SIGNED RB Braylon Heard

[RedDenver]

Does everyone think he will start as a true freshman or get redshirted? I hope they let him play right away he would be perfect to put in right after some Burkhead runs right up the middle. Heard looks like the biggest homerun threat we will have at RB since well.... Ahman Green I guess or B Jackson

With all of our RB's back next season, I hope Heard redshirts. Every player benefits from time in a college weight/nutrition program and he can get the plays down and be even more ready as a RS frosh after Helu leaves.

[MNBIGRED]

With Helu being banged up this year though and if that happens then all we have is Burkhead and Robinson really and I think Heard can jump Robinson on the depth chart

[HANC]

Just asking........how can anyone speculate that he will jump anyone of the top 3 on this years depth chart. Helu, when healthy is a pretty darn good rb, Burkhead is powerful and has an uncanny abiltiy to "slide" through holes, and Robinson showed signs of being a good combo of both until he got banged up.

 

We are judging this kid based on HIGH SCHOOL film as a junior. IMO, almost ANY recruit would be better off RS , getting stronger, getting a year under their belt (knowledge), and then having 4 years to prosper.

 

In hindsight, who wouldn't love to have Green redshirted. Hell, he only played one meaningful game, and the way our d played vs Baylor, I could have QB'd and won.

[schuhbdoo]

Does everyone think he will start as a true freshman or get redshirted? I hope they let him play right away he would be perfect to put in right after some Burkhead runs right up the middle. Heard looks like the biggest homerun threat we will have at RB since well.... Ahman Green I guess or B Jackson

With all of our RB's back next season, I hope Heard redshirts. Every player benefits from time in a college weight/nutrition program and he can get the plays down and be even more ready as a RS frosh after Helu leaves.

 

 

I doubt he will want to redshirt. My feelings are, he will be a 3 year player here. He will be able to get carries as the No. 3 back. There should be much difference between the 3 except Helu Jr has more size and is 35 lbs. heavier. Hopefully he will put on some lbs and get up to 200 lbs by next Sept.

 

It is exciting, no doubt!!!!

[zoogs]

OK, I hope you aren't already speculating that he'll go pro early.

[carlfense]

OK, I hope you aren't already speculating that he'll go pro early.

No kidding. I am tired of the recruiting hype. These kids are potential . . . nothing more. Some will boom, some will bust . . . and there is no way of knowing which will be which until we see them in college.

[EZ-E]

I dont think we will see him as the number 3 back. I think we might see him in the return game if anything. I feel confident in saying that he could potentially walk onto campus this summer and be the 4th best back we have from day one.

[schuhbdoo]

I dont think we will see him as the number 3 back. I think we might see him in the return game if anything. I feel confident in saying that he could potentially walk onto campus this summer and be the 4th best back we have from day one.

 

 

I think Paul and Marlowe will do the kickoffs again. Paul will do the punts and set himself up as a return specialist in the NFL.

 

It is just speculation but if you look at some of the best backs that have come thru NU, the really good ones leave a year early.

 

Ahman Green-Left early

 

Lawerence Phillips-Left early

 

Mike Rozier-Got a late start in the program and dominated. I think he stayed for his senior season because he was on the greatest team ever assembled in college football. Without USFL, that team would've had Rozier, Fryar and Steinkuler going 1,2 3 in the NFL draft and Turner Gill running that beast. He set himself up for the Heisman and no 1 pick in the draft. Go back and look at his stats thru the first half. 150 yards before he got hurt in the 3rd quarter. Point is, he had the talent to go pro after his junior year.

 

If Braylon gets behind a stud line and develops into a star, it is not a stretch to see backs declare early and go pro. I don't want to see great backs leave early but the lure of NFL dollars could come into play.

 

I read something this year that if Helu has a great game in SD, he could declare and go late first or early second round. Very much like Brandon Jackson. Pro scouts were high on his performance against VAT early in the season. Almost 200 yards and the line was a dominating one this year.

