| BHF Mailbag Archives | Original Post Date: 05/22/06 |
“For the past two years we have seen Nebraska do well in the JUCO ranks. Many know about Broderick Hunter and Wallace Franklin, what is going on with them, are they a lock for Nebraska or not, are they going to be 4-star players, etc., etc. Also, who are some of the top recruits that are in the JUCO ranks that Nebraska is going after strongly, and which ones does Nebraska really have a chance at getting?” Submitted by trinihusker11.
Answer:
The El Dorado (KS) Butler County Community College Receiver duo of Broderick Hunter (6’3” 225 lbs., 4.5/40) and Wallace Franklin (6’3” 175 lbs., 4.4/40) are well known to most Husker fanatics as they were originally members of the 2005 recruiting class.
I wouldn’t be surprised if neither ended up with the Cornhuskers; nor would I be amazed if both did land in Lincoln, Nebraska. As far as if they will be four-star players when rankings come out my guess would be know. They are more likely to be in the three-star range. Though I do not put too much into star rankings myself so I’m not sure that it quite matters where they are ranked. I have much more faith in the credibility of how the Nebraska coaching staff ranks players more than I do for the so-called recruiting mega-sites.
At Wide Receiver you have both the aforementioned Wallace Franklin and Broderick Hunter. In addition to those two Nebraska has been looking at A.J. Jackson (6’6” 220 lbs., 4.5/40) from Visalia (CA) College of the Sequoias.
Jackson tore up the JUCO ranks to the tune of 17 Touchdown receptions in 2005. Originally a Florida native he is also looking at Auburn and the Gators. His size/speed combination should make him one of the more sought after JUCO Wide Receivers in the 2007 recruiting cycle.
Other Wide Receivers who could garner a look from the Nebraska staff include:
Brandon Allen, Valencia (CA) College of the Canyons, 6-4 205 4.5/40; Alric Arnett, El Dorado (KS) Butler County CC, 6-2 180 4.4/40; Eddie Brown, Palatine (IL) William Rainey Harper JC, 5-9 185 4.4/40; Vaughn Davis, Santa Maria (CA) Allen Hancock JC, 6-2 206 4.4/40; Terrence Scott, Valencia (CA) College of the Canyons, 6-0 180 4.4/40; and DeAndre Williams, Santa Ana (CA) CC, 6-4 210 4.5/40.
At Quarterback a few kids to watch out for include:
Dan Pinegar, Oroville (CA) Butte CC, 6-2 217, 4.8/40; Shawn Long, visalia (CA) Coll. of the Sequoias, 6-4 230, 4.7/40; and Blake Sutton, El Cajon (CA) Grossmont CC, 6-5 211, 4.7/40.
Nebraska has done a good job filling the depth across the Offensive Line with some talented JUCO prospects the past two recruiting cycles. There could be one or two JUCO Linemen targeted for the 2007 class but it is still a little too early to draw a bead on whom the Husker coaches are really looking at right now.
Some of the JUCO Offensive Tackles include:
Jon Ioane, Santa Ana (CA) CC, 6-5 325 5.3/40; Doug Looper, Oroville (CA) Butte CC, 6-6 280 5.1/40; Blake Ogletree, Wahepton (ND) North Dakota State College of Science, 6-3 333 5.1/40; and Blake Rowland, Fort Dodge (IA) Iowa Central CC, 6-5 325 5.3/40.
At Offensive Guard some prospects include:
C.J. Bryant, El Cajon (CA) Grossmont CC, 6-2 310 5.1/40; Pasa Mohetau, Visalia (CA) College of the Seqouias, 6-3 360 5.4/40; and Tim Ward, Dodge City (KS) CC, 6-4 305 4.9/40.
Nebraska is pretty solid depth-wise at the Running Back slots so I don’t see them targeting any of the JUCO I-Backs this year, the same relates to the Tight End position. With that being said I won’t go into details on any of the JUCO Running Back or Tight End prospects.
