Roster Problem soon to Hit

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA]

Win and we will have the best lining up for the scholarships and a strong walkon effort will bolster the roster.

[robsker]

I don't think this is a big issue. Players transfer, quit, get kicked off the team, don't make grades, etc. I'm sure once 2010/2011 rolls around there will be 20+ scholarships available. Heck, it's looking like 1 or 2 scholaships might become available from last year's class.

 

I hope you are right. 20+ scholarships will be available only if NU has a plan to ensure such. If NU offers the max they can offer next year and attrition is not helping (a rare case when attrition helps), then the following year the offers cannot be much above 15, at best.

[AZ4NE1]

From another board, the breakdown of the NU roster:

 

51 true freshmen

22 Rfreshmen

30 Sophomores

14 juniors

26 seniors

Also from another board, the breakdown on scholarships is this:

22 Fr

10 rFr

20 So

12 Junior

20 Senior

 

Probably, Calli planned to fill out the 08 class with JUCOs to balance the classes out. With various manipulations (redshirts, JUCOs, transfers, academic ineligibilities, DUIs etc.), things can be worked out. Of course, these things happen: Ohio State only had 15 guys in their 2007 class and 20 in both 2006 and 2008.

 

I am more concerned how these numbers align with depth at actual positions. While the renewed emphasis on the walk-on program will help, getting some scholarship D lineman will need to be a priority for this class or next.

 

I realized shortly after my post that we weren't just talking Scholarship players..That 51 Freshmen is actually a good thing (Influx of Walk-ons).

 

Having only a dozen Scholarships free up in a couple years might be a little tough on us, but I think the surrounding recruiting classes might be able to absorb some of the damage.

 

I'm curious..When did the current limitations on scholarships happen? Are there any more cuts on the horizon from the NCAA?

 

It's a shame, since we went from the Big-8 to the Big-12, there won't be any more Jared Tomich's.

(If memory serves, he was severely dyslexic..& prop48? , got proper diagnosis and special tutoring, went on to become an academic all conference and either 1st or 2nd team all conference selection).

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/idssports7.htm

[admo]

I do not see an issue here. The team is primed to compete for starting roles & backup positions. I get the feeling we will see more guys getting opportunities this year, to see what they can do (i.e., making plays), gain experience, & provide depth to the team.

[Overland Park Husker]

From another board, the breakdown of the NU roster:

 

51 true freshmen

22 Rfreshmen

30 Sophomores

14 juniors

26 seniors

 

The problem (yet another) that Callahan left us with does not bode well for NU --- we will have a recruiting class coming up soon where we will have fewer than 20 scholarships to give (perhaps as few as ca. 15). This is because we will graduate out a class of only 14 players soon. This really impairs the program in its rebuilding process. NU already has major recruiting hurdles to surmount --- soon restricted numbers will be as well yet another problem.

 

Some of the greatest damage of the Callahan years has yet to manifest itself --- poor roster management is one of those problems. It will take very crafty work on Pelini's behalf to dig out of that one.

Wow a big panic for nothing. You can already add on 4 more schollies for the 4 guys from this years class which will not make it.

[MUTigerFan]

From another board, the breakdown of the NU roster:

 

51 true freshmen

22 Rfreshmen

30 Sophomores

14 juniors

26 seniors

Also from another board, the breakdown on scholarships is this:

22 Fr

10 rFr

20 So

12 Junior

20 Senior

 

Probably, Calli planned to fill out the 08 class with JUCOs to balance the classes out. With various manipulations (redshirts, JUCOs, transfers, academic ineligibilities, DUIs etc.), things can be worked out. Of course, these things happen: Ohio State only had 15 guys in their 2007 class and 20 in both 2006 and 2008.

 

I am more concerned how these numbers align with depth at actual positions. While the renewed emphasis on the walk-on program will help, getting some scholarship D lineman will need to be a priority for this class or next.

