Early Recruiting Success Leads To Quiet Finish
12 comments so far
January 30, 2009 by
Following Bo Pelini’s first full season on the recruiting trail for Nebraska has been an interesting journey. Normally the month of January is filled with quite a bit of recruiting drama as we try to fill out the final spots while holding on to the verbal commitments already given. This season has followed a little bit different “business model� as the Huskers found a mini-gold rush in October and November and only had a few spots to add to the list down the home stretch.
Of course anything can happen between now and Wednesday’s signing day, but the way things seem to be shaking up right now, after Jason Pierre-Paul (Fort Scott (KS) Community College) announced his intentions to play at South Florida, the Huskers seem to have two realistic prospects on the radar.
Eric Martin – LB – Moreno Valley (CA) Rancho Verde
Martin’s commitment would add depth to a position that seems to not necessarily need it. With a slew of redshirt freshman ready to take the stage next season, targeting a linebacker for one of the few remaining spots suggests that Bo Pelini isn’t willing to trade in his base 4-3 defense for a nickel package to counter the speed of the spread offenses so prevalent in the Big XII. Martin is 6’2�, 215 lbs and has run a 4.65 40 yard dash which suggests a great frame for the LB position. According to rivals.com, Martin’s decision will come down to Arizona and Nebraska, with the advantage to the Huskers.
L’Damian Washington – WR/DB – Shreveport (LA) Green Oaks
Washington presents an interesting case. The Huskers are obviously in need of someone to step up at the wide receiver position with key losses in Nate Swift and Todd Peterson. Washington has the height to be a big time wide receiver, standing at 6’4� tall. He needs to put on some weight though as he is a pretty small 180 lbs. He was originally committed to Louisiana Tech but after receiving some attention from bigger named schools, he reopened his recruiting. The main competition for the Huskers is Minnesota who is recruiting him to play DB. The fact that the Huskers want him on the offensive side of the ball tells me that we are probably in the lead for Washington’s services.
Walk-ons
It is tough to say who will fill out the Husker walk-on class as many times those decisions are made on signing day. The Huskers generally compete against D-II schools such as UNO and Northwest Missouri State for some local talent. But one thing is for certain, you won’t find 30 walk-ons this year. The common number coming out of the north stadium offices are that the Huskers are hoping to grab 15 for this year’s class.
It will remain to be seen if Nebraska can hold on to the other commitments up to this point and fight off the last minute switches that seem to have happened in years past. We have dodged a lot of bullets but one has to think that the West Coast kids, specifically a guy like Taylor Martinez, is receiving a lot of pressure to stay closer to home.
The answers to those questions will come on Wednesday.
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tom Jan 30 09
No news is good news, right? Wrong. I want a last minute switch from another Big 12 school to Nebraska! Right now, we're considered ahead of the rest of the Big 12 North, but I would like to increase that margin. To tell you the truth, the reason I don't think it will happen is that Bo has been recruiting guys of the type of character who wouldn't rescind on their word like that.
darren Jan 30 09
I really think the biggest hole in this class right now appears to be the need for another defensive tackle.
We have a couple of really good ones on the list right now. But, I think NU needed/wanted 3 for this class. We'll see if they can pull one late.
HuskerFan4Life Jan 30 09
I find this story very disturbing, reminds me of what Callaghan did to the linebacker now playing at KU. Do you guys expect that Pelini will shed some light on this subject following signing day?
http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=3918&u_sid=10551189
darren Jan 30 09
Also contributing to this "slow finish" is the removal of Shawn Bodtmann from the class. I guess the offer was pulled by NU (see story in "the wire" section).
So, there is an open spot, particularly at linebacker. Paging Mr. Martin...please pick up the white courtesy phone.
Also, does anybody else not particularly mind having a little less stress this year than in previous ones? I'd like NU to get 2-3 more guys, but I'm not *quite* as worried about defections.
Renny Jan 30 09
Good DTs are hard to get. We'll see if we can get a late surprise.
