Recruiting 3 year look - 2011 thru 2013

[HuskerInOkieland]

The major question every recruiting season is what positions are our biggest priorities. The biggest mistake people make when answering this question is not understanding that we are not recruiting to fill our CURRENT needs. We are filling our needs for the future. To understand this, we need to project our depth chart 2 or 3 seasons down the road. Where we see holes in the future, that is where we need to concentrate. Holes in our current roster or our immediate future will almost certainly need to be filled by position changes or JUCO’s. Everything else, needs solid HS recruits.

Always beware of positions that look stacked but will be hit hard by attrition down the road. Coaching staffs that do the best job of preparing for such future potential emergencies are the coaching staffs whose programs not only win but win consistently year after year.

This thread is designed to help understand our depth needs looking forward 3 years.

A couple of rules:
Some players may be listed at a secondary position in addition to their primary position. Their names will be surrounded by () at the secondary position. I usually list those players at the end of each position
When projecting future starters, in many cases I just systematically rotate players up. The purpose is not to show who will start over who, but to show depth. In many cases, I do not show a given player to be starter even though I may strongly believe he will be one. I just rotate names forward at that position.
Starters are listed first in each line. Then the second string. The rest of the reserves are listed denoted by [] around list. Then () players. I do place ??? anywhere in the two-deep that is not filled by a player currently on the roster. Recruits do not count in the two-deep until they are signed.
Signed players not yet on campus (not yet qualified) denoted by underline.
Walkon players denoted with * after name. Walkon players do not count in the depth chart until they are on campus.
First and Second team in ALL CAPS. First team and second team separated by ~ symbol.
Except in specific situations, I assumed no future redshirts, early exits for the draft, or Academic casualties.

NOTE: I will post one position group at a time leading up to spring practice. First up: the secondary & LB.

2011 thru 2013 Depth Charts:

S 2010 GRADUATED: DEJON GOMES, Anthony West, Rickey Thenarse LEFT TEAM: None

RECRUITS-Daimion Stafford(JC-3/2), Bronson Marsh(GS)

2011 AUSTIN CASSIDY-RSR & DAIMION STAFFORD-JR ~ P.J. SMITH-RJR & COURTNEY OSBORNE-RJR
[Corey Cooper-RFr, Harvey Jackson-RFr, Lance Thorell-RSr, Justin Blatchford*-Jr, Bronson Marsh-Fr, Wil Richards*-RSo, Jace Dean*-Jr, Brent Moravec*-Jr, Yusef Wade*-RFr, Austin Williams*-RFr, Andrew Holt*-RFr]

RECRUITS-LeRoy Alexander(ATH)

2012 PJSMITH & STAFFORD ~ C.COOPER & C.OSBORNE

[H.Jackson, J.Blatchford*, B.Marsh, W.Richards*, J.Dean*, B.Moravec*, Y.Wade*, A.Williams*, A.Holt*]

2013 C.COOPER & H.JACKSON ~ B.MARSH & W.RICHARDS*
[Y.Wade*, A.Williams*, A.Holt*]

CB 2010 GRADUATED: PRINCE AMUKAMARA LEFT TEAM: ANTHONY BLUE, Lazarri Middleton

RECRUITS-Charles Jackson(Next Spring?), Daniel Davie(DB/WR)

2011 ALFONZO DENNARD-SR & CIANTE EVANS-SO ~ ANDREW GREEN-RSO & JOSH MITCHELL-RFR
[Stanley Jean-Baptiste-RSo, Dijon Washington-RSo, Antonio Bell-Jr, Seth Jameson*-RSo, Marcus Mendoza-RSr, Daniel Davie-Fr, Derek Foster*-RFr, Josh Bart*-RFr, Joey Felici*-RFr]


RECRUITS-Mohammed Seisay(JC-2.5/2)

2012 C.EVANS & A.GREEN ~ J.MITCHELL & BAPTISTE
[D.Washington, A.Bell, D.Davie, S.Jameson*, D.Foster*, J.Bart*, J.Felici*]

2013 C.EVANS & A.GREEN ~ J.MITCHELL & BAPTISTE
[D.Washington, D.Davie, S.Jameson*, D.Foster*, J.Bart*, J.Felici*]

LB 2010 GRADUATED: ERIC HAGG(Peso), Thomas Grove*; LEFT TEAM: Joseph Camarata*, Tyron Lewis*