 

I realized shortly after my post that we weren't just talking Scholarship players..That 51 Freshmen is actually a good thing (Influx of Walk-ons).

 

Having only a dozen Scholarships free up in a couple years might be a little tough on us, but I think the surrounding recruiting classes might be able to absorb some of the damage.

 

I'm curious..When did the current limitations on scholarships happen? Are there any more cuts on the horizon from the NCAA?

 

It's a shame, since we went from the Big-8 to the Big-12, there won't be any more Jared Tomich's.

(If memory serves, he was severely dyslexic..& prop48? , got proper diagnosis and special tutoring, went on to become an academic all conference and either 1st or 2nd team all conference selection).

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/idssports7.htm

 

 

Until 1977, schools were allowed to offer as many scholarships as they saw fit -- an era when top programs routinely stockpiled top players.

 

The number of scholarships was set at 95 from 1977-91; at 92 in 1992; and 88 in 1993. It has been at 85 since 1994.

 

And some people are not happy about it.

 

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/huskies/174306_walkon21.html

[robsker]

From another board, the breakdown of the NU roster:

 

51 true freshmen

22 Rfreshmen

30 Sophomores

14 juniors

26 seniors

 

The problem (yet another) that Callahan left us with does not bode well for NU --- we will have a recruiting class coming up soon where we will have fewer than 20 scholarships to give (perhaps as few as ca. 15). This is because we will graduate out a class of only 14 players soon. This really impairs the program in its rebuilding process. NU already has major recruiting hurdles to surmount --- soon restricted numbers will be as well yet another problem.

 

Some of the greatest damage of the Callahan years has yet to manifest itself --- poor roster management is one of those problems. It will take very crafty work on Pelini's behalf to dig out of that one.

Wow a big panic for nothing. You can already add on 4 more schollies for the 4 guys from this years class which will not make it.

 

 

Not necessarily a big panic. But it is a consideration and one that is less than ideal. the four scholarships that you refer to could as well be used to reward walk-ons --- or to supplement the shortage --- but not both. Having allowed the # to be at 14 (and it would have been 12 if not for two medical redshirts) is potentially problematic and likely will be limiting. In a rebuilding process one would like a solid 22 - 23 scholarships to give and have several (at least) to reward the walk-ons in a rebuilding year. Such will likely not be the case for NU (at least not w/o holding back on the current recruiting class in terms of offerings or holding back on walk-on rewards, or both). Panic, perhaps not. A real issue, certainly.

[husker rob]

here is the roster for 2008-2009 from Huskers.com

 

