Khiry Cooper Is On The Clock

18 days and counting...

Cooper is one of Nebraska's prized recruits who could surely fill Maurice Purify's shoes as both a possession receiver and a deep threat.

Khiry is listed at 6'2 with a 4.5 40. The problem is Khiry was drafted in the 5th round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He already has turned down a $200,000 signing bonus which is a good sign for Husker fans.

"I get the sense from Khiry that he is very aware of what's in front of him," Eric Newman (Nebraska pitching coach) said. "His situation at Nebraska is not something that you walk away from for $200,000. For lack of a better word, you've got to make (the Angels) pay.

"I don't know if I said this directly to Khiry, but if he gets anything less than a couple million dollars, he's probably shortchanging himself."

What I think Newman is getting at is that this kid has serious game in baseball and football. Reporting day for camp starts August 3 and the deadline to sign in MLB is August 15.

"There's nothing we can do about that," Ted Gilmore (receivers coach) said. "We can't offer him any money."

That's not true Ted. You actually can. But, it's probably not worth it.

The assuring thing for Nebraska fans is that Ron Brown recruited Cooper. Brown loves Jesus. Cooper attends church camps. Brown met Khiry and his mother at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event. Hook, line, and sinker.

"He's got a non-negotiable mechanism on how he makes decisions," Brown said, "and it's not going to be a situation where people talk him into something.

"Is that a guarantee we're going to see him here at Nebraska? No, but I don't think he'll be wooed. I feel very good about it being in his hands."

Khiry, we promise that you won't have to sell beans...


In fact, you should see what girls previous receivers (Terrence Nunn) are able to bang just for being a football player at Nebraska...



Bring your hands and you'll do better than Terrence.

Signing Day Extravaganza - Part I

Here is part one of my Signing Day opus. Part II will include the rest of the signees and Part III will contain more of my reactions to Pelini's first class. First, however, I'll leave you with a yearly reminder:

Woo! We've got fresh meat! Here is the comprehensive 2008 recruiting class. This is another class that looks pretty good on paper. Unfortunately championships are not won on paper. We can expect that some of these will never make it to Lincoln. I have severe academic concerns about at least two. Another percentage will "fail", if failing means having your education paid for, while you attempt to crack the top of the depth chart at one of the most storied football programs in the country. A few will imagine greener pastures, seeking playing time or just a change of scenery. And still others will unfortunately run afoul of team rules or worse yet - Johnny Law.

But Signing Day is a fresh start. A grocery cart filled with speed and strength and hype. And a hyped recruit can make you dizzy, like you've been drinking Jack and Coke all morning. He can make you feel high, full of the single greatest commodity known to man - promise. Promise of a better day. Promise of a greater hope. Promise of a new tomorrow. This particular aura can be found in the gait of a hyped recruit. In his smile, in his glare, the way he makes every rotten little thing about life seem like it's going to be okay. The hyped recruits, folks? That's all they are. Bottled promise. Scenes from a brand new day. Hope packaged in shoulder pads.

Antonio Bell, WR, 6-2, 180. Bell was a guy we got in late with and wound up scoring after he decommitted from Tennessee. He caught 45 passes for 776 yards and nine TDs this fall. He was also named first team all-area and second-team class 5A all-state by the Florida Sportswriters Association. I like what Bell brings to the table as a receiver and feel he will have a productive career as a Husker. For that to occur, however, he must improve his route running and his strength, which could be said for most receivers trying to make the jump from high school to a BCS conference school. Bell won’t blow by guys in the secondary in college, but does have me excited about this year’s class of receivers. You can click here for a bunch of highlights on Antonio Bell.

Will Compton, LB, 6-2, 230. Compton winds up being the only score for the Huskers from Missouri. He decommitted following the coaching change, but was drawn back into the fold following an in-home visit replete with temporary tattoos. Compton received a lot of attention this recruiting season and for good reason. Not only does he have some talent, but he also fills a need as the Huskers desperately need help at the LB spot. On film, Compton shows tremendous instincts and is a sure tackler. In addition, he appears heady enough that he should fit in nicely in whatever scheme Pelini draws up. Both Scout and Rivals rank Compton as a 4-star prospect and he could see the field early in Lincoln.