Two JUCO Fullbacks that have grabbed Nebraska’s attention are teammates John Fonua (5’10” 230 lbs., 4.7/40) and Matt Bell (6’0” 225 lbs., 4.6/40) out of Los angeles (CA) Valley Community College. They both offer what Nebraska is looking for in a Fullback prospect as far as blocking and receiving abilities. If the Huskers offer either of them will depend largely on how the walk-on prospects develop over the coming months.
At Defensive End the Huskers have been eyeing Derel Strong from Plantation (FL) Reedley Community College. Strong is a speed rusher who could help the Blackshirts in obvious passing situations. Many are still not convinced that he could be an every down Defensive End at the D1 level.
Other targets at Defensive End could include:
Jake Killeen, Mission Viejo (CA) Saddleback CC, 6-4 226 4.6/40; Wesley Williams, Fullerton (CA) CC, 6-2 245 4.7/40; and John Wood, Visalia (CA) College of the Sequoias, 6-3 255 4.5/40.
Nebraska has taken three JUCO Defensive Tackles the past two recruiting cycles and with the depth once again in need of replenishment with the graduation of Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer the coaches have had their eyes on a number of interior Defensive Linemen once again. Amongst their top targets are Andy Maples out of Visalia (CA) College of the Sequoias and Caleb Tyler from Fort Dodge (IA) Iowa Central Community College.
Andy Maples has the size (6’3” 320 lbs.) to engulf would be blockers and the speed (4.9/40) and agility to be a disruptive force in opposing teams' backfields. He has displayed some nice pass rush moves but excels at clogging up the running lanes and taking on two Offensive Linemen, freeing up room for his Linebackers to make plays. He plays a little high at times but with some work under John Blake he could become a dominant force in the middle of the Defensive Line.
The Cornhuskers were the first to extend an offer and may stand in the drivers seat at this point in time. Andy is definitely a kid that the coaches will be going all out for.
Caleb Tyler (6’2” 275 lbs., 4.9/40) is a little reminiscent of what Barry Cryer was coming out of the JUCO ranks. He could offer the Blackshirts a decent push up the middle but will need to add some bulk to have some more success at the point of attack. Iowa and Iowa State are also currently making a push for his services.
Other Defensive Tackles that have registered blips on the radar include:
Shukree Barfield from Garden City (KS) Community College. He has the size (6'4" 310 lbs.) and speed (4.85/40) that the coaches are looking for. The downside is that he is a New Jersey kid that committed to Rutgers out of high school and looks to be leaning that way currently. He compiled 57 tackles and 5 sacks in 2005.
Kellen Belcher out of Dodge City (KS) Community College had 16 sacks last season. He stands 6'3" and 285 lbs. (4.9/40). Auburn and Ole Miss are in the drivers seat for his services right now. Ed Oregeron is hot on his trail and it would be nothing short of amazing to see the Nebraska coaches pull this kid away from SEC country.
Andre Bouldin from Fort Scott (KS) Community College is a monster of a man at 6'3" 370 lbs., though he is a bit slower than the Nebraska coaches would like (5.4/40). Bouldin is originally from Michigan and favors the Wolverines early on.
Ryan McClain (6'0" 295 lbs.) is the Defensive Tackle mate of Bouldin at Fort Scott (KS) Community College and is originally from South Carolina. Mississippi State has shown early interest. He is not as highly regarded as Bouldin but would make a nice Defensive End in a 3-4 scheme, where Maryland or Virginia could make a serious play for his services.
Lawrence Bell is the Defensive Tackle mate of Andy Maples at Visalia (CA) College of the Sequoias. He has a decent pass rush and provides pop at the point of attack. He utilizes his size (6'3" 288 lbs.) very well and plays with a low center of gravity. He should get some looks as teams travel out West to take a look at Maples.
Maples and Tyler seem to be the safe bets here at this point but I would not discount Lawrence Bell as the coaches are sure to see plenty of film on him as they continue to evaluate and recruit his teammate Andy Maples.
