Huskers have 30 seniors on the roster this year

[Red Reign]

FYI for recruiting purposes....

Sean Callahan ‏@Sean_CallahanNebraska currently has 24 fifth-year seniors on their roster and 30 seniors overall. You'd be hard pressed to find any team with that many

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[FCHusker]

Hard to decide if that is a good thing or not!

[FeelLikeAStranger]

Important stat that many have overlooked, including me. Heard a snippet on the radio the other day talking about that, and the commentator mentioned teams like Boise State now and NU in the glory days...you can recruit a 5* 18 y.o. guy with all the athleticism and i'll beat him with two 3* men 22 y.o.. All about development and maturity...and continuity. We're not 'back' yet, but we're on the only path that's worked at this institution. Bo is still seeking his breakthrough win, but the attitude and comments coming out of the last few weeks really have caught my attention. This is the first time i've heard some of the attitude of the past being instilled. Wistrom was a great choice for a motivational speaker. Taylor is confident. The seniors are leading. The team is beginning to take full ownership of itself...the realization hitting home that only THEY can control their legacy.

This year may not be 'it', but it could very well be the season that begins a run of sustained success...like '93. This year's schedule is tough, but we have a group of guys like burkhead, cotton, reed, smith, baker, meredith, compton, marlowe...tough, smart football players that were brought here to change a culture. Now is their time. My observation is that those guys are very determined to make a mark. I think, like many fans, they have a taste of the disappointment of the near-misses in their mouths, and that has sharpened their resolve. I see the chip-on-the-shoulder under the pads. Now the mental mistakes, the details and missed assignments, the flubs and drops...these are the things left on the table to overcome and turn 9-4, 10-4 into. 11-3, 12-2. Rubber really meets the road this fall...I hope this Senior class can Rise to the challenge and lead this team to the 'next level'. They have a chance to make a big mark as the class that turned it around by a combo of talent, will, and hard work. Did they do enough? We'll start to see in a month.

[Ultra Red]

FLAS you hit the nails right on their heads. I have been sensing this as well but haven't put it in these words. Great job.

[Red Reign]

YYYYupppp...

Important stat that many have overlooked, including me. Heard a snippet on the radio the other day talking about that, and the commentator mentioned teams like Boise State now and NU in the glory days...you can recruit a 5* 18 y.o. guy with all the athleticism and i'll beat him with two 3* men 22 y.o.. All about development and maturity...and continuity. We're not 'back' yet, but we're on the only path that's worked at this institution. Bo is still seeking his breakthrough win, but the attitude and comments coming out of the last few weeks really have caught my attention. This is the first time i've heard some of the attitude of the past being instilled. Wistrom was a great choice for a motivational speaker. Taylor is confident. The seniors are leading. The team is beginning to take full ownership of itself...the realization hitting home that only THEY can control their legacy.

This year may not be 'it', but it could very well be the season that begins a run of sustained success...like '93. This year's schedule is tough, but we have a group of guys like burkhead, cotton, reed, smith, baker, meredith, compton, marlowe...tough, smart football players that were brought here to change a culture. Now is their time. My observation is that those guys are very determined to make a mark. I think, like many fans, they have a taste of the disappointment of the near-misses in their mouths, and that has sharpened their resolve. I see the chip-on-the-shoulder under the pads. Now the mental mistakes, the details and missed assignments, the flubs and drops...these are the things left on the table to overcome and turn 9-4, 10-4 into. 11-3, 12-2. Rubber really meets the road this fall...I hope this Senior class can Rise to the challenge and lead this team to the 'next level'. They have a chance to make a big mark as the class that turned it around by a combo of talent, will, and hard work. Did they do enough? We'll start to see in a month.

[YUENGLING]

Well written I agree 100 percent.

[HuskerInOkieland]

FYI for recruiting purposes....


.

If you recall, I predicted this a few years back. Pelini RS'd most of his first class (a big class with several good walk-ons). Then the next year, eased up on the RS's a bit. This rolled two classes together. Plus, he took very few JCs his first year. I had said at the time that he needed to take 4 or 5 JUCOs (just that one year) to even up the classes a bit. That would have recycled the schollies for another year (preferably one of our smaller class years) and would have reduced this Senior class by that many.

Keep in mind, I am not criticizing nor stating that he should have done anything differently. I'm just pointing out, as I did back then, that this is the result. We'll just have to live with it as best we can.

[BubbaGene]

Don't we hear this same thing every year at this time? Other than a few more seniors around (most non-starters), what is different?

I'm playing devil's advocate here, FLAS. Your post is a good one.

[HuskerInOkieland]

Don't we hear this same thing every year at this time? Other than a few more seniors around (most non-starters), what is different?

I'm playing devil's advocate here, FLAS. Your post is a good one.