Khiry Cooper, WR, 6-2, 180. Another exciting WR prospect. Pelini worked his magic in Louisiana to convince Cooper to jump aboard late in the recruiting cycle. I think Cooper looks polished on film and has a “smoothness” we haven’t seen a lot of at WR in the past. I could see Cooper lining up at the “Z” receiver spot early in his career and quickly helping fans to forget the loss of Terrence Nunn. Cooper made the Class 2A All-State squad after grabbing 60 receptions for 1,037 yards and 16 TDs during the regular season. Nebraska fans should respect the job Pelini did in landing Cooper given the number of offers he held from SEC schools, including Florida, Arkansas and LSU. Cooper is also a top baseball prospect as a centerfielder and plans on playing both sports at NU.

Ben Cotton, TE, 6-6, 220. Cotton could be the tight end this offense has been missing since Matt Herian’s injury. Obviously we won’t know for a few years, but Ben’s decision to join his father in Lincoln should not be overlooked. Cotton originally committed to Louisville before Barney was rehired, which says a lot about the national exposure this kid received. Cotton has good size and should continue to grow into his frame. The film I’ve seen on Ben shows him making a lot of catches in traffic and he appears to have good, strong hands. Being the son of an offensive line coach, we can assume he’s not afraid to block as well. Overall, Cotton could be one of the biggest scores in this class, if he improves his strength and speed and is able to stretch the middle of the field.

Alfonzo Dennard, 5-10, 185. Dennard is a rare Husker recruit out of the state of Georgia and is further proof of the staff’s hard work in the southern states. Dennard originally committed to UNC, but after some grade/qualification concerns wound up signing with Nebraska. Dennard looks to have good speed and seems like an Anthony Blue clone on paper. Blue of course came from a better high school program so we probably shouldn’t expect the same type of contributions as a true frosh from Dennard. As a senior, Dennard had 44 receptions for 826 yards and 11 touchdowns and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. He also had 55-tackles and 5-interceptions on defense.

Sean Fisher, 6-5, 210. Fisher is another in a long line of Huskers to emerge from the fine program at Millard North. Fisher is another guy who can provide immediate help at the linebacker position. He excels in pass coverage and isn’t afraid of contact, which are both major weaknesses we saw from the 2007 Huskers. Scout ranks Fisher as the 17th best linebacker prospect in the nation and he turned down offers from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado and most of the rest of the Big 12 North. I don’t know what the plan is down the road, but with his frame, I could see Fisher ending his career as a rush end.

David Grant, 6-6, 280. Grant is one of nine signees from the state of Texas. He’s also one of the few linemen taken in the class. You have to like Grant’s size and he should do well under the new strength and conditioning staff. Grant originally committed to Oklahoma State, then to Iowa State, but his relationship with Barney Cotton eventually led him to Lincoln. I expect Grant to redshirt while he improves his athleticism and strength, but we will need him to contribute in the near future. When you don’t sign many linemen, each one better be able to compete for a starting spot.

Ricky Henry, 6-4, 300. Henry was originally part of Bill Callahan’s recruiting class a few years back, but grade issues left him scrambling for a spot at Wahpeton (ND) North Dakota State College of Science. Henry graduated from Omaha Burke and also bears a striking resemblance to a fat Jon Favreau. Henry is thought to be a throwback to the in-your-face, dominating linemen that NU cloned by the dozen in year’s past. Whether Henry is the real deal or merely a personal foul waiting to happen has to be seen. He’ll have his work cut out for him, however, as JUCO linemen have a short stint in which to compete for a spot in Lincoln. Last I heard Henry was expected to line up at center for Nebraska.

Tyson Hetzer, 6-7, 265. Hetzer is the second TE recruit in the class. He is already on campus and will be competing in spring practice. This is a good thing given the lack of depth at TE on the current roster. Hetzer is a big guy with a great deal of athleticism as he originally committed to play basketball out of high school. Hetzer doesn’t have a ton of football experience, but competing at the JUCU level in California, indicates he’s no slouch. Pelini has made it clear that he won’t be recruiting many junior college guys but our need for a playmaker at TE means Hetzer gets a shot.

Micah Kreikemeier, 6-4, 215. Micah has the opportunity to say his offer came directly from Tom Osborne, which is certainly interesting. Clearly Osborne felt the staff needed to pay more attention to Nebraska high school talent, but I hope Osborne really saw something with Kreikemeier. Micah will begin his career as an OLB and could end up as a Brian Shaw-type player in the future. Kreikemeier appears to have decent strength and athleticism, but the coaching staff is likely counting more on his heart and desire. BRN makes the point that Micah is Sean Fisher without the exposure, and they might be right. I just hope both become solid contributors by the time they leave.