RECRUITS-David Santos, Max Pirman(LB/TE), Derek Slaughter*(Walk-on), Broderick Boehm*(Walk-on), Anthony Ridder*(Walk-on), Jack Gangwish*(Walk-on)

2011 LAVONTE DAVID-SR & WILL COMPTON-RJR & SEAN FISHER-RJR ~ ERIC MARTIN-JR & TREVOR ROACH*-RFR & ALONZO WHALEY-RJR
[Matt May*-RSr, Jim Ebke*-Sr, David Santos-Fr, Graham Stoddard*-RJr, Micah Kreikemeier-RJr, Max Pirman-Fr, Devin Paulson*-RSo, Colby Starkebaum*-RSo, Matt Manninger*-RJr, Tyson McGill*-RFr, Derek Slaughter*-Fr]

RECRUITS-Michael Rose, Zaire Anderson(JC-3/2), Thomas Brown, Jared Afalava

2012 A.WHALEY & W.COMPTON & S.FISHER ~ E.MARTIN & T.ROACH* & D.SANTOS
[G.Stoddard*, M.Kreikemeier, Pirman, D.Paulson*, C.Starkebaum*, M.Manninger*, T.McGill*, Slaughter*]

2013 D.SANTOS & T.ROACH* & PIRMAN ~ D.PAULSON* & C.STARKBAUM* & SLAUGHTER*
[T.McGill*]

DT 2010 GRADUATED: NONE; LEFT TEAM: Colin Kanne*

RECRUITS-Kevin Williams (Early enrollee), Todd Peat Jr., Nathaniel Allen*(Walk-on)

2011 BAKER STEINKUHLER-RJR & JARED CRICK-RSR ~ THADDEUS RANDLE-RSO & TERRENCE MOORE-RSR
[Chase Rome-RFr, Jay Guy-RFr, Kevin Williams, Todd Peat Jr., Conor McDermott*-RJr, Josh Molek*-RJr, Jeff Uher*-RFr, JC Moore*-RFr]

2012 B.STEINKUHLER & T.RANDLE ~ C.ROME & J.GUY
[K.Williams, Peat Jr., ConorMcDermott*, Molek*, J.Uher*, JCMoore*]

2013 T.RANDLE & C.ROME ~ J.GUY & K.WILLIAMS
[Peat Jr., J.Uher*, JCMoore*]

DE 2010 GRADUATED: PIERRE ALLEN, Tyrone Fahie*, Dan Glassman*; LEFT TEAM: Faron Klingelhoefer*

RECRUITS-Joseph Carter (JC-3/2), Eddie Ridder*(Walk-on)

2011 CAMERON MEREDITH-RJR & JASON ANKRAH-RSO ~ JOSH WILLIAMS-RJR & JOSEPH CARTER-JR
[Walker Ashburn-RFr, Kenny Anderson*-RJr, Donovan Vestal-RFr, Tobi Okuyemi-RFr, Andy Gdowski*-RFr]

RECRUITS-Greg McMullen, Avery Moss

2012 C.MEREDITH & ANKRAH ~ J.WILLIAMS & J.CARTER
[W.Ashburn, K.Anderson*, D.Vestal, T.Okuyemi, A.Gdowski*]

2013 ANKRAH & W.ASHBURN ~ D.VESTAL & T.OKUYEMI
[A.Gdowski*]


RB 2010 GRADUATED: ROY HELU; LEFT TEAM: Tray Robinson, Ryan Hill-FB, Mike Hays*-FB, Jeremy Wallace*-FB

RECRUITS-Aaron Green, Braylon Heard, Ameer Abdullah, Richard Wynne*(Walk-on), Murat Kuzu*(Walk-on) TRANSFER-Mike Marrow-FB

2011 REX BURKHEAD-JR & TYLER LEGATE-RSR-FB ~ AUSTIN JONES-RSR & C.J. ZIMMERER-RSO-FB
[Aaron Green, Braylon Heard, Ameer Abdullah, Collins Okafor-RJr, Mike Marrow-RSo?-FB, Lester Ward-RJr-FB, Ty Kildow*-RSo, Zach Taylor*-RFr, Colin McDermott*-RJr-FB, Curenski Gilleylen-RSr, Mitch Hron*-RSo-FB]

