Young players may play big roles in Husker offense

[druski_2k5]

So let me get this straight: Bo wants to make Freshman ineligible to play, for various reasons, yet these same Freshman are expected to make in impact for our team? It just seems like saying two things at once. "These guys shouldn't be on the field, however, we are excited about X, Y and Z contributing in their true Freshman year."

So which one is it?

If they can make an impact we play them but if they can't we red-shirt or sit them?

Isn't that the benefit of red-shirting by getting adjusted into what they have to do? Why make them ineligible when we can just red-shirt them?

Bo's position isn't necessarily contradictory, and it mirrors what most coaches think. Most coaches want to redshirt freshman for a variety of reasons - get them acclimated to being away from home, get them used to college classes and time-management, get them used to the speed of the game, etc., all without the added pressure of having to perform. Yes, some of them can help - but coaches would still rather give them a year in the weight room and the classroom.

However, given that a lot of kids state that "early playing time" is a factor in recruiting, coupled with the fact that kids are eligible as freshman - well, a coach pretty much has to play those that can. And since they are eligible, you play those that will help. But coaches really would like the rule - so long as all schools are held to it and can't use it as a recruiting point ("We play freshmen at State U - but Nebraska doesn't...").

Oh I could understand why he would want to sit certain players. Pressure, adjustments, learning, technique, etc. I understand all of that. And thanks for clearing that up, if all schools aren't held to it then it would be not wise for us to do it as it would hurt recruiting a ton. Good point there. Makes more sense now.

I was always under the impression if a player could contribute, then he would play. As well as if a player "needed" to work on some things, or get his adjustment period down, and worry about all of that first year stuff, then we would red-shirt him. Or if there was so much depth he wouldn't see playing time and would red-shirt.

Makes a little more sense in recruiting and keeping things fair for all schools if there was such a rule. I've heard Bo mention it a few times but I haven't heard it talked about much on a national level.

 

[da skers]

Husker head coach Bo Pelini believes strongly that most freshmen require substantial time to mature both on and off the field. In fact, Pelini last month spoke passionately about the benefits of making freshmen ineligible for competition.

That tells me one thing - there is no way all 3 frosh RBs see PT this season. I think several of us have been thinking we'd see all 3 this year, but I have no doubts a redshirt will be dished out.

I have been one to think that 1 would red shirt for sure. Maybe I'm in the minority here..? with the talent that is there they will be able to see who stands out the most in camp and set the roster accordingly. Its been fun to hear about these guys and different people are saying different things. Some people hear that Green and Heard will play and Ameer will RS... I've heard that Ameer has looked the best so far of the 3... they must be really really close as far as talent and athleticism. I for one don't think i will be disappointed with any of the 3 from the sounds of it.

Right now if Rex went down Heard would take the bulk of the carries in our base offense.

 

[n.e.husker]

Right now if Rex went down Heard would take the bulk of the carries in our base offense.

Inside info?

Have alse heard nothing but good things about Ameer Abdulah.

 

[Landlord]

Freshmen offensive linemen definitely has me nervous. That's one position group you want to see a lot of veteran experience.

According to RSS insiders offensive line is a huge concern right now :hmmph

 

[da skers]

Freshmen offensive linemen definitely has me nervous. That's one position group you want to see a lot of veteran experience.

According to RSS insiders offensive line is a huge concern right now :hmmph

Yes. Sounds like it was a rough week of practice. Yoshi was about the only standout from what I was told. The young guys are putting in a lot of effort but showing signs of being young. Cotton really struggled, Moore is a little behind from trying to learn so many spots and Arod is progressing but needs to do it a bit faster he's been pretty inconsistent this week as well.

 

[da skers]

And we still have issues with the Center and backup.

 

[deedsker]

My thoughts were that only one of the three newcomers at hb would not red shirt. I guess I have thoughts like Bo and most coaches on these kinds of things.

 

[EZ-E]

Each year we seem to think for sure our OL will be better. Now we are concerned. I hope that concern brings good fortune. lol

 

[Hunter94]

Each year we seem to think for sure our OL will be better. Now we are concerned. I hope that concern brings good fortune. lol

damn, just for one season, wouldn't it be nice to have a kick a$$ experienced offensive front? gawd, i miss those days from years gone by!!

 

[da skers]

Each year we seem to think for sure our OL will be better. Now we are concerned. I hope that concern brings good fortune. lol

Sounds like the end of 2 weeks ago and the beginning of this past week the ones were running pretty well. We had troubles once we started to sub in the two deep and as we added in more things toward the end of the week guys started to lose focus and took a step back. I think the toll of everything is adding up a little but these guys have to be able to over come that.