You can only add 25 scholarship guys per year. So if you have too large a class, you are in danger of not being able to fill the 85 schollie limit--which is like putting yourself on probation. We are pretty close to the edge right now (although I think we should be okay) and there are creative ways to skate around the edges of the letter of the rules (for example, taking December grad JUCOs and assigning them to last years class).

Ideally, you would like your classes to be as level as possible because you would prefer to take about the same number recruits with every recruiting class. It is basic math that tells you that if you take 25 guys one year and 15 the next, that the 16th guy you turned away in the small class is theoretically likely to be a better prospect than the 25th guy you took in the big class. Of course, with transfers, players leaving the program, redshirting, walk-ons earning scholarships, JUCOs, and other factors, the ideal is not really possible to ever achieve.

[Red Reign]

Yes I remember that conversation and you nailed it....

Agree....

If you recall, I predicted this a few years back. Pelini RS'd most of his first class (a big class with several good walk-ons). Then the next year, eased up on the RS's a bit. This rolled two classes together. Plus, he took very few JCs his first year. I had said at the time that he needed to take 4 or 5 JUCOs (just that one year) to even up the classes a bit. That would have recycled the schollies for another year (preferably one of our smaller class years) and would have reduced this Senior class by that many.

Keep in mind, I am not criticizing nor stating that he should have done anything differently. I'm just pointing out, as I did back then, that this is the result. We'll just have to live with it as best we can.

[Red Reign]

That..the bold that is...

You can only add 25 scholarship guys per year. So if you have too large a class, you are in danger of not being able to fill the 85 schollie limit--which is like putting yourself on probation. We are pretty close to the edge right now (although I think we should be okay) and there are creative ways to skate around the edges of the letter of the rules (for example, taking December grad JUCOs and assigning them to last years class).

Ideally, you would like your classes to be as level as possible because you would prefer to take about the same number recruits with every recruiting class. It is basic math that tells you that if you take 25 guys one year and 15 the next, that the 16th guy you turned away in the small class is theoretically likely to be a better prospect than the 25th guy you took in the big class. Of course, with transfers, players leaving the program, redshirting, walk-ons earning scholarships, JUCOs, and other factors, the ideal is not really possible to ever achieve.

[BubbaGene]

Actually, my original post was not clear, and I apologize for that, RR, HIO. I was not referring to the math or the raw numbers in regard to seniors. What I meant was the usual preseason sound bite about the teams new "maturity" level and etc. Seems we always hear the team has "matured" or "more senior leaders have emerged" over the offseason. What's really truly different this year (other than there actually might be a few more seniors who may or may not be on-field contributors)?

[Red Reign]

Like FLAS said the feel and tone and I have heard the same thing from a source...and I think Klatchko gone says something in that regard too....

I think these kids are dialed in and invested this year.....it takes awhile sometimes and the coach and the team seem to be on the same page for the very first time in the Pelini era...

Actually, my original post was not clear, and I apologize for that, RR, HIO. I was not referring to the math or the raw numbers in regard to seniors. What I meant was the usual preseason sound bite about the teams new "maturity" level and etc. Seems we always hear the team has "matured" or "more senior leaders have emerged" over the offseason. What's really truly different this year (other than there actually might be a few more seniors who may or may not be on-field contributors)?

[bilsker]

Actually, my original post was not clear, and I apologize for that, RR, HIO. I was not referring to the math or the raw numbers in regard to seniors. What I meant was the usual preseason sound bite about the teams new "maturity" level and etc. Seems we always hear the team has "matured" or "more senior leaders have emerged" over the offseason. What's really truly different this year (other than there actually might be a few more seniors who may or may not be on-field contributors)?

Agree...I mentioned in a thread on the football page that the annual "we're more focused", "summer work-outs were killer!", "much more mature" quotes are what keeps me from reading a lot of articles in the pre-season. It's not unique to pelini's teams or Nebraska. You could go to any article about any program in the country probably and read the same stuff. Not a big deal...but it's rather uninteresting fluff IMO. Bring on the games...THEN we'll see if it all pans out.

[Red Reign]

Guess we will see.....

Agree...I mentioned in a thread on the football page that the annual "we're more focused", "summer work-outs were killer!", "much more mature" quotes are what keeps me from reading a lot of articles in the pre-season. It's not unique to pelini's teams or Nebraska. You could go to any article about any program in the country probably and read the same stuff. Not a big deal...but it's rather uninteresting fluff IMO. Bring on the games...THEN we'll see if it all pans out.

[Husker Mort]

Important stat that many have overlooked, including me. Heard a snippet on the radio the other day talking about that, and the commentator mentioned teams like Boise State now and NU in the glory days...you can recruit a 5* 18 y.o. guy with all the athleticism and i'll beat him with two 3* men 22 y.o.. All about development and maturity...and continuity. We're not 'back' yet, but we're on the only path that's worked at this institution. Bo is still seeking his breakthrough win, but the attitude and comments coming out of the last few weeks really have caught my attention. This is the first time i've heard some of the attitude of the past being instilled. Wistrom was a great choice for a motivational speaker. Taylor is confident. The seniors are leading. The team is beginning to take full ownership of itself...the realization hitting home that only THEY can control their legacy.