John Levorson, 6-4, 185. Another quality athlete from close to home. Levorson will begin his career as a safety, but probably has the ability to play WR as well. He has good size and his film demonstrates his ability to tackle. I’m a little worried about his closing speed and coverage skills as Crete isn’t exactly 5-A HS ball in Texas, let alone the Big 12. But I suppose if the need arises, either due to a lack of quickness, or depth issues that John could probably play LB in a pinch. Overall, Levorson is a guy that doesn’t overly excite me, but he certainly fits the profile of guys Osborne used to make a killing off of. Right now I’d trade he or Kreikemeier for a DT recruit, but I’m certainly willing to give them a shot to prove me wrong.

Tim Marlowe, 5-10, 165. If there is an obvious reach in the list of recruits, this is your guy. I understand that he’s from Pelini’s old stomping grounds, and yes, that could help us in the future, but I don’t think Marlowe is the second coming of Wes Welker. I’ve watched his film and he’s got speed and he’s got some wiggle. However, his statistics are far from stellar. He ran less than 300 yards on 42 carries and scored four just touchdowns. He, also, caught nine passes for just 216 yards and three more touchdowns. If I didn’t already feel we were overloaded on WRs on the roster, I could probably live with this one, but as it stands this looks like a really expensive holder for FGs.

Cameron Meredith, 6-4, 220. One of two DE recruits that I’m really excited about. Meredith looks to be the complete package. He’s got a nice frame, good strength and enough quickness to get off the edge. I can’t wait to see how his athleticism and his ability to get off of blocks translate to major college football. Meredith also represents a huge recruiting win given that he was also offered by Oklahoma, Oregon, and Arizona. To be completely honest of all the guys we’ve tried to recruit in the mold of Grant Wistrom, this is the guy who I feel could best live up to the hype.

Nebraska Position Breakdowns and DXP Expectations: Special Teams and Cheerleading Squads

Often overlooked, the special teams and cheer squads sometimes fail to get the recognition they deserve. With a potential All-American kicker/punter and a stacked cheer squad, look for both units to shine this fall.

Nebraska's Position Breakdowns: QB, RB, WR, TE
Nebraska's Position Breakdowns: OL, DL
Nebraska's Position Breakdowns and DXP Expectations: LB, CB, S


Kicker

R-Jr. Alex Henery became a household name for Husker fans in 2008, which was highlighted by this 57 yard field goal that gave the Huskers a 33-31 lead over Colorado and eventually would send the team back to a New Year's Day bowl. "I can make it," Henerey told Pelini during the timeout before the kick. Kicker and confidence are two words that I haven't lumped in the same sentence since the days of Josh Brown and Kris Brown. In fact, all that Henery has done in two seasons with the Huskers is go 101 for 102 in PATs and 26 of 29 field goals. Even more impressive, Henery is 12 of 13 from 30-49 yards.

Jr. Adi Kunalic has been the undisputed kickoff specialist for the Huskers the past two seasons and that won't change in 2009. In 2007, Kunalic had 28 touchbacks on 66 kickoffs with an average of 65.7 yards per kick. Those 28 touchbacks were good enough to put the Huskers at 3rd in the nation in that category. In 2008, Kunalic would rack up another 28 touchbacks on 81 attempts, which was good enough for 5th in the nation. When averaging the two seasons together, roughly 38% of his kickoffs have been touchbacks - impressive to say the least. Should an unfortunate injury happen to Henery, the Huskers have depth with Adi (career long field goal of 46 yards) at place kicker.

Punter

In high school, Alex Henery averaged almost 42 yards/punt at Omaha Burke. And with Henery entering his 4th season in the strength and conditioning program at Nebraska, I suspect that high school average doesn't hold true today. So what are the chances Henery will see double-duty as a kicker/punter this season? “I wouldn’t have even introduced the idea to him about punting if I didn’t think he could handle both,” said John Papuchis, who works closely with the kickers. “If there is ever a point in time where he feels stressed on where he needs to spend the majority of his focus, we’d have to make a decision then. But right now I think he is able to handle both pretty well.” Henery's comptetion (if you feel the need to call it that) will come from R-Fr. Brett Maher and So. Jonathon Damkroger, although it appears neither one of them will unseat Henery. Maher was a standout athlete in high school at Kearney, NE, where he averaged 41 yards/punt, was 8/14 on field goals, and had 775 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns. Damkroger is a transfer from UNO, where he averaged 35 yards/punt on 40 punts.

