24
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October 22, 2008 by
Niles Paul had us at “Hello�. He was the glamour recruit out of a strong 2007 recruiting class. As a blood relative to former Husker legend Ahman Green, big things were expected from him.
After a quiet true freshman season, he announced himself this year with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against San Jose State that helped ice the game, which had closed to a 14-12 margin. Without a Dane Todd on the roster, he’s also become the physical bulldozer for the NU offense that clears defenders for big plays.
Go back to any number of big plays made on the outside and downfield this season, and you’ll see Niles Paul clearing the way. Even with the ball in his hands he can be extremely physical. This past week against Iowa State he caught a ball short of a first down and with a defender between him and the sticks. With one hand he pushed the defender to the ground to clear the way for himself to pick up the needed yards. The guy is clearly going to be a force for years to come.
My wife got me a NU jersey some years ago with a “24� on it for father’s day because my daughter was born on the 24th. I couldn’t think of a big-time 24 at Nebraska (though I’m horrible at matching player names and numbers). Brandon Rigoni was a nice match, but not exactly a hall-of-famer. Now, I can wear the Paul jersey with a new pride in honor of this emerging star. I suspect, it won’t be long before a lot of other folks are doing the same.
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darren Oct 22 08
Great post, Steve. "Had us at hello". Nice.
Most fans would agree that #24 has all the makings of a stone-cold stud. It's a real shame that they burned his freshman season just to have him collect one catch.
I love that they use him on special teams because "special teams are for special players." Going back to Johnny Rodgers, and including Husker luminaries like Groce, Newcombe, and many others.
I hope we see more of that explosive ability for the next two and a half seasons.
James Moore Oct 22 08
A football player, pure and simple. When Mr. Paul leaves here he will be an excellent prospect for the next level. Big, fast, physical, blocking, route running, and special teams abilities on both receiving and coverage. We need more guys like this (duh, to say the least) but besides his physical attributes we also get a hard-nosed football player. . .
Holt and Paul will be a formidable combination next year, and with added numbers coming into the fold we could start to see the emergence of some very skilled, fundamentally sound, athletic, physical, complete WR's to become one of the initial hallmark's of the Pelini-era. . .
darren Oct 22 08
James,
My impression of Paul as an NFL-caliber player will hinge on his ability to get downfield and catch contested passes. We have not seen him do that...yet.
Though a good example of a prototype for Paul to follow in the NFL is Hines Ward - great athlete, sure hands, fierce blocker. And Ward has had a great career.
For right now, I'm thrilled just to watch him develop as a college player. Pro ball can come later.
Andy Oct 22 08
Darren,
You took the words right out of my mouth. If Paul continues to block downfield like he is, while developing the route running skills and ball skills needed to succeed, he will have NFL coaches drooling over him. The NFL loves the WR with good hands who loves the opportunity to throw a downfield block.
That block Ward threw last sunday against Keith Rivers of the Bengals was just plain nasty. I loved it. I would love to see more of that from our WRs and tight ends.
Go Big Red