Early Two-Deep for 2009?

[JTrain]

I won't embarrass myself since my knowledge of the backups on both lines is pretty weak, but I'd like to see what the experts expect.

[predictionking]

I won't embarrass myself since my knowledge of the backups on both lines is pretty weak, but I'd like to see what the experts expect.

 

 

I will be your huckleberry:

 

Who do we honestly want to play QB? It's hard telling, but I would prefer to see Zac Lee because of his speed. Quite frankly, I think the NU offense can reach another level if defenses are truly terrified of the Zone Read. Ganz had good mobility and decent speed, but he was not a dynamic runner.

 

As for Witt, I've been on his bandwagon. From a tools standpoint, he's already one of the more talented QB's in the league. That's not an overstatement, despite it's boldness. He has a great arm and prototypical size. He's pretty athletic as well.

 

If both players grasp the offense, and the coaches believe both players can execute the passing game at a high level, then I think Lee has to be the man. The added speed dynamic is something NU sorely needs offensively.

 

If it was up to me, it would look like this:

 

QB - (1) Zac Lee

QB - (2) Patrick Witt

 

RB - (1) Helu or Castille

RB- (2) Mendoza

 

Z- (1) Paul

Z- (2) Gilleylen

 

X- (1) Holt

X- (2) Brooks

 

TE- (1) McNeil

TE- (2) Young or Hill

 

Look out for Cotton, he's going to be a stud.

 

LT- (1) Mike Smith

LT- (2) Javario Burkes or Meyer

 

LG- (1) Keith Williams

LG- (2) Andy Christensen

 

C- (1) Jacob Hickman

C- (2) Caputo

 

RG- (1) Ricky Henry

RG- (2) DJ Jones

 

RT- (1) Javario Burkes or Marcel Jones

RT- (2) Jones or Meyer

 

 

Defense

 

RDE- (1) Barry Turner

RDE- (2) Josh Williams

 

DT- (1) Jared Crick

DT- (2) Baker Steinkuhler

 

NG- (1) Ndamakong Suh

NG- (2) Terrence Moore - Moore has to get bigger this offseason

 

LDE - (1) Pierre Allen

LDE- (2) Cameron Merideth

 

Buck - (1) Alonzo Whaley

Buck- (2) Will Compton or Latravis Washington

 

Mike - (1) Phillip Dillard

Mike - (2) Will Compton or Colton Koehler

 

Will - (1) Blake Lawrence

Will- (2) Sean Fisher

 

LCB - (1) Anthony Blue

LCB- (2) Eric Hagg or Alonzo Dennard

 

SS- (1) Larry Asante

SS- (2) John Levorson

 

FS- (1) Rickey Thenarse

FS- (2) O'Hanlon

 

RCB- (1) Anthony West

RCB- (2) Prince Amukamara

 

Defensive players that could still figure into the mix come Spring:

 

DT- Quentin Toialoa - Redshirt Freshman had a lot of offers out of high school. He also has great size at 6'4 300. I also like the fact he's Samoan. Samoans are mean on the football field. His emergence could be key for the D-line depth and the team's future.

 

DE- William Yancy- Yancy was heavily recruited. I think next year is key for him. There isn't a lot of experienced depth behind the starters. If Yancy is unable to crack the 2-deep next season, he may not have much of future with the Huskers.

 

DB's x 3= Cortney Osborne, PJ Smith, and Mason Wald: I like the talent and experience NU has returning in the defensive backfield. Frankly, I think the "much maligned" secondary was actually pretty good. A lot of people look at Passing yardage given up and automatically think the DB's suck. In reality, the Huskers gave up a bunch of points and yards due to linebackers not stepping up and making plays. As the linebacking corp improves, look for opponents to struggle more in the passing game versus NU.

 

Now with that being said, I think it's nothing but "icing on the cake" if any one of those three guys sneak into the 2-deep.

 

Players who need to step up:

 

LB- Latravis Washington - The tools are there, but he clearly needs to improve his game to get on the field. Colton Koehler and the incoming Freshman/ redshirt freshmen could leave Washington behind.

 

SS- Major Culbert- The ship may have sailed on Culbert. Quite frankly, if a guy like Culbert is a reserve role player for NU, I think it says more good things than bad. However, I don't believe he will ever be able to become a starter.