Kick/Punt Returner


So. CB Alfonzo Dennard and Jr. WR Niles Paul were the primary kick returners from a year ago. The speedy Dennard returned 8 kickoffs for an average of 18.8 yards/return as a true freshman while Paul returned 41 kickoffs for an average of 23.6 yards/return and 8 punts for an average of 10 yards/return. With their roles increasing at their respective positions this season, it is unlcear if both will be back here again this season. Expect R-So. WR Curenski Gilleylen and his 10.22 speed to step in here at both spots possibly. Whether or not he can catch a kickoff or a punt remains to be seen, but I do know that if he can get the ball and start running you aren't going to catch him. When R-Fr. WR Khiry Cooper is paroled from the Mike Anderson Penetentiary sometime early in May, I expect punt and kick returns to be first on the agenda. The coaches will look for anyway possible to get the extremely talented Cooper on the field, and if returning kicks/punts is one way to do it, then so be it. R-Fr. WR Tim Marlowe saw practice time at both positions during fall camp last August. Marlowe is a skilled athlete that excelled at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and safety at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio and will get a hard look here - think Josh Davis. True freshman RB Rex Burkhead and true freshman CB Andrew Green should get looks here come fall as both were very good returners in high school. Whether or not they will redshirt is a topic to be discussed at a much later time.

Final Thoughts

Make no mistake about it, Henery will be our kicker and punter this season. The only way this isn't going to happen is if he decides he isn't fit for double-duty, which I don't see happening. And whether he is thinking about it or not, being a double-duty kicker will get you noticed in the national media and most importantly, it has become a hot commodity in the NFL as of late. There is no reason to think Kunalic won't be specializing as a kickoff specialist again in 2009. With Henery and Kunalic, Nebraska will showcase one of the best kicking games in college. Paul's recent run-in with the law surely isn't going to put him in a very favorable spot with the team anywhere heading into the fall. I expect Gilleylen, Cooper, and Marlowe will get the hardest looks to step into the primary kick/punt returners early next season with Dennard being more of a crutch. However, depending on what the coaches eventually decide, my darkhorse special teams star is Rex Burkhead (pictured). Burkhead is years ahead of most incoming college freshman physically (5'11, 210 lbs.) and all he did last season in Plano, TX was rush for 1,762 yards and 28 touchdowns and haul in 24 receptions for 594 yards (24.8 average) and five scores. And with Mendoza seeing time at wide receiver, I am beginning to think the coaches know what they have in Burkhead and would not be surprised at all to see Burkhead slide into possibly the #3 running back spot (as a true freshman, he could be an everydown back if needed to be) sometime next season along with his special teams duties. Overall, pinpointing the return specialists is next to impossible to predict at this point, and no matter who ends up there, we won't be hurting.

Cheer Squad and the Scarlets


Let me start by saying that since Nebraska isn't anywhere near the SEC or Pac-10 in location, it can be rather difficult to reproduce the Song Girls or the Gatorettes in the Heartland. The 2009-10 cheerleading tryouts were conducted last weekend and no word has come out of camp as to who the lucky ones are. I'd love to be able to breakdown all of the candidates for you, but the athletic department deems DXP not qualified enough to help analyze and help select the future cheer squad. Weird huh? Regardless, Nebraska has always done a fine job working with what we have and have even produced a few professional cheerleaders in recent memory. In fact, Nebraska's own and Kansas City Chief cheerleader Trish Neneman was selected to the 2004 Pro Bowl. Since it won't be known who will be part of the 2009-10 Nebraska Cheer and Scarlet squads as of yet, let us look at some of the stars that will be in attendance at the spring game and who could possibly one day fill Neneman's big shoes.

Cheer


Scarlets


Final Thoughts
Both squads have been a pleasant surprise under Pelini's short tenure at Nebraska. It's no secret that success on the field can be directly correlated to the quality of the cheerleaders and dance teams. See USC, Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. Whether or not Nebraska can live up to its lofty expectations is something we'll have to wait until fall to see. However, like I said, the bar has been raised over the past few seasons and I see no reason why there will be any decline from this unit in 2009-10.

Kevin Dixon Gone. Andy Christensen Still Here?

Senior defensive tackle Kevin Dixon has played his last down for Nebraska. The first big news of the fall camp came from Bo Pelini this morning when he said Dixon was officially dismissed from the team.

Dixon and a friend were stopped near campus at 12:30 a.m. on July 13. The campus police pulled over their car, in which was Dixon was the passenger, for improper license plates. After a search of the vehicle was conducted, a small amount of marijuana was found in the car. The driver, Lisa Iznaga, and Dixon were then both cited on suspicion of possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. The trial is set for August 15 after Dixon pleaded not guilty.

