Husker Camp Countdown: NU’s top 50 players heading into 2013

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 29 Jared Afalava

By Sam McKewon, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 AT 7:00 AM

 

Jared Afalava | 6-3 | 230 | RFr. | Linebacker

 

Afalava and Max Pirman are two returning Huskers who have worked at the strongside linebacker position, where many expected Brown to emerge as the starter. Afalava put on 15 pounds during a redshirt season and will head into fall camp listed at 230.

 

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Didn't realize he is 6-3. Fairly tall for an LB.

"Afalava put on 15 pounds during a redshirt season and will head into fall camp listed at 230.

 

Tall and big! Wonder if he still has his speed with that extra weight. He's a nice size for a SS LB.

[Fuzzy]

50 is stretching it. 25 is a more manageable number.

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 28 Vacated

 

 

The countdown started weeks before Thomas Brown was removed from the team in late June. The former NU linebacker would have been a redshirt freshman.

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 27 Adam Taylor

By Rich Kaipust, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 6:47 PM

 

Adam Taylor | 6-2 | 200 | Fr. | I-back

 

Expectations are high for both Taylor and Terrell Newby as the two freshmen bring new blood and big-time credentials to the Husker backfield. Either or both will find a significant opportunity behind Ameer Abdullah and Imani Cross at I-back ...

LINK

I'm a bit surprised to see Taylor and Newby this high on the list. Seems like there are other guys at other positions more likely to see significant play time.

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 26 Stanley Jean-Baptiste

By Rich Kaipust, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 6:46 PM

 

Stanley Jean-Baptiste | 6-3 | 220 | Sr. | Cornerback

 

The senior started five Big Ten games last season and played in all 14 contests, leading NU defensive backs with nine pass breakups. Long and physical, he played a role in the Huskers allowing opponents to complete 47.1 percent of their passes in 2012.

LINK

Does anyone else think this will be a break out year for SJB? If he gets it all together and has a great year we could be seeing him play Sundays next year. I mean, a 6'3" cornerback with that much speed? Wow.

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 25 Andrew Rodriguez

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:23 PM

 

Andrew Rodriguez | 6-6 | 330 | Sr. | Offensive tackle

 

<snip> He didn’t redshirt as a true freshman but played sparingly. An injury cut short his sophomore year. Then he moved to tackle and spent last season adjusting to the new position.Two other senior tackles will compete with Rodriguez for playing time this fall, as will incoming transfer Matt Finnin. But Rodriguez talked this spring about his increased motivation and his desire to make a substantial jump on the field. Now he’ll have to prove it.

LINK

Sure, Rodriguez has been slowed by injuries and all. But I think a lot of us expected big things from him when he was recruited four years ago. It just hasn't happened yet. Not so much anyway.

[zeWilbur]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 25 Andrew Rodriguez

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:23 PM

 

Andrew Rodriguez | 6-6 | 330 | Sr. | Offensive tackle

 

<snip> He didn’t redshirt as a true freshman but played sparingly. An injury cut short his sophomore year. Then he moved to tackle and spent last season adjusting to the new position.Two other senior tackles will compete with Rodriguez for playing time this fall, as will incoming transfer Matt Finnin. But Rodriguez talked this spring about his increased motivation and his desire to make a substantial jump on the field. Now he’ll have to prove it.

LINK

Sure, Rodriguez has been slowed by injuries and all. But I think a lot of us expected big things from him when he was recruited four years ago. It just hasn't happened yet. Not so much anyway.

 

I do not believe it is his fault. He doesn't fit our current offense as well as he fit our old offense. He is a straight-ahead run blocking mauler at guard. When we transitioned to an offense that required more agility out of the guards and center he got bumped to tackle. Some of the lack of agility shows in pass protection. If he were at Michigan or Bama his talents would be more evident.

[Mavric]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 25 Andrew Rodriguez

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:23 PM

 

Andrew Rodriguez | 6-6 | 330 | Sr. | Offensive tackle

 

<snip> He didn’t redshirt as a true freshman but played sparingly. An injury cut short his sophomore year. Then he moved to tackle and spent last season adjusting to the new position.Two other senior tackles will compete with Rodriguez for playing time this fall, as will incoming transfer Matt Finnin. But Rodriguez talked this spring about his increased motivation and his desire to make a substantial jump on the field. Now he’ll have to prove it.

LINK

 

He didn’t redshirt as a true freshman but played sparingly. An injury Poor play cut short his sophomore year. Then he moved to tackle and spent last season adjusting to the new position.

FIFThem.

 

Go back and watch. There was a critical fourth down late in the Northwestern loss and both ARod and whoever was next to him (Jones?) passed on two blocks EACH. He barely played after that play.

 

For his sake - and the good of the team - I hope he kicks it it gear. But I'm going to have to see it first.

[husker07]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 25 Andrew Rodriguez

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:23 PM

 

Andrew Rodriguez | 6-6 | 330 | Sr. | Offensive tackle

 

<snip> He didn’t redshirt as a true freshman but played sparingly. An injury cut short his sophomore year. Then he moved to tackle and spent last season adjusting to the new position.Two other senior tackles will compete with Rodriguez for playing time this fall, as will incoming transfer Matt Finnin. But Rodriguez talked this spring about his increased motivation and his desire to make a substantial jump on the field. Now he’ll have to prove it.

