Success Brings Success
3 comments so far
October 11, 2009 by
Less than 24 hours after Nebraska pulled off an impressive comeback at Missouri, the Huskers also landed a commitment from Columbia native Chase Rome. While he didn't point to the NU victory as being the reason for his commitment (and there were plenty of signs pointing to one before that game), the timing does lead you to believe that the win may have been the final catalyst.
And Rome's commitment was no small victory for Nebraska. The four-star defensive line prospect is a huge get. Physically, he already reminds you of an Adam Carriker or Jared Crick. He could be the same kind of versatile inside or outside bullrushing threat that's so critical to playing good defense. Next to the quarterback, the defensive line is probably the most important area of the team. And since there are an abundance of good quarterbacks in college football, defensive linemen are the ultimate asset for teams these days.
Then there's the added advantage of pulling him away from Oklahoma State (and his hometown Tigers). Nebraska not only gets a top prospect, they also won't be facing him. Now, some might wonder whether Rome's de-commitment from the Cowboys makes him a "flight risk" from NU. That's likely not the case for a couple of reasons. First, having committed too soon tends to make a player a little gun-shy about making another until he's sure. That seems the case here as Rome made three visits to Nebraska and even then he waited another two weeks after his last one to commit. Second, he's probably going to get a fair amount grief over the de-commitment from OSU. Once bitten, twice shy.
One player doesn't change the fortunes of an entire program, but at the same time, there do seem to be several tipping points along the way that cumulatively send a team toward prosperity or toward failure. Thursday's win felt like one and Rome's commitment like another. There's a good feeling in Lincoln these days. And with good reason.
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Recruiting
Post a comment
darren Oct 11 09
"Success Brings Success" is the exact right way to put it, Steve. As NU improves on the field, so will recruiting. Or, in the opposite case, just look at 2007. The season fell apart and so did the class. Ugh. So...Husker wins equal Husker recruits. Overly simple, I know, but it is the ultimate way to "close" on prospects.
About Rome specifically - love this "get". He projects as at DT at the next level (he's 6'3'' and 290 already). If you were a DT wouldn't you want to play at NU?
Small correction, sort of...he's not "native" to CoMo. He moved there 3 years ago. So, that's why the lack of loyalty to MU. Can't blame him.
Finally, I look at the list of offers this kid has - Florida, Oklahoma, etc - and I makes me very, very happy. Might be the best player in the class, so far.
Greg Morrow Oct 11 09
With Rome and the Moore verbal for '11, it's getting apparent the staff are astutely targeting and courting the talented big boys. No ones at 300 pounds, but they're just a pizza blowout or two, away from there.
Getting a kid to decommit sorta reverses the trend, a little bit. The decommits every year were starting to look like negative turnover margin- an ugly stat. Rome also seems to be the most highly ranked player, on the star charts, since big Rodriguez.
You get the sense that win does have some reverberations, perceptually.
Btw, I don't think I've ever seen the look of absolute unbridled excitement from a Nebraska QB before, compared with Lee, after he flings those lightning strike TDs. Great work by Paul, too. Lee's now proved he can battle right through the tough games. Some of his throws were floating, but fortunately, it's not going to rain like that every week.
Good job Oct 11 09
A highschool kid has a right to change his mind. I would not be suprised if it happens again with him. Check out chaserome.com, which is his own deal and pretty funny.
He might be afraid to face the much tougher competition in the south division. He will look like a much better player by avoiding OU and TX every year.