Before this incident, Dixon was caught taking a piss near Andersen Hall in early July. Later that month in court, prosecutors would charge Dixon with littering and the case would be sent to pre-trial diversion.

Said Pelini, "We move on, we move forward. We want guys that do things the right way."

Last March, senior offensive guard Andy Christensen was charged with first-degree sexual assault, resisting arrest and criminal mischief from an incident outside the fine, fine establishment known as The Brass Rail. Christensen was accused of reaching up a coed's skirt and groping her at the bar, and then when the police arrived, Christensen resisted arrest. The trial is set for later this month and Christensen remains 'suspended' from the team. He has not yet been dismissed.

I find it hard to believe that someone accused of sexual assault and facing up to 50 years in prison remains suspended from the team while someone who carried a small bag of marijuana and pissed in the bushes outside a dorm gets dismissed from the team. Neither one has been found guilty of either crime. Something doesn't add up here. Has Kevin Dixon been failing drug tests in the past and after this latest violation, did he fail another one possibly done by the athletic department? The worst punishment Dixon is going to get is a slap on the wrist and a small fine by the Lancaster courts - if he is found guilty. Christensen is headed for much more than a fine if he is found guilty. Obviously, the Dixon story is something we will never know the full extent of. And unfortunately, his departure will hurt as now Jared Crick, Terrence Moore, and Ben Martin are left to fill his void. Ouch.

On a brighter note, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim draftee Khiry Cooper found his way to campus for fall camp (he has until Aug. 15 to sign.) In order to sign a two sport athlete who has the chance to play at a top tier baseball and football school such as Nebraska means the Angels are going to have pony up and pay the 5th round draft pick 2nd round money. Since he hasn't been signed by now, I believe Cooper will be a Husker and be a productive addition at receiver for an already potent offense.

The 2010 Nebraska Cornhuskers: BCS Bound

It's never too early to start thinking big. And in this case, I'm really early and I'm thinking really big. If you don't think great things are headed to Lincoln in the 2010 season, then hear me out here. Bo Pelini will have his breakout season in only his third year as coach.

First, let's look at what we will have coming back after the 2009 season.

Offense

Let's start by telling you what I see in my crystal ball concerning Shawn Watson. Nebraska's 12th ranked offense last season was done with a quarterback who didn't possess arm strength or speed. The numbers are going to be improved for everyone over the next few seasons with a better QB for the system which will allow Watson to put his finishing touches on his spread? offense. Watson isn't going anywhere to make a lateral coaching move as a coordinator (i.e. Alabama). Watson is sitting on a BCS head coaching opportunity that will come his way in a few years - just not yet. Therefore, I fully expect at least two more seasons with him at OC, but don't hold your breath anytime after 2010. And trust me, I don't want to think about the day we'll have to go shopping for a new offensive coordinator quite yet.

At QB, Nebraska will have something it won't have this season and that's obviously experience. Whether Zac Lee emerges as the star people think he will does matter, but if he doesn't, sitting right behind him will be Cody Green, Latravis Washington, or Kody Spano. Either way, we are clearly better off in 2010 than in 2009 at the most important position on the offense.

At RB, the Huskers should return both Roy Helu Jr. and Quentin Castille. I'm not really sure anyone could tell you exactly how Callahan plucked these two kids out of California and Texas, but regardless, they are both stars that will both play on Sunday. If Rex Burkhead doesn't redshirt in 2009, he will be a utility special teams and offensive weapon that will be even better in 2010.

Nebraska will be loaded at the wide receiver position. If you think you can tell me a time when he had more talent at wide receiver, I'm all ears. Returning will be Niles Paul, Marcus Mendoza, Antonio Bell, Will Henry, Khiry Cooper, Brandon Kinnie, and Curenski Gilleylen. Loaded. In addition, Mike McNeill, Ben Cotton, Kyler Reed, Dreu Young, and Ryan Hill will all be back at the tight end position. Loaded there as well.

Since Jacob Hickman is the only senior offensive lineman that will see time this season, Marcel Jones, Mike Smith, Mike Caputo, Keith Williams, Ricky Henry, and D.J. Jones all will return in 2010. As I mentioned in my preview, Callahan's lasting impression on the current program is a cupboard full of young, talented offensive lineman.

