Won’t Get Fooled Again
8 comments so far
July 3, 2009 by
Going into the 2008 season, one of the concerns for Husker fans was about receiving talent. Nebraska had lost statistical leaders in Maurice Purify (yards, touchdowns, single game scoring record), Terrence Nunn (2nd all-time in receptions and yards to the legendary Johnny Rodgers), Frantz Hardy (yards per catch by a starter, single game scoring record), and tight end Sean Hill (most yards in a game by a tight end since Johnny Mitchell). By season’s end, those concerns seemed largely unfounded as Nate Swift eclipsed the achievements of Purify and Nunn and Todd Peterson’s contributions made he and Swift the best receiving tandem in NU history. In addition, Menelik Holt outyarded Hardy and Mike McNeil trumped Hill in every category. The bar was raised despite some pretty substantial graduations. Beyond that, the blocking by receivers hadn’t looked better since the option era.
So when Swift and Peterson depart, is it right to automatically assume that the receivers will regress? Not hardly. A recent visitor to an NU workout and good friend to the Big Red Network was asked who stood out, regardless of position (not including Ndamukong Suh). Immediately, the response was Niles Paul. Paul was a star recruit, and last season he showed some awfully impressive physical skills as a dominant blocker. Will anyone be surprised if/when Paul blows up this season as a receiver?
Likewise, Holt has shown a Keyshawn Johnson-esque ability to own the space around him. Throw the ball to him in traffic and he will be the man to come up with the ball. Chris Brooks hasn’t gotten on the field a lot, but he was a big-time recruit in 2005 and made a big touchdown catch against Kansas a year ago. Antonio Bell turned heads in the Spring game and was said to have been an under-the-radar recruit mostly because of academics. Brandon McKinnie passes the “bus test” as a physically impressive player who has no redshirt year available and thus can be thrown in the mix immediately. And of course, the tight end position will only be stronger as McNeil returns along with a number of other talented options.
You can recognize that Swift and Peterson were a great tandem and still see a bright future for the receivers in 2009. Worry about the graduations? Not this time.
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darren Jul 03 09
Excellent perspective, Steve.
There are a LOT of assumptions people make about the production NU is losing. But - frankly - receivers are often the easiest to replace. You see frosh and JC players contribute at WR all across the country.
As far as NU goes, I fall back on what the coaches say. I saw a piece of video that included Shawn Watson's take on the WR spot. His perspective was - "we are very talented, but just need some experience."
I'll take my chances with that...
the BeatnikHusker Jul 03 09
I agree there is a stable of talented if "unproven" young guys at WR. My biggest concern RE: Paul is that days away from the "most important" game of his career, he went and made a fairly stupid mistake. Granted, flaky WRs are par for the course in football, but I have to question the decision making abilities of a kid that quite a few Husker fans are counting on to be a "team leader".
As far as McNeil, I think that the loss of Swift and Peterson will have a larger impact on him, than on the QB. Dare I say, based on Watson's previous use of TEs in the B12, McNeil will be near the center of attention for MOST DCs in the league.
bnahusker Jul 03 09
As a former hiring manager, I learned that ability and attitude often beat experience. Quality coaches will provide the experience.
GBR!
Bob
the BeatnikHusker Jul 03 09
I agree there is a stable of talented if "unproven" young guys at WR. My biggest concern RE: Paul is that days away from the "most important" game of his career, he went and made a fairly stupid mistake. Granted, flaky WRs are par for the course in football, but I have to question the decision making abilities of a kid that quite a few Husker fans are counting on to be a "team leader".
As far as McNeil, I think that the loss of Swift and Peterson will have a larger impact on him, than on the QB. Dare I say, based on Watson's previous use of TEs in the B12, McNeil will be near the center of attention for MOST DCs in the league.
the BeatnikHusker Jul 03 09
I agree there is a stable of talented if "unproven" young guys at WR. My biggest concern RE: Paul is that days away from the "most important" game of his career, he went and made a fairly stupid mistake. Granted, flaky WRs are par for the course in football, but I have to question the decision making abilities of a kid that quite a few Husker fans are counting on to be a "team leader".
As far as McNeil, I think that the loss of Swift and Peterson will have a larger impact on him, than on the QB. Dare I say, based on Watson's previous use of TEs in the B12, McNeil will be near the center of attention for MOST DCs in the league.
the BeatnikHusker Jul 03 09
Jesus, looks like I got a little over zealous with the "post" botton... my bad.
bnahusker Jul 03 09
Hey Beatnik.......
I think we've all done it at least once. I agree wth you on the concern for Niles Paul. I'm not sold on him yet. I'm not negative on him, just not convinced.
GBR!
Bob
teamster Jul 05 09
If it's any consolation, we're sitting better than Colorado. They have one receiver with one (1) actual reception in a FBS football game.
Bank ten wins with that scenario.