70 Anderson, Kenny DE 6-2 235 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard West)

83 Bechtold, Damon TE 6-4 215 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Westside)

73 Burke, Keifer DT 6-3 220 Fr. Maxwell, Neb.

42 Camarata, Joseph LB 5-10 225 Fr. Overland Park, Kan.

51 Compton, Will LB 6-2 230 Fr. Boone Terre, Mo. (North County)

6 Cooper, Khiry WR 6-2 180 Fr. Shreveport, La. (Calvary Baptist Academy)

81 Cotton, Ben TE 6-6 230 Fr. Ames, Iowa

20 Dean, Jase DB 6-0 180 Fr. Bridgeport, Neb.

1 Dennard, Alfonzo DB 5-10 190 Fr. Rochelle, Ga. (Wilcox County)

46 Dixon, Taylor DB 5-11 170 Fr. Wauneta, Neb. (Wauneta-Palisade)

42 Fisher, Sean LB 6-6 225 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)

49 Foxhoven, Tanner LB 6-3 210 Fr. Crofton, Neb.

35 Holt, Matt RB 6-0 200 Fr. Lee's Summitt, Mo. (West)

85 Hyland, KC WR 6-6 195 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. (Pius X)

69 Iske, Cory OL 6-4 285 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard West)

58 Jackson, Justin DL 6-3 255 Fr. Roca, Neb. (Norris)

85 Klingelhoefer, Faron DE 6-2 255 Fr. Amherst, Neb.

44 Kreikemeier, Micah LB 6-3 210 Fr. West Point, Neb. (Central Catholic)

16 Levorson, John DB 6-3 190 Fr. Crete, Neb.

96 Maher, Brett P/PK 6-0 160 Fr. Kearney, Neb.

35 Makovicka, Jordan RB 5-10 170 Fr. Ulysses, Neb. (East Butler)

61 Manninger, Matt LB 6-1 225 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)

21 Marlowe, Tim WR 5-10 160 Fr. Youngstown, Ohio (Cardinal Mooney)

62 McClure, Mychael LB 6-5 210 Fr. Wisner, Neb. (Wisner-Pilger)

65 McDermott, Colin LB 6-2 225 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)

66 McDermott, Conor DE 6-2 230 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)

54 McShane, Max OT 6-6 290 Fr. Elkhorn, Neb.

67 Meginnis, Sam LB 6-2 210 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. (East)

34 Meredith, Cameron DE 6-4 225 Fr. Santa Ana, Calif. (Mater Dei)

68 Molek, Josh DE 6-3 235 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic)

43 Moravec, Brett FB 6-0 180 Fr. Grand Island, Neb. (Central Catholic)

29 Okafor, Collins IB 6-1 195 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Westside)

12 Osborne, Courtney DB 6-3 175 Fr. Garland, Texas (South Garland)

26 Osborne, Steven WR 6-4 185 Fr. Garland, Texas (South Garland)

33 Pillen, David LS 5-11 230 Fr. Sugar Land, Texas (Stephen F. Austin)

25 Reed, Kyler FB 6-3 220 Fr. Shawnee, Kan. (St. Thomas Aquinas)

18 Ruiz, Zach QB 6-3 210 Fr. Beatrice, Neb.

48 Smith, Marcus LB 6-1 195 Fr. Crete, Neb.

13 Smith, P.J. DB 6-2 205 Fr. River Ridge, La. (John Curtis)

7 Spano, Kody QB 6-2 210 Fr. Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville)

84 Spratte, Steve WR 5-11 180 Fr. Waukesha, Wis. (West)

55 Steinkuhler, Baker L 6-6 290 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest)

71 Stoddard, Graham LB 6-2 215 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest)

79 Thompson, Brandon OL 6-6 295 Fr. The Woodlands, Texas

59 Thorson, Brian OL 6-3 280 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)

50 Toailoa, Quentin DL 6-4 300 Fr. Highland, Calif. (Redlands East Valley)

22 Wald, Mason DB 5-11 205 Fr. Birmingham, Ala. (Vestavia Hills)

25 Wallace, Jeremy RB 6-1 220 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Bryan)