Defense

By no means will I try to downplay the loss of Ndamukong Suh, but look at what is waiting on the defensive line in 2010. Baker Steinkuhler, Pierre Allen, Josh Williams, Cameron Meredith, Jared Crick, and Terrence Moore will all see a good amount of playing time in 2009 and four of these could one day be all-conference.

Linebacker will be better for us in 2009 when compared to 2008, but by the 2010 season, these guys will be really good. And the best thing about Will Compton, Alonzo Whaley, Sean Fisher, Micah Kreikemeier, Eric Martin, Matthew May, Matt Holt, and Chris Williams: they'll all be in Lincoln in 2011.

With Larry Asante and Ricky Thenarse both leaving after the 2009 season, PJ Smith, Courtney Osborne, Eric Hagg, and Dijon Washington will be the leading candidates to step in. I'm now convinced Hagg's move to possibly strong safety this season is because of 2010. Asante and Thenarse are fine players, but I don't see us dropping off much at all at safety without them. Anthony West, Prince Amukamara, Alfonzo Dennard, Dijon Gomes, Anthony Blue, Lance Thorell, Lazarri Middleton, and Andrew Green will all return at corner.

Don't be shocked if punter/kicker Alex Henery is the first kicker taken in the 2011 NFL draft.

Schedule

Let's break it down.

2010 Nebraska Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time (CT) Sat, Sep 04 Western Kentucky Memorial Stadium TBA Sat, Sep 11 Idaho Memorial Stadium TBA Sat, Sep 18 Washington at Seattle, Wash. TBA Sat, Sep 25 South Dakota State Memorial Stadium TBA Sat, Oct 02 Kansas State * at Manhattan, Kan. TBA Sat, Oct 16 Texas * Memorial Stadium TBA Sat, Oct 23 Oklahoma State * at Stillwater, Okla. TBA Sat, Oct 30 Missouri * Memorial Stadium TBA Sat, Nov 06 Iowa State * at Ames, Iowa TBA Sat, Nov 13 Kansas * Memorial Stadium TBA Sat, Nov 20 Texas A&M * at College Station, Texas TBA Fri, Nov 26 - Sat, Nov 27 Colorado * Memorial Stadium TBA

* Conference Games

To win championships, talent does matter. However, you aren't winning championships without a favorable schedule. Go ahead and ask the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs if they think they have a legitimate chance with their schedule this season.

The only non-conference game I am going to bother mentioning here is the Washington game. New head coach Steve Sarkisian will be in his second year and highly touted QB Jake Locker will be a senior when the Huskers travel there. The Huskies were 0-12 in 2008.

When Texas travels to Lincoln on October 16th, they to will be playing their 6th game. Texas plays the Red River Shootout on October 2nd and then have a bye week on the 9th. Nebraska is at Kansas State on October 2nd and also has a bye week on the 9th. Nebraska will be 5-0. More than likely, Garrett Gilbert will take over at QB by then for Colt McCoy at Texas. Gilbert will have already had a warm reception to Big 12 play from Bob Stoops and Oklahoma. Meeting up with Bo Pelini in Lincoln won't be any easier.

The Huskers travel to Oklahoma State the following week on October 23rd, which will no doubt not be easy. However, QB Zac Robinson will have graduated and I'll be extremely surprised if RB Kendall Hunter and WR Dez Bryant are there in 2010. Hunter and Bryant both could be first round draft picks next year.

Missouri comes into town on October 30th. Blaine Gabbert, Derrick Washington, and Danario Alexander will be good in 2010. However, they won't beat us in Lincoln this time around. Dave Steckel, huh? If Kansas couldn't beat us in 2008 with Todd Reesing, they surely won't beat us in 2010 without him. And finally, the last game on the schedule we will have to worry about will be @ Texas A&M. I'm not sure if Mike Sherman will still be coaching, but I'm pretty sure we will be a heavy favorite by then in that game. 12th man or not, we will be much better than Texas A&M.

I don't see a game on the schedule we can't win. Not one. And call me crazy, but I see no reason why we shouldn't EXPECT a BCS berth. The Big 12 Championship game could even make or break a possible National Championship run. A rematch with Texas or possibly Oklahoma @ the Dallas Cowboys new stadium should be on the agenda that year. Nebraska is 2-0 in Big 12 Championship games in Texas.

It's crazy to think about how everything has fallen into Bo Pelini's lap in such a perfect way. Steve Pederson, Bill Callahan, and everyone else involved in the dark ages of Nebraska football from 2004-2007 have become a distant memory all of a sudden. In only three short years removed that era, Bo Pelini has a realistic chance to take Nebraska back to the top. I'm telling you, it's time to get excited.