 

WR- Chris Brooks- He really needs to prove he can be a legit go to guy offensively. The Huskers need quality depth at wideout.

 

 

K and punter. The Huskers have the best kicker in the country, need I say more? no.

 

I haven't posted in 14 months, I felt like it was time.

[HuskerTrucker]

I won't embarrass myself since my knowledge of the backups on both lines is pretty weak, but I'd like to see what the experts expect.

 

 

I will be your huckleberry:

 

Who do we honestly want to play QB? It's hard telling, but I would prefer to see Zac Lee because of his speed. Quite frankly, I think the NU offense can reach another level if defenses are truly terrified of the Zone Read. Ganz had good mobility and decent speed, but he was not a dynamic runner.

 

As for Witt, I've been on his bandwagon. From a tools standpoint, he's already one of the more talented QB's in the league. That's not an overstatement, despite it's boldness. He has a great arm and prototypical size. He's pretty athletic as well.

 

If both players grasp the offense, and the coaches believe both players can execute the passing game at a high level, then I think Lee has to be the man. The added speed dynamic is something NU sorely needs offensively.

 

If it was up to me, it would look like this:

 

QB - (1) Zac Lee

QB - (2) Patrick Witt

 

RB - (1) Helu or Castille

RB- (2) Mendoza

 

Z- (1) Paul

Z- (2) Gilleylen

 

X- (1) Holt

X- (2) Brooks

 

TE- (1) McNeil

TE- (2) Young or Hill

 

Look out for Cotton, he's going to be a stud.

 

LT- (1) Mike Smith

LT- (2) Javario Burkes or Meyer

 

LG- (1) Keith Williams

LG- (2) Andy Christensen

 

C- (1) Jacob Hickman

C- (2) Caputo

 

RG- (1) Ricky Henry

RG- (2) DJ Jones

 

RT- (1) Javario Burkes or Marcel Jones

RT- (2) Jones or Meyer

 

 

Defense

 

RDE- (1) Barry Turner

RDE- (2) Josh Williams

 

DT- (1) Jared Crick

DT- (2) Baker Steinkuhler

 

NG- (1) Ndamakong Suh

NG- (2) Terrence Moore - Moore has to get bigger this offseason

 

LDE - (1) Pierre Allen

LDE- (2) Cameron Merideth

 

Buck - (1) Alonzo Whaley

Buck- (2) Will Compton or Latravis Washington

 

Mike - (1) Phillip Dillard

Mike - (2) Will Compton or Colton Koehler

 

Will - (1) Blake Lawrence

Will- (2) Sean Fisher

 

LCB - (1) Anthony Blue

LCB- (2) Eric Hagg or Alonzo Dennard

 

SS- (1) Larry Asante

SS- (2) John Levorson

 

FS- (1) Rickey Thenarse

FS- (2) O'Hanlon

 

RCB- (1) Anthony West

RCB- (2) Prince Amukamara

 

Defensive players that could still figure into the mix come Spring:

 

DT- Quentin Toialoa - Redshirt Freshman had a lot of offers out of high school. He also has great size at 6'4 300. I also like the fact he's Samoan. Samoans are mean on the football field. His emergence could be key for the D-line depth and the team's future.

 

DE- William Yancy- Yancy was heavily recruited. I think next year is key for him. There isn't a lot of experienced depth behind the starters. If Yancy is unable to crack the 2-deep next season, he may not have much of future with the Huskers.

 

DB's x 3= Cortney Osborne, PJ Smith, and Mason Wald: I like the talent and experience NU has returning in the defensive backfield. Frankly, I think the "much maligned" secondary was actually pretty good. A lot of people look at Passing yardage given up and automatically think the DB's suck. In reality, the Huskers gave up a bunch of points and yards due to linebackers not stepping up and making plays. As the linebacking corp improves, look for opponents to struggle more in the passing game versus NU.

 

Now with that being said, I think it's nothing but "icing on the cake" if any one of those three guys sneak into the 2-deep.

 

Players who need to step up:

 

LB- Latravis Washington - The tools are there, but he clearly needs to improve his game to get on the field. Colton Koehler and the incoming Freshman/ redshirt freshmen could leave Washington behind.