14 Ward, Lester IB 6-3 215 Fr. Brenham, Texas

45 Whaley, Alonzo LB 6-1 225 Fr. Madisonville, Texas

17 Williams, Josh DE 6-4 225 Fr. Denton, Texas (Ryan)

58 Caputo, Mike OL 6-1 275 RFr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)

8 Cassidy, Austin S 6-1 205 RFr. Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest)

94 Crick, Jared DT 6-6 280 RFr. Cozad, Neb. (Cozad)

11 Gilleylen, Curenski WR 6-0 210 RFr. Leander, Texas (Leander)

30 Hays, Mike LB 6-1 230 RFr. Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista)

80 Hill, Ryan TE 6-3 245 RFr. Arvada, Colo. (Arvada West)

28 Jones, Austin IB 5-10 205 RFr. Centennial, Colo. (Smokey Hill)

78 Jones, Marcel OL 6-7 310 RFr. Phoenix, Ariz. (Trevor Browne)

9 Lester, Ben WR 5-10 170 RFr. Tecumseh, Neb. (Tecumseh)

75 Lingenfelter, Luke DE 6-4 255 RFr. Plainview, Neb. (Plainview)

88 Martin, Jay TE 6-2 215 RFr. Waverly, Neb. (Waverly)

71 Masin, Mike OL 6-6 325 RFr. Lincoln, Neb. (Southeast)

36 May, Mathew S 6-1 195 RFr. Imperial, Neb. (Chase County)

32 Mendoza, Marcus IB 5-10 185 RFr. Houston, Texas (Spring Woods)

90 Moore, Terrence DT 6-3 275 RFr. New Orleans, La. (McDonogh 35)

89 Santin, Jonathon DE 6-3 225 RFr. Fullerton, Neb. (Fullerton)

9 Stafford, Austin LB 6-2 205 RFr. Hayward, Calif. (Hayward)

18 Sullivan, Shawn CB 5-10 190 RFr. Brenham, Texas (Brenham)

37 Thomsen, Kevin FB 6-2 240 RFr. Elkhorn, Neb. (Elkhorn)

23 Thorell, Lance CB 6-1 190 RFr. Loomis, Neb. (Loomis)

2 Witt, Patrick QB 6-4 225 RFr. Wylie, Texas (Wylie)

47 Yancy, William DE 6-4 245 RFr. Glendale, Ariz. (Ironwood)

95 Allen, Pierre DE 6-5 265 So. Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson)

21 Amukamara, Prince CB 6-1 195 So. Glendale, Ariz. (Apollo)

66 Barrett, Cruz OL 6-4 310 So. Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland)

14 Blue, Anthony CB 5-10 180 So. Cedar Hill, Texas, (Cedar Hill)

72 Burkes, Jaivorio OL 6-5 325 So. Phoenix, Ariz. (Moon Valley)

19 Castille, Quentin IB 6-1 245 So. La Porte, Texas (La Porte)

23 Donahue, Matt WR 6-2 180 So. Fremont, Neb. (Fremont)

16 Ebke, Jim QB 6-0 210 So. Lincoln, Neb. (South Dakota State) (East)

92 Fahie, Tyrone DE 6-3 255 So. Virginia Beach, Va. (U.S. Navy) (Ocean Lakes)

41 Gillaspie, Aaron FB 6-2 240 So. Littleton, Colo. (Littleton)

41 Grove, Thomas LB 6-2 225 So. Arlington, Neb. (Arlington)

28 Hagg, Eric DB 6-1 200 So. Peoria, Ariz. (Ironwood)

10 Helu Jr., Roy IB 6-0 215 So. Danville, Calif. (San Ramon Valley)

90 Henery, Alex P/PK 6-2 175 So. Omaha, Neb. (Burke)

8 Henry, Will WR 6-5 220 So. El Paso, Texas (J.M. Hanks)

73 Jones, D.J. OL 6-5 305 So. Omaha, Neb. (Central)

20 Kunalic, Adi PK 6-0 185 So. Fort Worth, Texas (North Crowley)

40 Lawrence, Blake LB 6-2 225 So. Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Shawnee Mission West)

3 Lee, Zac QB 6-2 210 So. San Francisco, Calif. (San Francisco City College) (St. Ignatius Prep)

48 Legate, Tyler FB 5-10 220 So. Neligh, Neb. (Neligh-Oakdale)

45 Makovicka, Justin FB 6-1 240 So. Ulysses, Neb. (East Butler)

63 Martin, Ben DT 6-4 275 So. Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest)

44 McNeill, Mike TE 6-4 240 So. Kirkwood, Mo. (Kirkwood)

24 Paul, Niles WR 6-1 210 So. Omaha, Neb. (Omaha North)