I can't wait for the 2009 season. I really can' t wait for the 2010 season.

Zac Lee's Time Is Near

There's absolutely no question that Nebraska's biggest issue with the skeptics heading into the fall is that of the quarterback position and the ability of Zac Lee. And even though few did get a chance to see Nebraska's spring game where Lee showcased his talents by going 15/18 for 214 yards with 3 TD's, they are still quickly to summarize the Huskers' quarterback situation by simply saying, 'Joe Ganz graduated and Patrick Witt transferred.'

#5 Zac Lee

It won't be until September 5th that the rest of the Big 12 and college football will get their first glance of Nebraska's probable quarterback for the next two seasons. Nobody knows Zac Lee yet.

In one year at San Francisco Community College, the 6'2, 215 lb. Lee impressed by leading the Rams to an average of 40 points/game while tallying up 3,400 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and completing 64 percent of his passes. Other accolades that shouldn't be underestimated were his team's 10-2 record and an appearance in the California junior college title game, not to mention that he was considered the nation's top junior college quarterback by Rivals.com, Scout.com, and SuperPrep Magazine.

That experience alone is an enormous difference to consider when you compare Lee with every other newbie that will be at the helm for the first time in their careers this season. Enormous difference.

(the quotes below are taken from Brian Christopherson's article in the LJS on Tuesday)

Said Bo Pelini:

• “He’s a very confident young man, borderline cocky, but not cocky. Very grounded. I’ve been around a lot of athletes and I like his makeup. I’m looking forward to having him as our quarterback.”
• “He can make all the throws. He can get it out there down the field. He can throw those deep comebacks when need be. … There are some kids you don’t want that ball going to the outside of the field. Zac isn’t one of those guys.”
• “We have to temper him sometimes. Sometimes he thinks he can put the ball in a pinhole. He has that makeup about him where he thinks he can do anything. Fortunately he’s taken well with Coach Watson and how he coaches him.”
• “A natural leader."

Said Roy Helu:

• “He knows he hasn’t arrived by any means and we know we haven’t arrived as an offense. Leadershipwise, he has it. He was born with it. He’s funny. He’s a guy in the huddle who will come in – we’re in the middle of competition with the defense – and he’ll tell a joke. He’s kind of like a replica of Joe (Ganz), except his arm’s a little different and he’s just as fast if not faster.”

According to Christopherson, Shawn Watson told a group of Husker supporters recently that 'Lee throws as good a ball as anyone he’s coached in 28 years.'

The bottom line is that this offense is going to be much more dynamic this season with the loss of Ganz. Joe was a fine college quarterback, but as Roy Helu said, Lee's arm is a 'little different' and 'he's just as fast if not faster.'

And with some of the young speedsters at WR that haven't seen much time before - such as Curenski Gilleylen, Marcus Mendoza, Antonio Bell, and Khiry Cooper - to go along with Niles Paul, Menelik Holt, Chris Brooks, Will Henry, and of course TE Mike McNeill (recently named to the Mackey Award watch list,) the Huskers have the pieces to not only be dynamic, but very explosive.

Nebraska's 2009 Red-White Spring Game Rosters

To view the complete rosters - click here.


As Bo Pelini promised, the teams are evenly split.

Items of interest:

*The defensive line on the Red team is DE Pierre Allen, DE Cameron Meredith, DT Jared Crick, and DT Terrence Moore while the defensive line for the White team is DE Barry Turner, DE Josh Williams, DT Ndamukong Suh, and DT Baker Steinkuhler. I'll be interested to see how Steinkuhler and Williams perform with Turner and Suh. As I've said before, I think Steinkuhler has a real shot to move up the depth chart in a hurry.

*Cody Green was singled out as the only one of the three QBs that will move from team to team. There was an article written on Thursday in the LJS about the progress of Latravis Washington in his only month as a QB since high school. I could be reading a little too much into this, but I think it appears as if Washington might have a better grip on the offense at this point and possibly even a slight edge on Green for the #2 spot. Green is, after all, 17 years old.

*The safeties for the White team are Ricky Thenarse, Larry Asante, and Eric Hagg? while the safeties for the Red team are Courtney Osborne, P.J. Smith, and Matt O'Hanlon. We already know about Thenarse and Asante so I'll be keeping my eyes on Osborne and Smith. No doubt the coaches have said nothing but praise about the two freshman this spring and with the two of them playing together, I can't wait to see the future at safety right now. I'm still not buying Hagg as a true safety.