Long shot possibilities for the Defensive Tackle position at this point (although the door remains ajar) include:
David Brown, Long Beach (CA) City CC, 6-2 297, 4.9/40; Darrius Carter, Torrance (CA) El Camino CC, 6-5 272, 4.88/40; Serge Elizee, Visalia (CA) Coll. of the Sequoias, 6-1 310, 4.92/40; Tiu Faalogo, El Cajon (CA) Grossmont CC, 6-4 310, 5.1/40; Preston Faletagaloa, El Cajon (CA) Grossmont CC, 6-3 320, 5.1/40; Dallas Mauga, El Cajon (CA) Grossmont CC, 6-0 277, 4.9/40; and Magnum Mauga, El Cajon (CA) Grossmont CC, 6-0 273, 4.9/40.
Briceton Wilson (6’1” 230 lbs., 4.5/40) from Dodge City (KS) Community College has also registered on the Cornhuskers’ radar this recruiting cycle. Wilson compares nicely with current Blackshirt Steve Octavien and could very well replace him in the lineup for 2007 if he were to commit to playing for the Big Red. He has the best size/speed/agility combination throughout the JUCO ranks.
Nebraska is sitting pretty at Linebacker so it would be a surprise to see them take more than one JUCO at that position, though we have seen stranger things. Some other JUCO’s who could get a look are:
Michael Bibbs, Wesson (MS) Copiah-Lincoln CC, 6-2 232 4.6/40; Brandon Glass, Hutchinson (KS) CC, 6-1 235 4.5/40; Shane Roach, Wahepton (ND) North Dakota State College of Science, 6-3 236 4.6/40; and Titus Williams, Glendale (AZ) CC, 6-1 233 4.6/40.
Woodny Turenne (6’1” 190 lbs., 4.3/40) from Visalia (CA) College of the Sequoias is the top JUCO Cornerback recruit for Nebraska in 2007. Turenne is one of the highest regarded Cornerbacks in the JUCO ranks entering the 2006 season. Last year for the College of the Sequoias he intercepted five passes in ten games. Turenne earned All-Conference honors last season.
Woodny has been timed as fast as 4.28-seconds in the 40-yard dash, though he is a consistent sub 4.4-second guy. Has run a 10.5-second 100-meters. Was a track phenom in the Florida prep ranks. His top performances in track this year (2006) have been 10.39-seconds in the 100-meters, 21.10-secondsin the 200-meters (ran a 21.04 in high school) and 51.23-seconds in the 400-meters.
Reynaldo Hill, a former JUCO Cornerback recruit that Nebraska pursued (and lost out to Tennessee), is his cousin. Hill, who now plays for the Titans, has advised him throughout the recruiting process thus far and has told him to stay away from teams that he would be splitting time at Cornerback with a Senior. This could work against Nebraska in this regard as they would have Grixby and Andre Jones returning for 2007.
He has also stated his desire to return closer to his mother and grandmother in Florida. So that may narrow it down to either the three Florida schools or an Southeastern Conference institution.
Other JUCO Cornerbacks to keep an eye on this Fall include:
Zeke Adair, Dodge City (KS) CC, 5-10 175 4.5/40; Clayton Brock, Mission Viejo (CA) Saddleback CC, 6-1 190 4.5/40; Tramaine Brown, Santa Ana (CA) CC, 5-10 168 4.4/40; Dre Demps, Weed (CA) College of the Siskiyous, 6-3 190 4.5/40; Nick Schweigert, Eureka (CA) College of the Redwoods, 6-2 190 4.6/40; and Dion Walker, Long Beach (CA) City CC, 5-9 166 4.4/40.
The Safety position is an area of need for the Cornhuskers and while the JUCO ranks will surely be scoured by the staff the talent level is a bit down this season and it would be a surprise to see the Big Red take a JUCO for the 2007 cycle.
A couple of targets may include Brian Bell, Palatine (IL) William Rainey Harper JC, 6-2 225 4.6/40; and Allen Walker, Valencia (CA) College of the Canyons, 6-2 210 4.5/40.
Answer contributed by The Big Red Emperor.
