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Question:
“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. |
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