RECRUITS-Imani Cross, King Frazier*(Walk-on)

2012 BURKHEAD & ZIMMERER-FB ~ OKAFOR & MARROW*-FB
[A.Green-Fr, B.Heard-Fr, Abdullah-Fr, L.Ward-FB, Kildow*, Z.Taylor*, ColinMcDermott*-FB, Hron*-FB]

2013 A.GREEN & ZIMMERER-FB~ B.HEARD & MARROW*-FB
[Abdullah, Kildow*, Z.Taylor*, Hron*-FB]

QB 2009 GRADUATED: ZACH LEE, Latravis Washington; LEFT TEAM: CODY GREEN, Kody Spano

RECRUITS-Bubba Starling(Signed Baseball Contract), Tyson Broekemeier*(Walk-on)

2011 TAYLOR MARTINEZ-RSO ~ BRION CARNES-RFR
[Ron Kellogg*-RSo, Tyson Broekemeier*-Fr]

RECRUITS-Tommy Armstrong

2012 T.MARTINEZ ~ B.CARNES
[R.Kellogg*, TBroekemeier*]

2013 T.MARTINEZ ~ B.CARNES
[R.Kellogg*, TBroekemeier*]

WR 2010 GRADUATED: NILES PAUL, MIKE MCNEILL, WILL HENRY, Joe Broekemeier*, Adam Watson*; LEFT TEAM: Nick Failla*, Tyson Clark*

RECRUITS-Jamal Turner(Early enrollee), Taariq Allen, Greg Milliken*(WR/DB)(Walk-on), Sam Burtch*(Walk-on)

2011 BRANDON KINNIE-RSR & QUINCY ENUNWA-SO & KENNY BELL-RFR ~ JAMAL TURNER-FR & TIM MARLOWE-RJR & KHIRY COOPER-RJR
[Steven Osborne-RJr, Tyler Evans-RFr, Taariq Allen-Fr, KC Hyland*-RJr, Taylor Dixon*-RJr, Tyler Wullenwaber*-RFr, Keegan Hughes*-RFr, Jacob Smith*-RFr, Dillon Schrodt*-RFr]

RECRUITS-Jordan Westerkamp

2012 Q.ENUNWA & K.BELL & J.TURNER ~ MARLOWE & K.COOPER & S.OSBORNE
[T.Evans, T.Allen, KCHyland*, T.Dixon*, T.Wullenwaber*, K.Hughes*, J.Smith*, D.Schrodt*]

2013 Q.ENUNWA & K.BELL & J.TURNER ~ T.EVANS & T.ALLEN & ???
[T.Wullenwaber*, K.Hughes*, J.Smith*, D.Schrodt*]


TE 2010 GRADUATED: Dreu Young; LEFT TEAM: Brett Wells*-RSo; CAREER ENDING INJURY: Mychael McClure*

RECRUITS-David Sutton

2011 BEN COTTON-RJR ~ KYLER REED-RJR
[Jake Long*-RSo, Kevin Thomsen*-RSr, J.T. Kerr-RSo, David Sutton-Fr, Robert Barry*-RSo, Jay Martin*-RSr]

RECRUITS-Sam Cotton, Ross Dzuris*(Walk-on)

2012 B.COTTON ~ K.REED
[J.Long*, J.T.Kerr, Sutton, R.Barry*]

2013 J.LONG* ~ J.T.KERR
[Sutton, R.Barry*]

OL 2009 GRADUATED: KEITH WILLIAMS, RICKY HENRY, D.J. JONES, MIKE SMITH; LEFT TEAM: Jess Coffey, Rob Jensen*

RECRUITS-Tyler Moore-OT(Early enrollee), Ryne Reeves, Ryan Klachko, Zach Sterup-OT, Givens Mordi Price, Aaron Hayes*(Walk-on), Will Sailors*(Walk-on), Chris Long*(Walk-on), Adam Kucera*-OT(Walk-on)