 

SS- Major Culbert- The ship may have sailed on Culbert. Quite frankly, if a guy like Culbert is a reserve role player for NU, I think it says more good things than bad. However, I don't believe he will ever be able to become a starter.

 

WR- Chris Brooks- He really needs to prove he can be a legit go to guy offensively. The Huskers need quality depth at wideout.

 

 

K and punter. The Huskers have the best kicker in the country, need I say more? no.

 

I haven't posted in 14 months, I felt like it was time.

Very nice post and analysis for not posting in 14 months. I wish Green was here last season to red shirt, I really believe he is going to be a force to be reckoned with at QB. But realistically you have a hard time bringing in a true freshman to start unless you have excellent blocking and running backs that can carry the load, which at this point, we have neither.

 

I have not been that impressed by Witt so far. I think Lee is probably going to be the guy this year, and in some regards he deserves it for being the good soldier that he has in a difficult situation and the grace he has handled himself with.

 

I am optimistic about this year, but there are a lot of questions that have to be answered all over the place. I am also disappointed that Bo has not brought in a special teams coach. Our special teams kind of sucked last year IMHO. Too many long returns...which gave the opponent a short field too many times. You can only ask so much of your defense, which is the bright spot on this team - and I only see that getting much better this season.

 

The offensive line has to get much better. People need to step up and take personal responsibility for doing their roles - then do it, not just talk about how you can do better. Toward the end of the season they were starting to look better with each game...hopefully that will continue. Other than special teams, the offensive line was the biggest weakness we had, especially early in the season.

 

I know that I make it sound like we have a lot of weaknesses. However, people tend to step up when there is a need, especially when you have quality people, which I believe we have a good group of kids, which I questioned the attitude that prevailed at the beginning of last year after what we saw the previous season.

 

[columbus_husker]

how about kyler reed at linebacker or cooper at wr

[BaytownHusker]

I really think Green will be playing a role in the offense and starting by mid season....

[Ohio Pete]

Our special teams kind of sucked last year IMHO. Too many long returns...which gave the opponent a short field too many times.

Part of the reason for this is the lack of depth. Bo avoided using up guys redshirts on Special Teams where they would have been a real help. I don't think that will be the case this year.

[robsker]

I really think Green will be playing a role in the offense and starting by mid season....

 

 

Such would be really, really surprising. Lee and Witt, and maybe Spano as well are all experienced (relative to Green in terms of system time --- in practices, in studying plays, etc.) and all three are thought to be quite good. To pass, as a true freshman, three players, all of whom have been reported to be playing well to very well is really unlikely. In addition, Witt will be a sophomore, Lee a Junior and Spano a freshman next year --- for the sake of roster uniformity and long term continuity, Green should be pretty close to a certain redshirt unless one of the other QB's transfers or is hurt (and, maybe even then a redshirt is still the path).

 

Also consider that an array of analysts (three that i recall) all have said that Greeen is a great athlete but that a redshirt year is best --- and all three have suggested that QB might not ultimately be his position. Point is, Green needs to develop --- great raw potential, and with a RS year of development, really he'll be that much better.

 

So.... I doubt we see Green. That said, I have been wrong before...

[redout22]

how about kyler reed at linebacker or cooper at wr

[macroboy]

how about kyler reed at linebacker or cooper at wr

from me too!

 

Also, Green will not be starting or even playing next year. Red Shirt.

[Bleedin'Red]

If Cody Green starts any game next year its because of one of two things

1. This kid is a STUD!

2. horrible first half of season.

[HuskerTrucker]

If Cody Green starts any game next year its because of one of two things

1. This kid is a STUD!

2. horrible first half of season.

I am not one to hype new recruits, and usually don't like when people do, but I really like what I see with this Green kid, the more I see and hear, the more I like him. I think his maturity is key, the athleticism is there. All he has to do is come in and learn the system, get some practice under his belt, and he could be ready by mid-season if we needed him. I still think it would be better to redshirt him, then make it his team next year unless Witt or Spano shows something gang busters...and I don't think Witt will do that, hope I am wrong for his sake, Spano could...I like him too, but not like I do Green.

[BigWillie]

I'm bored, still snowed in and have nothing better to do, so I'll give you my opinion.

 

Granted this is where I think they will be in August, not in the spring. In the spring I don't know how much movement you will see with guys trying to acclimated to new positions and so many guys going from scout to playing with the big boys. Hoping a few step up and standout, but guessing that is like throwing darts in the dark.