*The primary WRs for the White team are Chris Brooks, Antonio Bell, and Will Henry while the WRs for the Red team are Curenski Gilleylen, Menelik Holt, and Marcus Mendoza. Anyone else at all curious about Chris Brooks? I've got this feeling... nevermind, I'll keep it to myself so I don't like an idiot. It's too bad Brandon Kinnie couldn't get to campus for the spring and it's too bad Khiry Cooper is going through hell right now on the diamond. The QB for the Red team is Zac Lee so look for Gilleylen, Holt, and Mendoza to have big plays.

*The corners for the White team are Anthony Blue and Anthony West (with Hagg listed at safety) while the Red team has Prince Amukamara, Alfonzo Dennard, and Lance Thorell. It still appears as if West and Amukamara will be the starters at the corner with Blue and Dennard backing them up. As far as Eric Hagg goes, I'm starting to think we will see some interesting new looks from the defensive backfield this fall (especially with the inexperienced linebackers we have.) What that is other than nickelback for Hagg, I don't know.

*The White team linebackers are Will Compton, Alonzo Whaley, Micah Kreikemeier, and Matt Holt while the Red team linebackers are Phillip Dillard, Colton Koehler, Mathew May, and Sean Fisher. The OWH wrote an article on Thursday about 210 lb. Mathew May and his progress this spring. With Blake Lawrence's future in jeopardy, it sounds as if May has a real chance to slide into a starting role by fall. The three R-Fr. lining up for the Whites will be fun to watch. I'll be interested to see how Compton and Whaley play together as the two redshirt freshman are probably the odds-on favorites in my book to start this fall. And keep an eye on Fisher, who the coaches thought was ready to play in Pelini's defense last year as a true freshman - before he was injured in the first game.

The DXP Road Show: Live from Lincoln, NE

When we weren't blowing up the bars in downtown Lincoln last weekend, some of the contributors here at DXP actually found some time to take in a little football at the spring game. For the full statistics, click here.

5 things we took from the game:

#1 Latravis Washington is a more than serviceable back-up. Accurate, poised, strong, and agile are all words that can be used to describe his play. And although I am a little baffled as to how he picked up the offense this fast, Washington seemed to be confident and comfortable in the huddle and in the pocket. Most of his passes were dumps to the backs and tight ends, but that is no different from anything Joe Ganz ever did. The only thing I learned about Cody Green is that he still isn't ready to lead this offense yet. And regardless of who starts at QB, the long ball will be back in Lincoln.

#2 Antonio Bell (2 rec for 38 yards) and Chris Brooks (5 rec for 48 yards, 1 TD) both looked really good on Saturday. I have no doubt that when Niles Paul gets through his legal troubles, then he will more than likely have to work his way back into the starting line-up - something that will be not come easy especially as soon as Brandon Kinnie and Khiry Cooper join the team. I said it last week and I'll say it again - Chris Brooks will be big this season. And also, Marcus Mendoza's (3 rec for 58 yards, 1 TD) position change proved to be a wise decision from the coaches.

#3 Although we like keeping the teams fairly even and thus creating a more competitive game, I want to see the #1 and #2 units play together. I would have liked to see them all get a chance to play on the field at the same time so we could get a more accurate assessment of where they stand on the depth chart and how they perform with the rest of the unit. Compton and Steinkuhler both appear ready to step in and start immediately this season. Both players will one day be all-conference. Book that.

#4 I was right about Helu and wrong about Castille. Helu's 20 pound weight gain did result in injury. Let me just say that he's lucky it was just a hamstring and not a knee or ankle. His body cannot handle the extra stresses he is creating on it - he's got all summer to drop it and he should. I thought Castille needed to keep his weight up to be more effective as a power rusher. Castille's loss in weight has given him more speed and elusiveness. I am more than comfortable with Castille as a #1 back if that is where he finds himself next fall.

#5 This is one of the deepest groups of tight ends I have seen at Nebraska. Ben Cotton (4 rec for 48 yards, 1 TD), Mike McNeill (3 rec for 23 yards), Kyler Reed (1 rec for 71 yards, 1 TD), and Dreu Young (3 rec for 29 yards) all played well Saturday and all appear to be ready to see the field often next season.

And here's the reason why Sammy Vegas and A. Rose only learned 5 things from the game. It's tough to balance football and smokeshows.





This week on The DXP Road Show: Live from Bloomington, IN (#26 thing to do for a sports fan before he/she dies!)