2011 JERMARCUS HARDRICK-SR(OT) & ANDREW RODRIGUEZ-SO & MIKE CAPUTO-RSR(OC) & SPENCER LONG*-RSO & TYLER MOORE-FR(OT) ~ JEREMIAH SIRLES-RSO(OT) & SEUNG HOON CHOI*-RJR & COLE PENSICK-RSO(OC) & JAKE COTTON-RFR & MARCEL JONES-RSR(OT)
[Brandon Thompson-RJr(OT), Brent Qvale-RSo(OT), Mike Moudy, Nick Ash-RSo, Ryne Reeves-Fr, Ryan Klachko-Fr, Justin Jackson*-RJr, Zach Sterup-Fr(OT), Givens Mordi Price-Fr, Mark Pelini*(OC)-RFr, Brian Thorson*-RJr, Brandon Chapek*-RSo(OT), Scott Criss*-RSo, Brodrick Nickens*-RSo(OT), Luke Lingenfelter*-RSr, Dwight Jones*-RSo]

RECRUITS-Paul Thurston-OT


2012 J.SIRLES(OT) & A.RODRIGUEZ & PENSICK(OC) & S.LONG* & T.MOORE(OT) ~ B.THOMPSON(OT) & S.CHOI* & R.REEVES(OC) & B J.COTTON & QVALE(OT)
[M.Moudy, Ash, Klachko, J.Jackson*, Z.Sterup(OT), G.Price, M.Pelini*(OC), B.Thorson*, Chapek*, S.Criss*, B.Nickens*(OT), Dw.Jones*]

2013 J.SIRLES(OT) & A.RODRIGUEZ & PENSICK(OC) & S.LONG* & T.MOORE(OT) ~ ASH(OT) & M.MOUDY & R.REEVES(OC) & J.COTTON & QVALE(OT)
[Klachko, Z.Sterup(OT), G.Price, M.Pelini*(OC), Chapek*, S.Criss*, B.Nickens*(OT), Dw.Jones*]


Kicking 2010 GRADUATED: ALEX HENERY, ADI KUNALIC; LEFT TEAM: Tyler Daake*, Beaux Greenfield*, Jason Dann*

RECRUITS-Mauro Bondi-P/PK, Joseph Rotherham*(Walk-on)-LS

2011 PK/P/KO-BRETT MAHER*-RJR ~ MAURO BONDI-FR LS-P.J. MANGIERI-JR ~ SAM MEGINNIS*-RJR
[Jonathan Damkroger*-Sr, Joseph Rotherham*-Fr-LS]

2012 PK/P/KO-B.MAHER* ~ BONDI LS-P.J.MANGIERI ~ MEGINNIS
[J.Rotherham*-LS]

2013 PK/P/KO-BONDI LS-J.ROTHERHAM*

[HuskerInOkieland]

With Spring Practice slated to start, it is time to roll out this year's version of the 3 year depth chart starting with DBs and LBs.

Safety - Great battle shaping up for playing time this year. Cassidy and Osborne have a slight edge with P.J. Smith right behind. But Daimion Stafford arrives to provide immediate competition in the fall. The name to watch this spring is Corey Cooper. Bronson Marsh also arrives from his greyshirt year. Depth holds fairly well through 2013 and Harvey Jackson is here for his first spring. Seth Jamison is a walk on to watch.

CB - Dennard and Evans are the front two, but who will step up behind them? An interesting collection of prospects with various degrees of skills and experience. I have listed Anthony Blue and Lance Thorell as backups but Andrew Green, Antonio Bell, Dijon Washington, Lazarri Middleton, Joshua Mitchell, Marcus Mendoza, and Justin Blatchford all are in the fight. That is a lot of bodies to sift through. Spring will be huge for a few of these guys to make a run. Then, Charles Jackson shows up in the fall. Depth seems assured through 2013.

LB - Notice that I am not predicting the Peso to be the base defense this year. Just a hunch although, no doubt the peso will be employed to some degree. The starting 3 are very familiar, and the backup 3 are pretty familiar too. Have heard good things regarding walk on Devin Paulson. Trevor Roach is another name to watch. What's frightening, check out the depth chart for 2013? We might want to recruit some LBs this year. Michael Rose need look no further for evidence of opportunity. David Santos arrives in the fall with a golden opportunity in front of him.

Tommorrow the defensive line.

[Red Reign]

Rose has indicated he is 100% solid to Nebraska and will take no other visits.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Rose has indicated he is 100% solid to Nebraska and will take no other visits.

Yep. And one look at the 2013 depth chart should be all he needs to know what a great opportunity he has. Obviously, LB is going to be a huge position of need in our next class and Rose is a tremendous start!