 

It is a complete stretch to project anything on this new recruit, but just watching his junior tape, it is exciting.

 

It states on Rivals his is 4.4 but he stated in his radio interview that he has never been timed in the 40????

 

Pro backs are 4.4 but run at 225 lbs and more.

[EZ-E]

I dont think we will see him as the number 3 back. I think we might see him in the return game if anything. I feel confident in saying that he could potentially walk onto campus this summer and be the 4th best back we have from day one.

 

 

I think Paul and Marlowe will do the kickoffs again. Paul will do the punts and set himself up as a return specialist in the NFL.

 

It is just speculation but if you look at some of the best backs that have come thru NU, the really good ones leave a year early.

 

Ahman Green-Left early

 

Lawerence Phillips-Left early

 

Mike Rozier-Got a late start in the program and dominated. I think he stayed for his senior season because he was on the greatest team ever assembled in college football. Without USFL, that team would've had Rozier, Fryar and Steinkuler going 1,2 3 in the NFL draft and Turner Gill running that beast. He set himself up for the Heisman and no 1 pick in the draft. Go back and look at his stats thru the first half. 150 yards before he got hurt in the 3rd quarter. Point is, he had the talent to go pro after his junior year.

 

If Braylon gets behind a stud line and develops into a star, it is not a stretch to see backs declare early and go pro. I don't want to see great backs leave early but the lure of NFL dollars could come into play.

 

I read something this year that if Helu has a great game in SD, he could declare and go late first or early second round. Very much like Brandon Jackson. Pro scouts were high on his performance against VAT early in the season. Almost 200 yards and the line was a dominating one this year.

 

It is a complete stretch to project anything on this new recruit, but just watching his junior tape, it is exciting.

 

It states on Rivals his is 4.4 but he stated in his radio interview that he has never been timed in the 40????

 

Pro backs are 4.4 but run at 225 lbs and more.

 

I dont see Helu going pro. Also his coaches said that with the speed they have seen from him that he is a likely 4.45 guy. But you can see the burst and the break away speed he has in his films.

[Hunter94]

let's just get him in here and then worry about how long he will stay..

[Nexus]

While I'm excited about Heard as well as the 16 other recruits, I'm also realistic when it comes to prospects. I don't buy into the star system that Rivals & Scouts place on players. I understand what it's all about, but at the end of the day, once these boys make that leap to the college level, there are no guarantees that they'll live up to the billing. Too many intangibles to consider.

 

Through it all, I remain optimistic about each recruiting class because I have confidence in our coaching staff's ability to mold and develop their talents. All the players have to do is bring their best attitude and learn from some of the best minds in the biz.

[RedDenver]

I dont think we will see him as the number 3 back. I think we might see him in the return game if anything. I feel confident in saying that he could potentially walk onto campus this summer and be the 4th best back we have from day one.

 

 

I think Paul and Marlowe will do the kickoffs again. Paul will do the punts and set himself up as a return specialist in the NFL.

 

It is just speculation but if you look at some of the best backs that have come thru NU, the really good ones leave a year early.

 

Ahman Green-Left early

 

Lawerence Phillips-Left early

 

Mike Rozier-Got a late start in the program and dominated. I think he stayed for his senior season because he was on the greatest team ever assembled in college football. Without USFL, that team would've had Rozier, Fryar and Steinkuler going 1,2 3 in the NFL draft and Turner Gill running that beast. He set himself up for the Heisman and no 1 pick in the draft. Go back and look at his stats thru the first half. 150 yards before he got hurt in the 3rd quarter. Point is, he had the talent to go pro after his junior year.

 

If Braylon gets behind a stud line and develops into a star, it is not a stretch to see backs declare early and go pro. I don't want to see great backs leave early but the lure of NFL dollars could come into play.

