Major Departs with Class
7 comments so far
March 19, 2009 by
Major Culbert came to Nebraska with some controversy. After some issues arose on his recruiting trip to Oregon, there was some question about whether he’d be a desirable addition to the team. But in his three seasons in Lincoln, he did nothing but help the team where he could, never once complained or got in trouble, and left quietly and honorably when it became clear he wouldn’t start as a senior (citing “family reasons�).
Culbert first gained attention in 2006 as a true freshman when he filled in at linebacker (after spending most of his time previously at defensive back) in a win over Missouri. He tied for second on the day in tackles with six. Each and every one of those tackles stopped a Tiger player short of a first down, and four of them came on third down. Later that season, he began practicing at I-back to help shore up the depth issues there.
His 2007 season, which he began at running back before moving to the secondary was mostly forgettable as was the case for the whole defense. In both 2007 and 2008 he played behind Larry Asante, who was second on the team in tackles each year. With Asante returning for 2009, the writing on the wall was that Culbert would be playing a backup role this season. But we never heard Culbert complain about being second string to a player that’s less than revered by Husker fans.
I once sat next to Culbert’s brother on a flight to Omaha. I asked a number of questions and shared my opinion that I’d like to see Major get more playing time. I somewhat expected to hear indications that Culbert was unhappy or felt he was underappreciated or overlooked. Rather, I got every sense that he was a team first guy and wasn’t going to question the coaches or his role on the team.
No one likes to see good players transfer with remaining eligibility. At the same time, we have to recognize the difference between a player that leaves because of an attitude problem, versus just wanting to play (i.e. get on the field a good amount). If Major’s “family reasons� aren’t legit, I still don’t fault him for leaving. If he wants to play, he wants to play. At least he did it the right way, as he did for most of his three years in Lincoln.
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Deryck Edwards Mar 19 09
So true indeed is that it matters more how and why we do the things we do than what those things actually are. Good character is something that should be saught after and it sounds to me like Major Culbert had plenty of it! Nothing wrong with going after something you want for yourself, and doing it in a "classy" way.
James moore Mar 19 09
Steve,
Very well put and a classy article. . .
Bill in Iowa Mar 19 09
I hate to say Major go becuase he really showed a lot of character and I was hoping to see it pay off for him. He really got bounced around from position to position by Cali and he took it like a team player.
Spooky Tooth Mar 19 09
A good article because it's pleasant to read about a young man handling adversity with class.
In a similar vein, the LB corps looks EXCEPTIONALLY loaded. Will a player pull the plug when it becomes clear that he could go to UNO or (shudder) KSU and start?
Greg Morrow Mar 19 09
Along with Tierre Green, Culbert was one of the most misused players, I can think of.
Coulda swore I mentioned this obvious thing, a year and a half ago.
You know, if Green was allowed to develop at IB after '04, Culbert most likely wouldn't have been switched back to IB, late in '06. That was just ridiculous.
Didn't he go from starting out at IB fall of '06, then to special teams, Safety and LB, back to IB, linebacker then finally safety? I don't think I exaggerate.
Wouldn't he have made a nice weakside 'backer?
But, I think what was done with Tierre Green, was worse. Because, he was a "big time" athlete, approaching his cousin.
Two guys, definitely not developed to their athletic potential.
JBLING22 Mar 20 09
Goodluck Major!!
Pete Mar 22 09
I was disappointed to hear that Major was leaving the program, another victim of past mismanagement. Best wishes to Major!