[BornToBeRed]

Rose has indicated he is 100% solid to Nebraska and will take no other visits.

Yep. And one look at the 2013 depth chart should be all he needs to know what a great opportunity he has. Obviously, LB is going to be a huge position of need in our next class and Rose is a tremendous start!

So we know it's a big need--what do you think the number is for LBs in this class? How many more do we want beyond Rose?

[HuskerInOkieland]

So we know it's a big need--what do you think the number is for LBs in this class? How many more do we want beyond Rose?

I've heard as many as four.

A JUCO may also be in the cards for the next class.

[BornToBeRed]

I've heard as many as four.

A JUCO may also be in the cards for the next class.

*Whistle* Wow. Four's a helluva number for what should be a darn small class. A JUCO coming in makes sense, though.

[HuskerInOkieland]

*Whistle* Wow. Four's a helluva number for what should be a darn small class. A JUCO coming in makes sense, though.

I think it will be an 18-20 class. A JUCO could be this year or perhaps next year (2013 class) or both. Michael Rose is important not only because he is talented but also he looks to have the makeup to be ready early. The emergence of a walk-on like Devin Paulson or this year's Derek Slaughter could also be a key.

The projected hole at LB is as big as any hole we've had for awhile. Obviously, the PESO defense has had an impact on LB recruiting and its emphasis.

[Red Reign]

I'm hearing around 18 also.....

Yes we need LBs' too....

We have offered LB Noor Davis

Rose looks like a HUGE get.....

I think it will be an 18-20 class. A JUCO could be this year or perhaps next year (2013 class) or both. Michael Rose is important not only because he is talented but also he looks to have the makeup to be ready early. The emergence of a walk-on like Devin Paulson or this year's Derek Slaughter could also be a key.

The projected hole at LB is as big as any hole we've had for awhile. Obviously, the PESO defense has had an impact on LB recruiting and its emphasis.

[HuskerInOkieland]

One other note about LB that I did not mention. Sean Fisher, and perhaps Kreikemeier, are in line for medical redshirts and may very well be available for 2013.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Added the DL.

DT - It amazes me that some people on many of the Husker boards are lamenting our DT recruiting. Look at the top 5 players projected for 2013. This is one of the most stacked positions we have right now. Kevin Williams is one of three true Freshmen participating in spring camp. Camp news is that Jake Cotton was moved from DT to OT. This move wasn't because he was struggling at DT (he wasn't by what I have been told) but that OT is a position of greater need. Meanwhile, Justin Jackson is a decent walk on player and Jeff Uher has some potential as well.

DE - Awaiting Joseph Carter in the fall. The position has a chance to be very good but perhaps some questions. Will Eric Martin take to the new position? Is Josh Williams ready to step up? How good can Ankrah be? Donovan Vestal looks like the most likely of last years Freshman DE class to be a star. Walker Ashburn and Tobi Okuyemi still have to prove themselves but they do have time and talent. Meanwhile, walk on player Kevin Thomsen will get a good spring look and Kenny Anderson isn't a bad walk on candidate. In the fall, Max Pirman is listed as a LB, but the question really is will he play DE or TE?

[HuskerInOkieland]

Added offense with exception of OL.

RB - Good news and bad news. The Good: There is an awful lot of talent arriving in the fall (both quantity and quality). The Bad: We have to wait until the fall. But this is good news for four guys: Lester Ward, Austin Jones, Collins Okafor, and Yusef Wade. These gentlemen will receive plenty of opportunities to make a statement . . . and they'd better take advantage because an avalanche of talent could bury them this fall. I list Ward behind Burkhead as #2 but Austin Jones might have the inside track as of now. But the word I am hearing very loudly is that Yusef Wade will emerge as a solid #2 and will challange for serious PT when the trifecta of Aaron Green, Braylon Heard (assuming his recent test score is as good as it looks), and Ameer Abdullah arrive this fall. At FB, the present and future appear to be in good hands with Tyler Legate and C.J. Zimmerer on board. Zimmerer could also see some time as a makeshift IB in certain short yardage situations if injuries create enough need. Also looming is the possible transfer of FB/LB Mike Marrow. This position (RB) seems pretty well set for awhile if we can get everyone on campus and ready to go.

