They are all in for a whirlwind. I remember my first days at college for football (albeit a small college)...I was homesick as heck and it took me about a year to adjust. So hopefully these guys have a smooth transition.
In the past few seasons it was very important for the recruits to hit the ground running and participating in the seven on sevens conducted by the few veteran players. There were serious opportunities for the youngsters to play early. Things have slowly got back to a more normal situation and this year we see upperclassmen and veteran starters at all positions. This helps the recruits in picking up techniques and the play book. It also takes some pressure off, as they see physically mature and confident players in their way to the top of the food chain. Redshirting most likely for many and a chance to get their feet on the ground.
Bo has said if it were up to him that he wouldn't have freshmen recruits eligible to participate. The same could be said about Osborne in his day as the head coach. There are always some players that have that mental and physical maturity. They have a great grasp of fundamentals and find their way to playing early. Westerkamp may be one of those. It was always a rarity to see many be that player over the decades. It was only out of need that we have seen so many lately. After watching this program since the early sixties I see more of the old system being implemented since Osborne returned to the AD position. Playing no player before he is absolutely ready with all the bugs removed from his game was always a strong suit for Osborne's teams. He built players and that created natural depth for those times that attrition caused gaps. He was never rapped up in the star system but was that teacher that built players to fit the system. Getting the walkon program back is how a Nebraska can overachieve.
Nebraska has come a long way. It is that national brand now that can compete for big time talent, but it has a mature system that has been revived that fills gaps when needed. It creates a situation that brings veteran teams to the championship level on a consistent basis. Veteran teams play well on the road and have fewer letdowns. They avoid trap games and keep on an even keel. In a league such as the Big 10 that is very important with the yearly brutal schedule. It's good to get them here early, but not as imperative as it was the past couple of seasons. There will be those special players that rise early and become an important cog but they are rare.
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Originally Posted by ThotDoc
Lets hope these guys are as hungry for a championship as we fans are.