This year may not be 'it', but it could very well be the season that begins a run of sustained success...like '93. This year's schedule is tough, but we have a group of guys like burkhead, cotton, reed, smith, baker, meredith, compton, marlowe...tough, smart football players that were brought here to change a culture. Now is their time. My observation is that those guys are very determined to make a mark. I think, like many fans, they have a taste of the disappointment of the near-misses in their mouths, and that has sharpened their resolve. I see the chip-on-the-shoulder under the pads. Now the mental mistakes, the details and missed assignments, the flubs and drops...these are the things left on the table to overcome and turn 9-4, 10-4 into. 11-3, 12-2. Rubber really meets the road this fall...I hope this Senior class can Rise to the challenge and lead this team to the 'next level'. They have a chance to make a big mark as the class that turned it around by a combo of talent, will, and hard work. Did they do enough? We'll start to see in a month.

Great post, FLAS.

[Greatest Fan of All]

Hard to decide if that is a good thing or not!

1997 = 26
1995 = 24
1994 = 27
1993 = 29

2002 = 32
2007 = 30
2011 = 21

Good point...I guess it depends what they bring to the table.

[Husker X]

Important stat that many have overlooked, including me. Heard a snippet on the radio the other day talking about that, and the commentator mentioned teams like Boise State now and NU in the glory days...you can recruit a 5* 18 y.o. guy with all the athleticism and i'll beat him with two 3* men 22 y.o.. All about development and maturity...and continuity. We're not 'back' yet, but we're on the only path that's worked at this institution. Bo is still seeking his breakthrough win, but the attitude and comments coming out of the last few weeks really have caught my attention. This is the first time i've heard some of the attitude of the past being instilled. Wistrom was a great choice for a motivational speaker. Taylor is confident. The seniors are leading. The team is beginning to take full ownership of itself...the realization hitting home that only THEY can control their legacy.

This year may not be 'it', but it could very well be the season that begins a run of sustained success...like '93. This year's schedule is tough, but we have a group of guys like burkhead, cotton, reed, smith, baker, meredith, compton, marlowe...tough, smart football players that were brought here to change a culture. Now is their time. My observation is that those guys are very determined to make a mark. I think, like many fans, they have a taste of the disappointment of the near-misses in their mouths, and that has sharpened their resolve. I see the chip-on-the-shoulder under the pads. Now the mental mistakes, the details and missed assignments, the flubs and drops...these are the things left on the table to overcome and turn 9-4, 10-4 into. 11-3, 12-2. Rubber really meets the road this fall...I hope this Senior class can Rise to the challenge and lead this team to the 'next level'. They have a chance to make a big mark as the class that turned it around by a combo of talent, will, and hard work. Did they do enough? We'll start to see in a month.

Great points FLAS, and I am hopeful too this is good sign.

[Pop Corn]

Great points FLAS, and I am hopeful too this is good sign.

Me too!

[BigRedTradition]

Important stat that many have overlooked, including me. Heard a snippet on the radio the other day talking about that, and the commentator mentioned teams like Boise State now and NU in the glory days...you can recruit a 5* 18 y.o. guy with all the athleticism and i'll beat him with two 3* men 22 y.o.. All about development and maturity...and continuity. We're not 'back' yet, but we're on the only path that's worked at this institution. Bo is still seeking his breakthrough win, but the attitude and comments coming out of the last few weeks really have caught my attention. This is the first time i've heard some of the attitude of the past being instilled. Wistrom was a great choice for a motivational speaker. Taylor is confident. The seniors are leading. The team is beginning to take full ownership of itself...the realization hitting home that only THEY can control their legacy.

This year may not be 'it', but it could very well be the season that begins a run of sustained success...like '93. This year's schedule is tough, but we have a group of guys like burkhead, cotton, reed, smith, baker, meredith, compton, marlowe...tough, smart football players that were brought here to change a culture. Now is their time. My observation is that those guys are very determined to make a mark. I think, like many fans, they have a taste of the disappointment of the near-misses in their mouths, and that has sharpened their resolve. I see the chip-on-the-shoulder under the pads. Now the mental mistakes, the details and missed assignments, the flubs and drops...these are the things left on the table to overcome and turn 9-4, 10-4 into. 11-3, 12-2. Rubber really meets the road this fall...I hope this Senior class can Rise to the challenge and lead this team to the 'next level'. They have a chance to make a big mark as the class that turned it around by a combo of talent, will, and hard work. Did they do enough? We'll start to see in a month.

Great post...I've been thinking the same thing.