QB - Ho-hum . . . Some guy named Taylor Martinez should be back. Anybody heard of him? And then there is Cody Green, the undefeated one. There should be plenty of drama surrounding these two both individually and comparitively. After that, it really gets dull. There is Brion Carnes and his slight but athletic frame. If that isn't boring enough, Jamal Turner shows up early this spring (one of three early HS recruits) to possibly be moved to WR and perhaps become an electric weapon for years to come or should he stay at QB? If that is too boring for ya, how about Bubba "Please don't take the money and run" Starling showing up this fall? Or perhaps not showing up? And similar to Turner, would he stay at QB? And to finish it off, Kody Spano is trying to regain his health and Ron Kellogg is a pretty darn good walk-on Sophomore QB. Again, this position seems set for awhile assuming not too many folks transfer away, sign baseball contracts, or move to other positions.

WR - There is Brandon Kinnie. And then there is . . . did I mention Brandon Kinnie? Competition should be absolutely fierce as opportunities abound. Throw in a new WR coach, and this is really a free-for-all. Actually, there is some talent here. Quincy Enunwa seems first in line. Tim Marlowe seems like he is next in line. Then there is Curenski Gilleylen who has seemingly abandoned his place in line. Not to mention Khiry Cooper who will be MIA again this spring. This could be a make or break spring for Steven Osborne, who needs to make his move or be left out altogether. Two names to watch are Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Kenny Bell. Both have great speed, talent, and should be ready to make their move. Tyler Evans also has great speed and was recruited for all of the intangibles he showed in High School. He could surprise. K.C. Hyland is a walk-on who has seemed on the verge of some quality PT for awhile now. A good spring could vault him into the picture. Arriving in the Fall is Taariq Allen and likely Daniel Davie, two talented players but redshirts may be in their immediate future. Hard to gauge if this position is in good shape through 2013. Some young players need to step up. It is likely to be a postion of at least modest priority recruiting wise going forward. Also, keep in mind that a 3-WR 2-deep isn't as significant an issue as it was just a few years ago. Will that trend continue with a new staff in place?

TE - Take a look at the 2013 projected depth chart. Not a lot of 2 or 3 TE sets going to come out of that group. Huge recruiting priority going forward. At least we are solid through 2012. Ben Cotton had some great moments blocking last year and I still think he has potential as a receiver. Kyler Reed had huge moments receiving but was an absolute disaster blocking wise. Reed may very well move outside in the adjuster role or some facsimile thereof. The really good news at TE is that we have some very good looking walk-on prospects. Jake Long saw some action last year and has a reputation as an intelligent and hard working prospect with solid tools. He could be legit. Projecting him as #1 TE in 2013 may not be as bad as some might think. Michael McClure has been on the verge of playing time for awhile now but injuries ruined his 2010 campaign. Robert Barry has a chance. Meanwhile, projecting scholie TE J.T. Kerr as the #2 TE in 2013 may be as bad as it looks. David Sutton accepted a grayshirt as probably a TE. Will he be here this fall? My guess is yes, we need to get him in the equation ASAP. Also, incoming Freshman Max Pirman may wind up at TE. Regardless, getting a TE or two in this class is vital. A JUCO may be in the future either this year or next.

Tomorrow, the OL and kicking teams.

Next week, I will bring out the 2012 Recruiting Board with my projections for target numbers by position.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Finished up with the OL and Kicking.

OL - The first order of business is replacing two starters at Guard. There are three obvious candidates: Andrew Rodriguez, Brent Qvale, and Brandon Thompson. That represents a lot of talent but injuries have limited Qvale and Thompson the past couple of years. Need good health and a good spring to clear up this picture. While the attention is on the top 3, who will be #4 on the depth chart? This is wide open. I have slotted walk-on Seung Hoon Choi there, but the smart money might be on an OT moving inside or Ryne Reeves who arrives in the Fall. The thought on Reeves is to play him at guard to prepare him to move to center next spring and challenge for the starting position. In other words, no redshirt? As for this spring, there are not a lot of true guards on the roster other than Nick Ash who has yet to make a move but has an excellent opportunity this spring. In the fall, Ryan Klachko arrives with his tremendous promise and intruiging Givens Mordi Price arrives as well.