 

QB

 

Zac Lee

Patrick Witt

 

IB

 

Helu/Castille

Castille/Helu

 

zWR

 

Niles Paul

Curenski Gilleylen

 

xWR

 

Menelik Holt

Chris Brooks

 

TE

 

Mike McNeill

Ben Cotton

 

LT

 

Marcel Jones

Mike Smith

 

LG

 

Keith Williams

DJ Jones/Brian Thorson

 

C

 

Jacob Hickman

Mike Caputo

 

RG

 

Ricky Henry

DJ Jones/Brian Thorson

 

RT

 

Jaivorio Burkes

Brandon Thompson

 

-----

 

BDE

 

Pierre Allen

Cameron Meredith

 

ODE

 

Barry Turner

Josh Williams (if he puts on the weight)

 

NT

 

Ndamukong Suh

Terrence Moore

 

DT

 

Baker Steinkuhler

Jared Crick

 

WILL

 

Blake Lawrence

Alonzo Whaley

 

BUCK

 

Kyler Reed

Sean Fisher

 

MIKE

 

Will Compton (SURPRISE!)

Phillip Dillard

 

LCB

 

Anthony Blue

Alfonzo Dennard/Eric Hagg

 

RCB

 

Anthony West (pains me, but coaches love him)

Prince Amukamara

 

FS

 

Rickey Thenarse

Cortney Osborne

 

SS

 

Larry Asante

PJ Smith

 

K

 

Alex Henery (duh)

 

P

 

Brett Maher

 

LS

 

PJ Mangieri

 

KR

 

Tim Marlowe

Prince Amukamara

 

PR

 

Tim Marlowe

 

-----------------------

 

 

Probably need to explain a few of these --

 

Can we not just combine the physical traits of Lee with the mind of Witt and get a Big 12 OPOY type candidate?

 

No use in naming a starter between Helu and Castille. Both are gonna get starter like carries. If I had to pick one though, it would be Helu.

 

Do not have a FB because I want the coaching staff to prove to me that they will actually use one legitimately.

 

I'm still skeptical anyone will step up at WR and overtake the guys in front. Khiry could do it, but he's missing time. Steven Osborne is another.

 

It's Mike McNeill, Ben Cotton and then everyone else at TE.

 

DJ Jones needs to step up big, otherwise our depth at guard will be scary.

 

The battle between Baker and Crick may be the most interesting battle once the summer starts. Baker may still not be completely physically ready yet in the spring. But by the summer, watch out.

 

BUCK will also be interesting. Kyler can be a terror and Fisher can be good as well. Having a fear that Fisher may get to big and too stiff for LB.

 

Hagg is gonna be the nickel corner. Would almost prefer that either he or West move to FS. Think they both are better suited there, Hagg especially. Hagg could likely push Thenarse for the top job if it happened.

 

Hoping Dennard gets he deserved chance to shine.

 

Sorry O'Hanlon. Too many blown coverages last year on your part and the lack of physical abilities will probably push you down a spot on the DC.

 

No to Henery pulling double duty. Dead leg is bound to happen if we let him do it.

 

Mangieri is a very, very good LS.

 

Need to get Marlowe's speed on the field. Could be a good slot guy this year as well. Prince just needs the ball in his hands, period.

[BigWillie]

*Double.

[redout22]

So you don't think Paul or Dennard will be KR's?

[big kole]

I'm bored, still snowed in and have nothing better to do, so I'll give you my opinion.

 

Granted this is where I think they will be in August, not in the spring. In the spring I don't know how much movement you will see with guys trying to acclimated to new positions and so many guys going from scout to playing with the big boys. Hoping a few step up and standout, but guessing that is like throwing darts in the dark.

 

QB

 

Zac Lee

Patrick Witt

 

IB

 

Helu/Castille

Castille/Helu

 

zWR

 

Niles Paul

Curenski Gilleylen

 

xWR

 

Menelik Holt

Chris Brooks

 

TE

 

Mike McNeill

Ben Cotton

 

LT

 

Marcel Jones

Mike Smith

 

Wow you expect Jones to overtake Smith?He will have to improve alot to do that.He looks the part but I like Smiths experience more.Gotta disagree on that 1.