If not, I think that will be the biggest goal for next year and with limited spots, I think we'll only be able to take about 17 next year, Bo will be able to spend incredible attention on high caliber players at each position, including DT.
Tom, that is a great point about guys with character. The other thing that he has done which has been somewhat refreshing to me is that he has not pressured them into a decision and made the emotional high wear off before they say yes. I really like that approach.
Andrew Jan 30 09
Hardly anyone thinks it bull that the Husker's pulled that kids offer? We didn't take the kid from TX offer away after he blew out his knee, whats up?
darren Jan 30 09
On the Bodtmann story - we're just going to have to wait. It's pretty ugly for NU right now, because of the comments from Bodtmann's coach. But, since NU can't comment (by NCAA rule) on individual recruits, we won't hear from Pelini or the rest of the staff until at least signing day.
Remember, there are always two sides to every story. Right now, we have one side of it. And, I'll admit, it doesn't sound great. But, I can only imagine there is some reason or explination. That...or reporters will face down another Pelini "What do you think?" comment and that will be the end. We'll see.
zE bOp Jan 30 09
So, what, did they pull Bodtmann's scolly cuz of his injury? Yea, need to hear the full story, but he and his coach may be rightfully p.o.'d.
Too bad about JPP, 6'6", 265lbs, 4 star DE? Dang, that's a loss. Must not like cold weather/is home sick, going back to s. FL from whence he came.
JBLING22 Jan 30 09
If its because of injury, thats kind of b.s.. but if kids can back out so can teams.. I hope thats not the case for this kid though, thats not what Nebraska about or wants to be about.If the kid is really that inteligent and bright, I;ld hate to bring a good kid done.. I have problems thinking that Pelini and Company would do that for no reason. If its because he failed to keep up with his bargain,however i.e. not continuing weight training, or just getting lazy, then they should be able to pull it.. Either way Im disappointed in the idea of doing this so late in the process, instead of letting the kid have a possibilty of going elsewhere and trying to get a scholarhip offer... ...
JBLING22 Jan 30 09
If its because of injury, thats kind of b.s.. but if kids can back out so can teams.. I hope thats not the case for this kid though, thats not what Nebraska about or wants to be about.If the kid is really that inteligent and bright, I;ld hate to bring a good kid done.. I have problems thinking that Pelini and Company would do that for no reason. If its because he failed to keep up with his bargain,however i.e. not continuing weight training, or just getting lazy, then they should be able to pull it.. Either way Im disappointed in the idea of doing this so late in the process, instead of letting the kid have a possibilty of going elsewhere and trying to get a scholarhip offer... ...
Greg Morrow Jan 30 09
I'm glad the Bodtmann situation has been examined by the posters, 'cause I don't feel like scouring my imagination, at the moment.
I'll forbear from railing accusation until a scribe "feels lucky" and Pelini gives him that akward and unsettling "whatsamattayou?" look and question, Darren alludes too.
It's a nice class. A solid bump up from last year's hurried class. Next year's got to be another step up, especially with interior line and faster skill. Maybe the replacement center has already been identified. I guess it would be Caputo, after Hickman graduates following next season.
Recruiting will have to gradually get a little better. Not by class rankings or *'s, but by- "Wow! Have you heard about what this new kid is doing in practice?!" Then later- "I heard the new hotshot is going to play some, saturday."
That's how we knew the team had players, coming up.
One obvious thing, though, with saving scholarships for the deserving walkons. No more 28 recruit classes. Which is okay, if 5 or 6 would be reach JC DBs and linemen anyway. Seems like Osborne often had smaller classes, to save at least 4 rides to the most deserving.
It is the Nebraska way.
JBLING22 Feb 01 09
Sadly I think we still might loose one or two recruits before its all said and done with.. But it appears NU is stilling going after WADE and that would be a huge hole to fill with this class... the team appears confident with Crick and Moore, but depth at DT is important... Hopefully Bo and Company can get real him in, we could use this guy.........