After much speculation, Marlon Lucky will apparently return for his senior season in 2008. This is huge news for Nebraska fans and I have to admit that I'm surprised by the move. I certainly think it was the correct decision by Lucky, but with rampant reports of Lucky's unhappiness in Lincoln, I wrongly assumed he would quickly bolt for the NFL.
Lucky was perhaps swayed by the impressive list of junior running backs that had already declared for the NFL Draft:
Jamaal Charles, Texas
James Davis, Clemson
Felix Jones, Arkansas
Darren McFadden, Arkansas
Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
Ray Rice, Rutgers
Steve Slaton, West Virginia
Kevin Smith, Central Florida
Jonathan Stewart, Oregon.
But whatever the reason, Nebraska fans need to celebrate Lucky's return. Although many have argued he's failed to live up to expectations (myself included), he has put up some impressive numbers when given the chance.
Marlon broke the 1000 yard mark rushing the ball a year ago and also put up over 700 yards receiving. In addition, Lucky finished 2nd in the Big 12 and 13th nationally with 143.7 yards from scrimmage per game in 2007. In all Lucky averaged 6.1 yards per play and an impressive 11.75 yards per touch on 3rd down. That’s a pretty money stat right there and gives Nebraska’s offense a lot to build on in 2008. Now we'll just wait and see how Shawn Watson plans to use Lucky next season.
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