 

LG

 

Keith Williams

DJ Jones/Brian Thorson

 

C

 

Jacob Hickman

Mike Caputo

 

RG

 

Ricky Henry

DJ Jones/Brian Thorson

 

RT

 

Jaivorio Burkes

Brandon Thompson

 

-----

 

BDE

 

Pierre Allen

Cameron Meredith

 

ODE

 

Barry Turner

Josh Williams (if he puts on the weight)

 

Josh definitely must add the weight if he does AGREED.

 

NT

 

Ndamukong Suh

Terrence Moore

 

DT

 

Baker Steinkuhler

Jared Crick

 

WILL

 

Blake Lawrence

Alonzo Whaley

 

this one is hard for me.As much as I like what BL has shown I gotta beleive it everything Ive heard about Whaley is true he will take this job.As stated I love BL and think he will play but a guy as instinctive and physical as Whaley will be hard to sit down...jmho here...I gotta go with Whaley

 

BUCK

 

Kyler Reed

Sean Fisher

 

another tough one but I agree with Reed.Since we missed on a DE this year besides Ankrah I was hoping Fisher would move down to DE anyway.He could hold 250 pounds ez on his frame.Then RS L.Washington and move him to DE as well..that would be depth along with Yancy.jmo.

 

MIKE

 

Will Compton (SURPRISE!)

Phillip Dillard

 

SUPRISINGLY AGREE.All Dillard has on him is experience.The moment PD gets nicked up(and he will...lol) its a wrap.Compton gets spot and holds it down

 

LCB

 

Anthony Blue

Alfonzo Dennard/Eric Hagg

 

RCB

 

Anthony West (pains me, but coaches love him)

Prince Amukamara

 

I think Gomes breaks the 2 deep here as West moves to FS imo.

 

FS

 

Rickey Thenarse

Cortney Osborne

 

I have West moving over to start at FS with Osborne behind him.RT goes back o special teams specialist.Its what he does best.Too many blown coverages

 

SS

 

Larry Asante

PJ Smith

 

K

 

Alex Henery (duh)

 

P

 

Brett Maher

 

LS

 

PJ Mangieri

 

KR

 

Tim Marlowe

Prince Amukamara

 

PR

 

Tim Marlowe

 

-----------------------

 

 

Probably need to explain a few of these --

 

Can we not just combine the physical traits of Lee with the mind of Witt and get a Big 12 OPOY type candidate?

 

No use in naming a starter between Helu and Castille. Both are gonna get starter like carries. If I had to pick one though, it would be Helu.

 

Do not have a FB because I want the coaching staff to prove to me that they will actually use one legitimately.

 

I'm still skeptical anyone will step up at WR and overtake the guys in front. Khiry could do it, but he's missing time. Steven Osborne is another.

 

It's Mike McNeill, Ben Cotton and then everyone else at TE.

 

DJ Jones needs to step up big, otherwise our depth at guard will be scary.VERY TRUE but I think KSU transfer Meyer may play some gaurd

 

The battle between Baker and Crick may be the most interesting battle once the summer starts. Baker may still not be completely physically ready yet in the spring. But by the summer, watch out.

 

Other than QB Crick vs Baker is battle of the camp...I agree Crick comes out on top

 

BUCK will also be interesting. Kyler can be a terror and Fisher can be good as well. Having a fear that Fisher may get to big and too stiff for LB.

 

Yup,hoping Fisher moves down to DE

 

Hagg is gonna be the nickel corner. Would almost prefer that either he or West move to FS. Think they both are better suited there, Hagg especially. Hagg could likely push Thenarse for the top job if it happened.

 

Hoping Dennard gets he deserved chance to shine.

 

Sorry O'Hanlon. Too many blown coverages last year on your part and the lack of physical abilities will probably push you down a spot on the DC.

 

 

I agree but I think Hagg is TOO valuable as a nickel to move him now.He knows all the defenses and doesnt have to relearn the spot.That NB is as important as any on the D and Hagg has it down.Id leave him where hes at.

 

 

No to Henery pulling double duty. Dead leg is bound to happen if we let him do it.

 

Mangieri is a very, very good LS.

 

Need to get Marlowe's speed on the field. Could be a good slot guy this year as well. Prince just needs the ball in his hands, period.

Thats about it . for me.