Question:
“What is a good scouting report on recent Nebraska commitment DeAndre West in terms of speed, strength, pros, cons, etc.? Thanks in Advance.” Submitted by trinihusker11.
Answer:
DeAndre West (6’1” 195 lbs., 4.4/40) from Oakland (CA) Wilson Prep high school is the newest Husker football verbal commitment.
As a junior in 2005 he ran for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Though those are impressive statistics from a Running Back he is projected to end up on the defensive side of the ball for the Cornhuskers.
Slated to play either Cornerback or Safety he has the versatility to play anywhere in the defensive backfield as well as at Running Back, as a slot Wide Receiver and as a Return Specialist. West tallied over 100 total tackles and six sacks in 2005.
He has been compared to former Ohio State and Oakland Raiders Defensive Back Jack Tatum. That is a very lofty comparison and if he hits anything like Tatum he could go down as one of the best Defensive Backs in Nebraska lore.
West is a very physical player, whether it is on offense or defense he is always looking to initiate the contact. A vicious headhunter who always seems to be around the ball. At times he can be slow out of his backpedal but has enough speed (4.4/40, 10.6/100m) to make up for any technical deficiencies at this point. DeAndre is very adept at blitzing from the Safety position and has actually knocked multiple players out of the game in the same contest.
He is a project in terms of footwork and zone coverage skills but should be able to improve them upon working extensively with coach Phil Elmassian once he arrives in Lincoln.
West is a very strong player who works diligently in the weight room and on the practice field. DeAndre West is the true definition of a “Hitting Safety”.
Answer contributed by The Big Red Emperor.
Question:
“I know that you have went over Running Backs before in the BHF Recruiting Forum, but it seems like every week or two the recruiting aspect changes on these guys. What's going on with Noel Devine, John Clay, and all of the other guys mentioned previously. If you think that this answer has already been answered sufficiently it's okay.” Submitted by trinihusker11.
Answer:
Whether I feel that this has been answered sufficiently has no bearing on if it gets answered here or not as we here at BigHuskerFan.com strive to answer each and every piece of mail that we receive.
So to answer your question... (player with Nebraska offers are outlined).
Eric Baker (6’1” 195, 4.4/40) from Jacksonville (FL) Ed White high school will be difficult to pull out of the south. He is a bit of a long strider. Excellent field vision and initial burst are definitely his strong points. Baker also has shown a physical side, both as a lead blocker and for lowering his shoulder in the hole. Eric has displayed an extra gear once he is in the open field. His hips are very fluid but tends to dance around in the hole longer than he should and will need help with his footwork on the collegiate level.
Baker should all but be written off at this point for the Huskers and will likely end up signing with the Florida Gators.
John Clay (6’2” 220 lbs., 4.5/40) from Racine (WI) Park high school garnered All-State and All-County as a Junior as he ran for 2,032 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2005. He offers an ideal combination of size and speed. Clay is very patient in waiting for his holes to open up, shows good instincts and cutback ability. He is a very smart football player who can read holes into defensive alignments and blocking schemes. He has displayed the burst to get outside and the power to bowl over defenders. An elite talent that needs a little refining in ball handling and pad level.
USC has been making a huge push for his services and Nebraska is a bit behind at this point in time. When it is all said and done I believe that he will sign to play football with a Big 10 school.
Lennon Creer (6’1” 190 lbs., 4.5/40) from Tatum (TX) high school is one of the top rated Backs in the Lone Star State for the 2007 recruiting class. He needs to add bulk at the next level but has breakaway potential and is the very definition of a play maker at Running Back. Creer offers assistance in the passing game as well with his soft hands and superb route-running ability out of the backfield. Lennon runs with a good pad level and center of gravity, though he has some problems running through traffic and picking up huge gains after initial contact.
Creer seems enamored with Miami (Fla.) currently and in the end I think he signs with either the ‘Canes or the home state Texas Longhorns.