 

I read something this year that if Helu has a great game in SD, he could declare and go late first or early second round. Very much like Brandon Jackson. Pro scouts were high on his performance against VAT early in the season. Almost 200 yards and the line was a dominating one this year.

 

It is a complete stretch to project anything on this new recruit, but just watching his junior tape, it is exciting.

 

It states on Rivals his is 4.4 but he stated in his radio interview that he has never been timed in the 40????

 

Pro backs are 4.4 but run at 225 lbs and more.

Wow. So you're projecting a high school RB who hasn't played a down of college ball to leave early for the NFL because 2 of the best backs NU has ever had left early? Out of all the great backs we've had, just 2 have left that I'm aware of - and they both had ulterior motives. Phillips left due to legal issues, and Green left because TO retired. The recruiting hype and ridiculous expectations are simply amazing.

[AngryHusker88]

While I'm excited about Heard as well as the 16 other recruits, I'm also realistic when it comes to prospects. I don't buy into the star system that Rivals & Scouts place on players. I understand what it's all about, but at the end of the day, once these boys make that leap to the college level, there are no guarantees that they'll live up to the billing. Too many intangibles to consider.

 

Through it all, I remain optimistic about each recruiting class because I have confidence in our coaching staff's ability to mold and develop their talents. All the players have to do is bring their best attitude and learn from some of the best minds in the biz.

The defensive side of the NU coaching staff, yes they are some of the best minds in the biz. The offensive side of the coaching staff, not so much IMO. I realize that we might not have elite talent on offense, & we've had injury problems, but regardless the production of the offense has been unacceptable. I refuse to believe that lack of talent & injuries is the only reason our offense has sucked this year. I'm not a football expert, I have never claimed to be, but I believe a better offensive coaching staff could've at least put a MEDIOCRE offense on the field this year.

 

The only good reason for retaining Watson, after his job performance this season, would be if Pelini believes he can hire a better offensive coordinator after next season than after this season (of course, if Watson is retained & our offense does a complete turnaround & becomes productive, I will have no issue with retaining Watson). Ted Gilmore needs to be shown the door immediately after the bowl game. I'm all for the firing of Barney Cotton, the only thing good he has done this season has been on the recruiting trail (he's recruited some badass o-linemen, & as a Husker fan, I am grateful for his efforts in that aspect). The question I have is can Barney Cotton coach the lineman that he's recruited to their full potential. This year our o-line has played well at times, but overall their performance been inconsistent at best & they usually seem out of sync (which IMO is an indication of bad coaching). So I would like to see a new o-line coach, but if Bo Pelini feels Cotton is the right man for the job, then so be it

Edited December 26, 2009 by AngryHusker88

[Alex 4.0]

I read something this year that if Helu has a great game in SD, he could declare and go late first or early second round. Very much like Brandon Jackson. Pro scouts were high on his performance against VAT early in the season. Almost 200 yards and the line was a dominating one this year.

 

Did you read that on bleacherreport or something????

 

Mid to late round pick at best.

 

Lacks the final gear to be a gamebreaking RB, and lacks the Durability to be and all around contributor.

 

I expect him to have a good game in SD, but WHEN he comes back next year he needs to prove he can tote the ball 15 times a game all season without getting injured by conference play. IF he does that, he will be drafted. There is no question he is a natural ball carrier and has excellent vision, but if he can't make it through a season in the NCAA what makes scouts think he would make it through a longer, more physical season in the NFL?

 

 

 

As far as Braylon Heard is concerned? He has a lot to prove before we can make these comments...

 

But what you are saying is IF he is a total stud, the type of guy that comes along once every 10 years, then he will go early? I think that could go unsaid...same goes for every 2 star that we sign as well.

But we have absolutely NO way of knowing that right now.

[Hunter94]

Helu is suspect, no doubt about it. besides not having that "take it to the house" speed, as said previously, his durability may be an issue. he needs to pack on 10 lbs. more and keep the speed and run hard inside to have a chance at the next level.