. Zimmerer for the class of 2009. The 6’1’’ 215 pound fullback becomes the fourth player to commit to NU for this class, the first on the offensive side of the ball. NU coach Bo Pelini and his staff may trying to lock up the in-state players as early as they can. The Huskers were Zimmerer’s first suitor and the commitment took little time to secure.
Zimmerer was given All-State honors playing for Gross last season, amassing 701 yards and 11 touchdowns from his fullback spot. He was even more of a standout on defense, registering 123 tackles, five sacks and an interception. But, it is been made clear that NU is recruiting him as a fullback. Personally, I like seeing that kind of on-field production and All-State merit. On the downside, Zimmerer is a pretty low-profile recruit that doesn’t have much interest from other schools. Fans used to more highly regarded recruits can already be heard moaning.
Two things are becoming clear for NU’s recruiting class, even this early in the process. First, they are addressing their need positions right away. After senior Thomas Lawson, NU has a lot of unknowns at the fullback position. And, the revised game plan under Shawn Watson will apparently feature the fullback more than it did under Callahan.
Next, based on the offers they have out to players, Pelini and his staff are trying to lock up the Nebraska borders and keep any player they deem worthy of Big 12 football in the state. Zimmerer becomes the second commitment from a Nebraska prep player so far, joining Lincoln Northeast’s Cole Pensick.
Fans can discuss the merit of this strategy until they are blue in the face. You can consider it like ‘picking the low hanging fruit’ and getting the momentum going early. Maybe it is better go get these home-state kids early before they get eyes for other schools. There are others who believe that these kids will be available and willing to go to NU later in the recruiting process because they have strong feelings for the home state.
I just wish this same mentality had been in place all of last recruiting season, when Nebraska had as many top-drawer football players in the state as I can remember. Far too many got away to other schools. Clearly, Pelini and company were not going to let Zimmerer fall in to that category.
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Bud May 14 08
I don't know about these recruits, I feel that you try to lock up Blue chip recruits first and fill the rest of the class with what is left over In-State. The one thing I do like is these players have good GPAs and should be able to be pick up things quickly. However, the problem in Lincoln is atheltic ability, not intelligence. Franky S. started to recruit these types of unknown players and look where he ended up. I live in Ohio and this Ohio State team already has a dozen blue chip athletes committed. I bet they will head to the National Title game for the 3rd year in a row. We need better players to get where we want to be.
Dwayne May 15 08
Bud,
I understand your concern. Pulling in blue chip recruits requires some stability in the coaching staff. NU and Ohio State are probably on different levels right now as far as national exposure and national relevance. NU may not see a direct relationship of recruiting until Bo and staff proves their knowledge on the field (W-L) with his current players. Relationships take time and the fans need to consider that.
Ty Hughes May 15 08
Have to admit I'm a little antsy too? I've learned my lesson about the Star system Kool-Aid that we were fed the past four years, however, these types of kids would commmit gladly much later in the process, so why not go after the high profile (but right type) of players now? Will watch, will trust Bo, will see.....
darren May 15 08
Here are a couple names that popped in to my head this morning - Jake Behrens and Paul Homer. Both of these Millard North fullback/linebacker prospects left the state. Now, they play fullback for Colorado and Washington, respectively.
Behrens was the Nebraska Player of the Year in high school, was rated three stars by Rivals, and considered the 12th best fullback nationally. He didn't even give Nebraska a sniff in 2005. Likewise for Homer, a 2-star rated prospect who was the #1 rated linebacker prospect in the state as a senior. He had offers from four schools, but didn't pick NU in 2006.
Right now, I would love to have either (or both) of them on the NU roster. We don't have a lot at fullback now because we let these two kids leave the state.
At this stage in the process (pre-sumer camps and pre-senior year) both of these kids were regarded in much the same light as Zimmerer is now. That is, they were a bit off the radar. As they got exposure in camps and offers in their senior year, their ratings went up. If Zimmerer is in the same mold as these two players, then frankly I am glad that NU locked him up now. If picking NU so early limits or excludes other offers and the potential for his profile (star rating!) to improve, then so be it.
Coaches know the players they want. And, I'd bet they would love to have Jake Behrens now. But, all they can do is prevent the same mistake.
Grant May 15 08
Ok...haven't posted in a while, so here go's. This young man is a Div I athlete...flat out. I've coached against him for 4 years, and he is a very solid football player. That being said, he's not going to light the college football world on fire year one. He's a player that will contribute greatly his 3rd year (or so) in the program. Kind of the way it used to be. I think we have all been enamored with "blue chip recruits" and the idea of them being a Reggie Bush freshman year of college. I know I'm guilty of that thought, and I'm pretty sure others are as well. The fact of the matter is 80% of those athletes recruited should be working their way up the ladder for 1-3 years when their potential is reached/maximized after learning the ropes and gaining the physical tools to compete at this level. Freshmen studs are not the norm, although it gets hyped with online recruiting, blogs, etc. More or less these items "feed the beast" as we are always wanting info, but have to wait 3 months for the season to start. Zimmerer is a good football player, great kid (old college buddy coached him in basketball) and you will mostly likely see him on the field during his career. Worthy of an offer, and glad he'll be playing FOR Nebraska.
JoeBling22 May 15 08
If you've seen this kid play or have checked out his video, its clear to see he's Division I material.. His motors always running, he brings the smack on every play, and he always falls forward on offense.. Pretty much everything you would want from a fullback/ running back , but he very well might end up on the defensive side of the ball. With that being said, If this kid was from a school in Texas he'ld already have 5-10 offers, so don't worry about not much recruiting attention yet....... Think about it, if you were a Division I coach, would you be looking around states such as Texas, Florida, Ohio, California, or Nebraska First??? The fact of the matter is, Nebraska is a state that gets looked at latter in the process, unless the kids take the time to go to out of state camps, this kids a great player and I am happy with the coaching staffs offer on this one... Not to mention Nebraska has proved in the past, that those kids that Bleed Husker Red are great assets to the team, regardless if they are big contributors on the field or not... I believe this kid will be on the field, just don't expect it to be right away Grant named it perfectly, 1-3 yrs sitting back and learning.... Good quality kid, we should be excited about him....
doombob May 16 08
Low hanging fruit. Pick up the guys that take as little effort as possible to spend more time on the players that take a little convincing.