NEBRASKA RECRUITING SUMMARY FOR 2006

Here is a breakdown on grading of this recruiting season:

Quarterbacks--- (F )

Comments: 

Nebraska needed a top quarterback signing and failed at this after long time commit Freeman de-committed and went elsewhere. The coaches will have to hit this hard next class.

• Top prospects not signed--- Josh Freeman, Alex Cate, Garrett Green

Running backs--- (B- )

Comments: The Huskers snagged Wilson from junior college. Wilson brings some physical and athletic abilities to the position and should be able to step in and provide depth along with 3 returning running backs. The coaches really needed a high school prospect too, as there will be a logjam of upperclassmen. An early out is also possible in this scenario.

Kenny Wilson-- Wilson has good speed but not blazing, But he adds some punch to the position and should be able to run inside effectively.

• Other top prospects not signed--- Evan Royster, Tracy Slocum, Antwan Cobb

Receivers/Tight Ends--- (A- )

Comments: The coaches recruited this position hard and came away looking good. Purify will contribute this season and Spain may be effective also. The Huskers could have used another tight end, preferably a junior college receiving threat, but all in all a good take.

Menelik Holt-- Holt is a tall possession type receiver who should be a good one down the road. Does not possess great speed but if he can run routes, could be a go to guy on short and medium passes. Likely a redshirt this season.

Maurice Purify-- Mo is also a tall rangy receiver coming out of  junior college. He should be able to play immediately. He poses matchup problems for shorter defenders and could be the clutch go-to guy this season.

Tyrell Spain-- Spain showed pretty good speed and may be able to help stretch the field vertically. Also out of junior college; will be expected to contribute his first season. Could also get a look at cornerback depending on depth.

Will Henry-- Has some talent but will likely be a two to three year project. Again, another one with height that can provide matchup problems for defenses. Likely a redshirt this season. 

Mike McNeil-- McNeil has some talent, decent size and speed for a tight end. With the uncertainty of Herian's status, Nebraska has no true receiving threat at this position. McNeil could contribute immediately, but look for him to come on his second year.

• Other top prospects not signed--- Chris Mitchell, Anthony Jones, Quinton Hancock, Terrell Turner, Terrell Reese, Jordan McMichael, Konrad Reuland, 

Offensive Lineman--- (B- )

Comments: The Huskers got some good talent here and needed restocking on the line as we lose as 7 lineman are either seniors or juniors. A little too much JC recruiting here for my liking. Would have liked so see 1 or 2 more high school prospects in place of them.

D.J. Jones--  Shows pretty good athleticism for a big guy and shows potential for a significant contributor down the road. Has to work some on that nasty streak. Likely to redshirt. 

Keith Williams-- Williams is much like Jones athletically and size wise. May have a bit more of that nasty streak and should also be a significant contributor down the road. Likely to redshirt.

Cruz Barrett-- Good size though doesn't show alot of fire off the ball. Will have to work on the nasty streak as well, as he comes across a bit too mild mannered.

Victory Haines-- Not a big fan of JC offensive lineman. Haines has some good size but doesn't appear to be very athletic. He has two years to contribute and I'm not too sold on this happening.

Carl Nicks-- Another JC offensive lineman, but Nicks has good size and shows some athleticism. Again, he only has two years, but could contribute some, especially by his senior season.

Ricky Henry-- Henry showed quite a bit of fire and enthusiasm. The question is will he qualify. If he does, he could turn out promising in the future. 

• Other top prospects not signed--- Butch Lewis, Bruce Campbell, Ryan Tolar, Jeff Adams, J.B. Walton, Ramone Johnson.

Defensive Lineman--- (C )

Comments: The coaches went out and got a promising tackle from the junior college ranks who will need to get experience this year and be ready to start in 2007. They got 3 high school tackles but these players lack some athleticism and strength and none are expected to contribute in the near future. Though the numbers are good, could have used a bit more talent here. At defensive end the Huskers lose both starters after this season and could have used a junior college player here ready to step in by next season. Allen shows some promise but will take awhile to develop. 

Brandon Johnson-- A junior college pick up, Johnson and good size and adequate athleticism. He will need to contribute right away with playing time as the Huskers graduate both interior lineman after this season and the players behind them are unproven and/or injury plagued. 

Seth Jensen-- Shows some tenacity though lacks a bit of size. With some hard work in the weight room, Jensen could be ready in 2 to 3 years. Likely to redshirt.

Ben Martin-- A bit of a project as Martin is a bit undersized and doesn't exhibit much athleticism. Could also project on the offensive side depending on depth.

Pierre Allen-- Allen shows decent, but not great, speed off the outside. Will need to get stronger in the weight room before contributing in 2 or 3 years. Likely to redshirt.

Mike Smith-- Similar to Martin, will be a bit of a project and could also project to the offensive side. A bit undersized, Smith will have to hit the weights hard to be ready in year 2 or 3. Likely to redshirt.

• Other top prospects not signed--- Adrian Clayborn, Rulon Davis, Jerry Brown, Charles Deas, Cameron Elisara.

Linebackers--- (D )

Comments: The Huskers needed some serious restocking here, as the team only has 2 linebackers below the junior ranks, and they failed badly. Only one linebacker taken and he likely will not qualify. The coaches are going to have to hit this unit hard next year, with several junior college players needed. This unit will have to be watched over the next few years as depth may become a serious problem.

Steve Allen-- Picked up from the junior college ranks, he should be able to contribute this season. Allen has some good speed and tackling ability. The big question is will he qualify; he very well may not. 

• Other top prospects not signed--- Ron Paulo, Allen Bradford, Colin McCarthy.

Defensive Backs--- (C- )

Comments:  The Huskers were terribly understaffed with this unit. The only corners with experience are all seniors or juniors. Could have used another junior college player. With only one true high school corner, we could have used another one here too. At safety, again all experienced players are either juniors or seniors. The Huskers did get some numbers here and players with athleticism and possible early contributors. Breaking it down further, the safeties come in at a (B), while the corners come in at a (D).

Andre Jones-- Has strength, speed, and athleticism and being a junior college player, needs to step in immediately at cornerback. If not starting, he needs to get experience for a likely starting role in 2007. 

Ricky Thenarse-- Shows speed and aggressiveness and is not afraid to stick his helmet in and hit. Could contribute his first year if he gets the mental part down. Projects at either cornerback or safety but I believe his eventual spot is strong safety.

Major Culbert-- Good athleticism, but will need some increased strength before contributing. Could also be projected to running back on offense, though lack of depth on defense may prevent this. Likely to redshirt. 

Anthony West-- West has good speed though needs to increase his aggressiveness to be effective. Projects as a free safety, or less likely as a cornerback. Likely to redshirt.

Corey Young-- Though not real athletic, Young displays good speed and aggressiveness. Could also project at outside linebacker. Will need to find a spot depending on how much he grows. Likely to redshirt. 

• Other top prospects not signed--- A.J. Wallace, Devin Ross, Shareece Wright, Jonas Mouton, Greg Davis, Ashlee Palmer

Kicker/Punter--- (NA)

Comments: The Huskers appear set at this position for the near future, but could have taken a punter.

In summary....I give this class an overall grade of (C+). The strengths of this class should be at receiver and offensive line. The glaring weaknesses that will hurt are at linebacker, cornerback, defensive tackle and quarterback. We really needed more athletes at these positions and will have to hit these hard next season, likely with several junior college players.