LB Garrett Poppen [Nebraska Preferred Walk-On]

[Thanks_Tom RR]

Player: Garrett Poppen

Hometown: Giltner

School: Giltner, NE

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 205 lbs

40 time: 4.7 sec

Offers:

 

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Highlights

[Thanks_Tom RR]

Michael Bruntz @michaelbruntz 1h

Giltner (Neb.) LB Garrett Poppen (@G_Pops33) has accepted a preferred walk-on spot at Nebraska for 2014: http://t.co/avhp1va2F6

[Creighton Duke]

Sooner or later the talent level of the walk-on classes is going to positively affect team performance either directly (guys playing in games) or indirectly (talented scout players).

[BigRedBuster]

It already has.

[C N Red]

What it really helps with is instilling Nebraska tradition with those players from outside it. These Nebraska boys will spill every last ounce of blood to play and will push hard. It makes everyone accountable for practicing, lifting, etc b/c if they dont these guys will take the positions.

[Thanks_Tom RR]

Sooner or later the talent level of the walk-on classes is going to positively affect team performance either directly (guys playing in games) or indirectly (talented scout players).

From this year alone, I would point to the direct effect of former walk-ons Ron Kellogg, who steped up after Martinez's injury to split time as our #1 QB, and Sam Burtch, who became a major receiving target after injuries to Turner and Bell and underwelming performances some of our other receivers mid-season.

 

For indirect effects, I could again point to Kellogg who has provided leadership, particularly this year, and will most likely be hired as a GA next year. Also, CJ Zimmerer has been a leader of character, similar to Rex Burkhead. In fact, it was Zimmerer's idea for Jack Hoffman to get a handoff and a run with a full-team escort at Nebraska’s Spring Game last April (huge moment in Husker history).

[MinnwiscowaSker]

Zimmerer was a scholarship recruit, but yes I agree with you completely.

[dylan]

It already has.

 

Yup, the significant on field contributions and depth provided by walk-ons has been obvious. It's less obvious how the spirit of the local kids influences the attitudes and work ethic of the out of state kids, but judging by the high overall effort and character we see from this team, you'd have to think it's taking effect.

[Ulty]

I can't help but think of this:

[1HuskrFan]

It's great seeing the walk on program getting stronger, after BC dumped it. It's taken awhile, but all good things come to those who wait.