65 Smith, Mike OL 6-6 285 So. Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde)

7 Washington, Latravis LB 6-3 225 So. Bradenton, Fla. (Bayshore)

24 Watson, Adam S 6-0 190 So. Lincoln, Neb. (Niwot (Colo.))

5 West, Anthony CB 6-0 200 So. San Diego, Calif. (Point Loma)

68 Williams, Keith OL 6-5 305 So. Florissant, Mo. (McClure North)

49 Young, Dreu TE 6-4 245 So. Cozad, Neb. (Cozad)

4 Asante, Larry S 6-1 210 Jr. Alexandria, Va. (Coffeyville Community College) (Hayfield)

1 Brooks, Chris WR 6-2 210 Jr. St. Louis, Mo. (Hazelwood East)

82 Cammack, Wes WR 5-11 195 Jr. DeWitt, Neb. (Tri County)

31 Covey, Nick DE 6-2 250 Jr. Glendale, Ariz. (Mountain Ridge)

6 Culbert, Major S 6-0 205 Jr. Harbor City, Calif. (Narbonne)

52 Dillard, Phillip LB 6-1 235 Jr. Tulsa, Okla. (Jenks)

80 Harvey, David DE 6-4 265 Jr. La Plata, Md. (McDonough)

74 Henry, Ricky OL 6-4 305 Jr. Omaha, Neb. (North Dakota State College of Science) (Burke)

47 Hetzer, Tyson TE 6-6 250 Jr. Redding, Calif. (Citrus College) (Anderson)

67 Hickman, Jacob OL 6-4 290 Jr. Bakersfield, Calif. (Centennial)

4 Holt, Menelik WR 6-4 220 Jr. San Diego, Calif. (St. Augustine)

54 Koehler, Colton LB 6-1 230 Jr. Harvard, Neb. (Nebraska Wesleyan) (Harvard)

93 Suh, Ndamukong DT 6-4 300 Jr. Portland, Ore. (Grant)

3 Thenarse, Rickey S 6-0 195 Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Jordan)

56 Barfield, Shukree DT 6-4 290 Sr. Camden, N.J. (Garden City Community College) (Camden)

56 Baumgartner, Justin LS 6-2 245 Sr. Cheyenne, Wyo. (Chadron State/Laramie County CC) (Cheyenne)

15 Davis, Beau QB 6-4 180 Sr. Venice, Calif. (Venice)

97 Dixon, Kevin DT 6-3 280 Sr. Sebring, Fla. (Garden City CC) (Sebring)

12 Ganz, Joe QB 6-1 210 Sr. Palos Heights, Ill. (Amos Alonzo Stagg)

34 Glenn, Cody LB 6-0 235 Sr. Rusk, Texas (Rusk)

61 Huff, Mike OL 6-4 300 Sr. Ralston, Neb. (Ralston)

36 Lawson, Thomas FB 6-0 250 Sr. Parker, Colo. (Ponderosa)

5 Lucky, Marlon IB 6-0 215 Sr. North Hollywood, Calif. (North Hollywood)

63 Meyer, Derek OL 6-5 300 Sr. Campbell, Neb. (Kansas State) (Silver Lake)

6 Murillo, Armando CB 6-0 190 Sr. Tampa, Fla. (Eastern Arizona Community College) (Robinson)

76 Murtha, Lydon OL 6-7 315 Sr. Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson)

33 O'Hanlon, Matt S 5-11 195 Sr. Bellevue, Neb. (Bellevue East)

82 O'Leary, T.J. LS 6-1 235 Sr. Omaha, Neb. (New Mexico State) (Millard North)

17 Peterson, Todd WR 6-4 215 Sr. Grand Island, Neb. (Central Catholic)

98 Potter, Zach DE 6-7 280 Sr. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)

88 Sievers, Clayton DE 6-4 255 Sr. Elkhorn, Neb. (Elkhorn)

70 Slauson, Matt OL 6-5 320 Sr. Colorado Springs, Colo. (Air Force Prep)

43 Steinkuhler, Ty DT 6-3 280 Sr. Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest)

87 Swift, Nate WR 6-2 200 Sr. Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson)

89 Teafatiller, Hunter TE 6-3 240 Sr. Kingsburg, Calif. (San Joaquin Memorial)

97 Titchener, Dan P 6-0 200 Sr. Cheyenne, Wyo. (East)

99 Turner, Barry DE 6-3 265 Sr. Antioch, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)

37 Wesch, Jake PK 6-1 205 Sr. North Bend, Neb. (North Bend Central)

27 Wilson, Kenny IB 6-0 225 Sr. Liberal, Kan. (Butler County CC) (Liberal)

53 Wortman, Tyler LB 6-3 235 Sr. Grand Island, Neb. (Central Catholic)

[HuskerTrucker]