At OT, spring news is the Jeremiah Sirles will miss the spring due to injury. That means that Yoshi Hardwick takes center stage at LT. This will be his first spring and hopefully he will be in better shape. The sky is the limit for Yoshi. At RT the good news is we don't have D.J. Jones (he of the perpetual false starts) to kick around anymore. The bad news is, we don't have D.J. Jones to fall back on anymore. RT has been a disaster the past two years and hopefully a healthy Marcel Jones can change that. In the fall, when Sirles gets back, if Jones isn't healthy or productive, a decision to move one of the LTs to RT may be in the cards. A great battle is shaping up for the backup tackle positions. Jess Coffey and Mike Moudy are two talented players perhaps ready to make a move for serious playing time. With Sirles out, their reps should increase meaning this is an important spring for these two players. Jake Cotton moves to OT (somewhere Crabby is smiling), just as everyone predicted would happen. He will likely need some time but could be a factor over time. But the real wild card is the arrival of Tyler Moore (the final of the three HS spring arrivals). Moore is one of the true potential impact players in this latest recruiting class and with a spring arrival, skipping a redshirt year is not out of the question. Arriving this fall is huge Zach Sterup so the depth just keeps getting better.

Center looks better than it has looked in a long time. Caputo is an experienced senior who battled through some tough injuries last year. Cole Pensick took to center very well last year (after moving from DL) and saw some significant playing time. He performed pretty well when called upon. Spencer Long is also coming along nicely and saw some playing time last year. Of course, the future appears to be Ryne Reeves however, there is always the chance that he might stay at guard.

Over all the offensive line shows good potential throughout however, we are still waiting to see how some young players develop. Depth through 2013 looks pretty solid especially when the rest of the OL recruits arrive in the fall. It's obvious Pelini wants to develop a solid OL with depth so look for OL to continue to be a priority recruiting wise.

Kicking - Lots of competition, lots of open jobs. In the spring, Jason Dann, Brett Maher, and Jonathan Damkroger look to get the early jump on the open place kicking, punting, and kick off duties before Mauro Bondi arrives in the fall. To be honest, I have no idea how the duties will be split although I expect Bondi to be in the picture somewhere. I've also heard good things about Jason Dann. It is unusual to have this many kickers who both punt and place kick. Although the experience is lacking here, there is talent. The problem is, the bar has been raised impossibly high by outgoing Alex Henery and Adi Kunalic. Depth thru 2013 looks solid given the youth of the front-runners here. Meanwhile, our two long snappers graduate after 2012 so that position will need to be addressed at some point.

An over all note concerning the depth chart thru 2013. 2013 will be a transition year in a sense because there will be a lot of players graduating after 2012. Pelini's first big class (scholarship players and walk-ons) will be leaving and it will be interesting how that transition happens. This will be a key point for Bo Pelini in his evolution as a Head Coach.

That concludes the position breakdowns. Next week, I will roll out the 2012 Recruiting Board.

Let Spring Practice begin!!!!

[CombatTargeteer]

re WR, Damon Benning was very high yesterday on Ty Kildow. Said he could be the real deal. Very tough, good burst and change of direction.

[HuskerInOkieland]

re WR, Damon Benning was very high yesterday on Ty Kildow. Said he could be the real deal. Very tough, good burst and change of direction.

Good to hear about Kildow, I have been wondering about him. Before his senior year injury, he was a serious candidate to receive a scholie offer.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Some early Spring notes:

In addition to OT Jeremiah Sirles being out for the spring, OT Jess Coffey is out for spring as well. Tough break for Coffey. This really opens things up for Mike Moudy, Tyler Moore, and Jake Cotton.

TE Jay Martin out for the spring and TE Michael McClure calls it a career due to multiple concussions. Too bad about McClure, he had a chance to be a good one.

DE Cameron Meredith and DE Kenny Anderson out for the spring. Meredith being out really opens up the DE position to a host of players to receive reps.

RB Lester Ward moves to TE. This move makes sense however, it does not affect TE depth for 2013 and beyond.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Ty Kildow getting a look at RB.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Added FB Mike Marrow as a transfer for the fall.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Jamal Turner to WR.

My feeling is that this signals that we will definitely be looking at a QB in this class. Perhaps we feel good about where we sit at the position.

Curenski Gilleylen is working with the RBs but I will wait before moving him.

[HuskerInOkieland]

P/PK Jason Dann no longer with the team.