Enrique Davis (6’0” 214 lbs., 4.3/40) from Lynn Haven (FL) Mosley high school earned All-State honors as a Junior in 2005 as he ran for 1,817 yards and 24 touchdowns on 201 carries. He has tremendous breakaway speed and open field moves. Davis is the ideal prototype for the midWest Coast Offense as he offers help in every facet of the game. Enrique has the ability to both run around and through defenders. He has fluid hips and amazing cutting ability.
Nebraska had a decent shot at securing his services but he recently was offered by his childhood favorite Florida State Seminoles and it’ll be extremely difficult for the Nebraska coaching staff to pull him out of Florida and away from Tallahassee in general. If either Florida or Miami (Fla.) offers as well you can all but kiss this kid goodbye.
Noel Devine (5’8” 175 lbs., 4.4/40) from North Fort Myers (FL) high school has had some questionable character issues off of the field over the past couple of years but there is no denying his talent on the field. Noel was an All-State Running Back in both 2004 and 2005. As a Junior last year he rushed for 1,986 yards and 24 touchdowns on 173 carries. Noel is a very elusive runner who may have trouble carrying a full workload due to his overall lack of size. He would best be used in a Reggie Bush type role at the next level.
Coach Blake has built a strong relationship with Devine and Randy Jordan has made overtures as well. Right now Nebraska has a shot at landing his services and bringing his talents to Lincoln, Nebraska. Though I would say that all bets are off if Miami (Fla.) offers him a scholarship.
Troy Evans (5’8” 200 lbs., 4.5/40) from Hayward (CA) high school earned All-League honors as a Junior in 2005. He is the complete package from the Running Back position that the coaches are seeking to add to the Cornhuskers’ backfield. Evans has soft, reliable hands and runs disciplined routes as well as displays good after-the-catch field vision. He is also a very well-rounded Back toting the rock. He has shown that he can pick up the blitz, run block and act as a decoy out of the backfield. Troy has enough speed and elusiveness to get outside but is equally likely to bowl over defenders in the box.
Though his lack of size may lend more to him being a Scat Back at the collegiate level. Evans rushed for 708 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He also caught eight balls for over 200 yards.
USC has shown some interest but right now it is a two horse race between Nebraska and Colorado.
Roy Helu (5’11” 209 lbs., 4.4/40) from Danville (CA) San Ramon Valley high school is another Running Back target for the 2007 recruiting class.
On game film this kid runs low to the ground and is very adept at lowering his shoulder and shedding would-be tacklers. He has a nice stiff arm that he can also use. Shows a good burst out of the hole. He makes nice cuts and shows a good vision of the holes being created. Has shown he can catch the ball out of the backfield, a must for a midWest Coast Offense back.
His hips are a little stiff but that seems to have more to do with his aggressive running style more so than any lack of athleticism. He has a certain mauler type built into him and his lowering of the shoulder has been really effective thus far on the prep level, he's not one to shy away from contact or try to consistently outrun defenders, though he definitely has the speed to do so. A very nice combination of power and speed that lends itself to the type of back that Callahan and coach Randy Jordan is looking for in their system.
Nebraska was the first team to come through with a scholarship offer and that has impressed the young Helu. He is also an accomplished pass blocker. His biggest asset has to be his burst through the hole and out of his blocks.
Helu earned Honorable Mention All-Metro from SFGate.com. He garnered All-League honors in 2005 as he ran for 1,526 yards (8.2 yards per carry) and 19 touchdowns on the ground. Helu also reeled in 30 passes for roughly 500 yards and four touchdowns. He has stated that he would like to rush for over 2,500 yards as a Senior.
Helu has begun to attract some interest from many major programs but Nebraska seems to be in the drivers seat at this point with their early offer.
Dale Martin (5’11” 195 lbs., 4.4/40) from Bolingbrook (IL) high school was named All-Conference and All-Area as a Junior as he ran for 1,107 yards and 11 touchdowns on 120 carries. Dale has the tools to be an explosive back but needs to get a bit stronger to hold up on the next level. His hips aren't as fluid as you'd like from a Running Back but he has some other tools that masks that quite well. Martin runs with good pad level and balance, has an extra gear in the open field. He accelerates very quickly and can gain separation from defenders.