Can anyone say "Walk on"....there is the answer to part of the problem. We need kids from Nebraska to stay in Nebraska and play...we used to do just fine with about half the roster being from Nebraska, why can't we still do that and use the scholarships to bring in kids from other states? Can't people in Nebraska afford to send their kid to school anymore? Can't these kids get grants or academic scholarships? Whats up with this?

 

Even the Ivy league schools can bring in athletes and put them on academic scholarships...if the can do it there is no reason Nebraska can't do it. After all, aren't we supposed to have all these Academic All Americans in our history? Let some of the other departments bring these kids in...

[General Blackshirt]

I don't think i have too much of a problem with this. What i'm lookin forward to now is in 2010, when we will only lose ~14 players from the 2009 team. If Pelini seriously helps this defense, as he probably will, 2009 should be pretty respectable compared to what we've done in the past 6-7 years. Now only lose 14 players, where maybe half are starters? We'll return our whole team for 2010......

[restored_order]

Callahan = all bad

Pelini = all good

 

I disagree. Calllllllahan got Pederson fired, that was good. Are you somehow related to Calllllllahan, or are you Sean Callahan undercover?

[jonnyhuska]

Boys Boys...to the naked eye this may look like a future problem..but with my pelini prescription glasses i see 50+ freshman(untainted by the likes of callahan) ready to be molded into husker machines. With no disrespect to our current players, pelini has been forced make them forget their subpar ways and then try to teach them the pelini way, while these freshman will no nothing but pelini

[cornhuskers4ever]

I think the players that have been there with Callahan have gone through the "Pelini Purification Process", and all thoughts, memories and instructions given to them by Callahan will be wiped out.

Callahan was supposed to have had all these 5 star recruits, but he didn't know how to bring out the best in them or push the desire to win or make them understand what Nebraska Football is about.

From what I've read, Pelini has put that fire back into the TEAM. The key is TEAM. Callahan had individuals, Pelini has a TEAM.

[huKSer]

I think the players that have been there with Callahan have gone through the "Pelini Purification Process", and all thoughts, memories and instructions given to them by Callahan will be wiped out.

Callahan was supposed to have had all these 5 star recruits, but he didn't know how to bring out the best in them or push the desire to win or make them understand what Nebraska Football is about.

From what I've read, Pelini has put that fire back into the TEAM. The key is TEAM. Callahan had individuals, Pelini has a TEAM.

From the Big 12 media days:

Josh Freeman blamed the K-Satan 4 game losing streak on "Snyder's players" on purpose undermining the Purple Prince's efforts. I hope the "Pelini Purification Process" works better than the "Patented Purple Prince Purification Process"

[robsker]

I think the players that have been there with Callahan have gone through the "Pelini Purification Process", and all thoughts, memories and instructions given to them by Callahan will be wiped out.

Callahan was supposed to have had all these 5 star recruits, but he didn't know how to bring out the best in them or push the desire to win or make them understand what Nebraska Football is about.

From what I've read, Pelini has put that fire back into the TEAM. The key is TEAM. Callahan had individuals, Pelini has a TEAM.

 

Callahan had precisely one 5-star recruit --- Marlon Lucky, thats it. Many of the high 4 stars never panned out. The notion that Callahan had excellent recruiting classes is a myth. he courted many 5 star athletes but they all (except Lucky) went elsewhere in the end. Following Callahan on the recruiting path was fun and exciting. What was actually produced was no so much so.