LINK

 

He didn’t redshirt as a true freshman but played sparingly. An injury Poor play cut short his sophomore year. Then he moved to tackle and spent last season adjusting to the new position.

FIFThem.

 

Go back and watch. There was a critical fourth down late in the Northwestern loss and both ARod and whoever was next to him (Jones?) passed on two blocks EACH. He barely played after that play.

 

For his sake - and the good of the team - I hope he kicks it it gear. But I'm going to have to see it first.

Million dollar physique, two cent motor. Been that way since he was in high school.

[iowahuskers]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 26 Stanley Jean-Baptiste

By Rich Kaipust, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 6:46 PM

 

Stanley Jean-Baptiste | 6-3 | 220 | Sr. | Cornerback

 

The senior started five Big Ten games last season and played in all 14 contests, leading NU defensive backs with nine pass breakups. Long and physical, he played a role in the Huskers allowing opponents to complete 47.1 percent of their passes in 2012.

LINK

Does anyone else think this will be a break out year for SJB? If he gets it all together and has a great year we could be seeing him play Sundays next year. I mean, a 6'3" cornerback with that much speed? Wow.

 

Sounds like he would he would be a great fit for the Seahawks! exactly what they like and have. I also think he puts it all together this year. Some games no would be able to pass on him, other games not so much.

[Mavric]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 24 Andrew Green

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013 AT 7:00 AM

 

Andrew Green | 6-0 | 195 | Sr. | Cornerback

 

Green, who has 22 career starts, understood the scheme’s concepts well enough to begin taking game reps at the dime spot — and at cornerback — during the second half of last season. That’s the kind of knowledge that comforts coaches who don’t tolerate mistakes.

 

LINK

[husker07]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 26 Stanley Jean-Baptiste

By Rich Kaipust, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 6:46 PM

 

Stanley Jean-Baptiste | 6-3 | 220 | Sr. | Cornerback

 

The senior started five Big Ten games last season and played in all 14 contests, leading NU defensive backs with nine pass breakups. Long and physical, he played a role in the Huskers allowing opponents to complete 47.1 percent of their passes in 2012.

LINK

Does anyone else think this will be a break out year for SJB? If he gets it all together and has a great year we could be seeing him play Sundays next year. I mean, a 6'3" cornerback with that much speed? Wow.

 

Sounds like he would he would be a great fit for the Seahawks! exactly what they like and have. I also think he puts it all together this year. Some games no would be able to pass on him, other games not so much.

Agreed. Because of the Seahawks success a lot of teams are looking for tall/long corners and SJB fits that bill. I actually think he's shown some flashes of greatness, and even when he's getting beat he's there in coverage. It's weird being a former wide receiver and all that he seems to really struggle at times attacking the ball in the air. Really excited to see if he can put it all together.

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 23 Randy Gregory

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:51 PM

 

Randy Gregory| 6-foot-6 | 230 pounds | Jr. | Defensive end

 

<snip> The injured leg has healed now and Gregory’s gone out of his way to add weight to his frame and learn the scheme’s principles as best he can from afar. If he’s ready, Nebraska’s shown the ability to feature difference-makers at defensive end (Eric Martin last year). The numbers Gregory put up as a freshman at Arizona Western Community College — 82 total tackles, 21 stops behind the line of scrimmage and nine sacks — indicate he has potential for such a role.

LINK

Nice! This isn't a name that's gotten much ink yet. Even though a lot of folks think he'll be starting at some point. :

[Mavric]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 23 Randy Gregory

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:51 PM

 

Randy Gregory| 6-foot-6 | 230 pounds | Jr. | Defensive end

 

<snip> The injured leg has healed now and Gregory’s gone out of his way to add weight to his frame and learn the scheme’s principles as best he can from afar. If he’s ready, Nebraska’s shown the ability to feature difference-makers at defensive end (Eric Martin last year). The numbers Gregory put up as a freshman at Arizona Western Community College — 82 total tackles, 21 stops behind the line of scrimmage and nine sacks — indicate he has potential for such a role.

LINK

Nice! This isn't a name that's gotten much ink yet. Even though a lot of folks think he'll be starting at some point. :

We've been short of play-makers at DE for awhile until Martin really got going last year. Part is due to the design of the defense but it would be nice to have someone who can wreak some havoc in the backfield on a regular basis.

[NUance]

Husker Camp Countdown: No. 23 Randy Gregory

By Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World Herald, PUBLISHED THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 AT 7:00 AM / UPDATED AT 9:51 PM

 

Randy Gregory| 6-foot-6 | 230 pounds | Jr. | Defensive end

 

<snip> The injured leg has healed now and Gregory’s gone out of his way to add weight to his frame and learn the scheme’s principles as best he can from afar. If he’s ready, Nebraska’s shown the ability to feature difference-makers at defensive end (Eric Martin last year). The numbers Gregory put up as a freshman at Arizona Western Community College — 82 total tackles, 21 stops behind the line of scrimmage and nine sacks — indicate he has potential for such a role.

LINK

Nice! This isn't a name that's gotten much ink yet. Even though a lot of folks think he'll be starting at some point. :

We've been short of play-makers at DE for awhile until Martin really got going last year. Part is due to the design of the defense but it would be nice to have someone who can wreak some havoc in the backfield on a regular basis.

Yeah, remember the days when we had one great DE after another? Donte Jones, Grant Wistrom, Vandenbosch, Mike Rucker, the Kelsay brothers. We had about a decade of awesome DEs/OLBs there.