Nebraska currently trails Iowa, Louisville and Tennessee in his recruitment. I doubt that the Huskers can close the gap for his services and the smart money says that he’ll be an Iowa Hawkeye when it is all said and done. He would be a great addition to Kirk Ferentz’s program.
Shawnbrey McNeal (5’9” 180 lbs., 4.4/40) from Dallas (TX) Madison high school earned District MVP honors as well as being named Honorable Mention All-State as a Junior in 2005. McNeal ran for 1,556 yards and 22 touchdowns last Fall.
Shawnbrey is the true definition of a Scat Back, this kid has some electrifying moves. McNeal has uncanny cutting abilities and speed through the hole. His extra gear in the open field makes him a very dangerous threat every time that he touches the ball. He needs some help on consistently catching the ball out of the backfield but has the potential to be a devastating weapon in the aerial attack. His speed and field vision should allow him to contribute early both as a third-down Back as well as a Return Specialist.
McNeal has an interest in Nebraska though I think it will be hard to get him away from Urban Meyer’s Spread Offense at Florida. Ole Miss is also making a huge push for his talents.
Thomas Merriweather (5’11” 185 lbs., 4.4/40) from St. Louis (MO) Hazelwood East high school is another Running Back that the coaching staff has offered already. As a Junior he rushed for 1,421 yards and 25 touchdowns on 172 carries. Merriweather caught six balls out of the backfield. Merriweather is more of a prototypical north-south runner though his size wouldn't indicate that. Does not seem to have 4.4 speed on game day but has some burst out of the hole and moves to make defenders miss. He was an All-Metro selection in 2005.
Every Midwestern school has offered Merriweather thus far as well as a handful of National powers. It is anyone’s guess which way he is leaning at this point. Nebraska has had some recent success pulling top kids out of the Show Me State so I wouldn’t discount the Huskers until Kevin Cosgrove has had his final say on the matter.
Bo Williams (6’1” 203 lbs., 4.4/40) from Oakland Park (FL) Northeast high school earned All-County honors as a Junior in 2005. He ran for 782 yards and four touchdowns on 83 carries. Bo also caught five passes for 72 yards and one touchdown. He has prototypical size and speed for the position but will need to be a tad more physical to enjoy further success at the collegiate level.
Boston College is the frontrunner currently and a few other Southern schools seem to be in line before Nebraska at this point. If the coaches can get him to Lincoln on game day their chances should rise dramatically.
Other Running Backs (without offers at this point) to keep an eye on include:
Carmen Boyd-Anderson, Jacksonville (TX) HS, 6-1 202 4.5/40; Willie Griffin, Oakland (CA) McClymonds HS, 5-10 190 4.4/40; Brandon Jacksos, Eugene (OR) Marist HS, 5-10 192 4.5/40; Dennis Rogan, Knoxville (TN) Fulton HS, 5-11 167 4.5/40; Justin Sturns, Rusk (TX) HS, 5-11 205 4.5/40; Derrick Washington, Peculiar (MO) Ray-Pec HS, 5-11 185 4.5/40; Johnny Wooten, Garland (TX) HS, 6-0 205 4.5/40; and Jason Wright, Omaha (NE) North HS, 5-9 175 4.5/40.
Answer contributed by The Big Red Emperor.
Question:
“Years ago I remember that there was an "Autograph Day". Now that I have a ten year old son I would like to know if this tradition continues. If the answer is yes, then could you tell me what date or when this occurs?” Submitted by Pat McGuire.
Answer:
Yes there is currently an “Autograph Day” where the players (and coaches) are available to the public to sign pictures, footballs, posters, etc. it is part of the “Fan Photo Day” that occurs shortly before the beginning of the season. The actual date is not yet available but we will be sure to keep you posted here at BigHuskerFan.com when it is officially announced.
Answer contributed by HuskersNC949597 and The Big Red Emperor.