Huskers 411

10 comments so far July 7, 2010 by Brandon Vogel

It feels unending, doesn't it? The waiting. The magazines and the video games offer some July relief--and I've personally endorsed both at various times over the years--until what actually could be a fascinating Big 12 Media Days arrives at the end of the month. Then we're into fall camp and then we're into paying $40 to watch the season opener. Just sit back, sweat through the hottest days of the year and it'll be here before you know it.

Or better yet, sit back, sweat through the hottest days of the year and read an actual book. That's what I decided to do over the holiday weekend and I found the story of the wait for Bob Devaney to be just the antidote.

I'm a bit of a sports book nerd. Always have been. I have grand visions of a vast sports book library which means that when I see old sports books, I buy them. Doesn't really matter what they're about. Take Devaney: A Dynasty Remembered. This is a collection of columns and stories from the World-Herald, AP and UPI about Bob Devaney. I never intended to actually read it. In fact, I doubt anyone involved with the book thought it would be read cover to cover. It was designed to sell copies based on who was on the cover. I'm okay with that. "Reference," I told myself.

But that's the thing about the waiting. You'll do crazy things. Realizing that I knew the skeleton of Devaney's Michigan State-Wyoming-Nebraska journey but had never actually looked any deeper than that, I started with the first column in the book and read up until Devaney finally, mercifully, arrived at NU.

College football has changed a lot in 40 years. Nebraska's courtship of Devaney took over a month due to the fact that Wyoming, who had the coach on contract for 4 more years, held his fate entirely in their hands. If their trustees decided he needed to honor the contract--and why they didn't after he won four straight conference titles for the 'Pokes is still a mystery to me at this point--then he stayed in Laramie. Simple as that.

Some interesting parallels in the daily news cycle back then to what we've seen in recent years surrounding Nebraska, so allow me to offer a timeline of the wait that built modern day Nebraska football.

1.3.62 - Filing for the OWH from the Rose Bowl, Gregg McBride offers this gem from one of the press members in attendance: "The Cornhuskers have missed the boat since before World War II, and I suppose they are going to make their usual blunder." But the hot tip McBride uncovers from sources close to Wyoming is that Devaney is going to be announced as the new Husker coach in three days time.

1.4.62 - News of Devaney's reported desire to leave Wyoming for Nebraska spurs what the OWH calls a "showdown" in Laramie with the Cowboys AD Glenn Jacoby waiting for Devaney to return from the Sugar Bowl. "The thing to do is find out if there's to be any vacancy," said Jacoby. Seems like a good place to start.

1.5.62 - The World-Herald now reports that Devaney will accept the NU job pending release by Wyoming officials. The paper also reports that Tipper Dye, Nebraska's new AD and the man charged with wooing Devaney, will receive a salary of $17,000. Devaney's reported salary at Wyoming? $16,000.

1.6.62 - The New York Times reports that Devaney has officially asked for his release. Clifford P. Hansen, chairman of the Wyoming trustees, says that the board will be polled via telegraph with the results of the polling possibly coming tomorrow. Feeling familiar yet?

Meanwhile, the World-Herald, citing the coveted "well-informed" source, says the informal poll revealed that Devaney would get his release and come to NU. Asked if he was still interested in the position, Devaney said "Oh, yes, I'm still interested."

1.7.62 - This is the day according to the papers. "Devaney's Release to Accept Post Expected Today" read the headline in Omaha. Or not. Wyoming says a formal announcement might not come until February but an "unofficial understanding might be reached." Devaney's still interested, of course, because "Nebraska has greater potential." He's being strikingly honest for a guy who ultimately doesn't get to choose.

1.8.62 - Okay, today we're still waiting on that telegraph poll but it should be complete before the sun sets a spokesperson says. Wyoming's AD mentions that he's already searching for Devaney's successor. One potential candidate is said to be Italo Caccia. Believe it or not, he doesn't coach a Serie A team in Italy, he coaches the Idaho State Bengals.

1.9.62 - Devaney takes the train to Omaha then arrives in Lincoln via car. He still can't officially be the coach--damn telegraphs--but he thought it would be nice to meet with the players anyway.

1.10.62 - Coach Devaney arrives in Lincoln and quickly announces that the school that he cannot yet officially coach needs a bigger fieldhouse. Facilities questions aside, he describes the team he cannot yet coach as "enthusiastic, interested, polite and a fine group of boys." Back in Wyoming, some trustees are raising serious objections to the move, one of whom, who declined to be named, said he was sure Devaney would get his release after they "made him sweat a little bit."

From here, nothing but sweating occurs until February.

2.2.62 - The Nebraska Board of Regents announces a 5 p.m. meeting to officially name Devaney the new coach at Nebraska pending official word from the west. Wyoming, still with the sweating, waits until 10 p.m. to officially announce the release. They do so over the p.a. system at their fieldhouse that's better than Nebraska's following the conclusion of the Utah-Wyoming basketball game. Let's just say that they're less than thrilled with negotiations Dye and Devaney engaged in while the coach was still under contract at Wyoming. The Nebraska Board of Regents, of course, convened, twiddled their thumbs, and adjourned without hearing from UW.

2.4.62 - Wally Provost of the OWH officially ushers in the Coach Devaney era at Nebraska with a question from Dr. K.F. Wirt of York, Neb. Dr. York, while impressed with Devaney's 35-10-5 record at Wyoming, wants to know who he has beaten. This seems like an odd concern to me considering that Nebraska won less than 40 percent of their games over the previous ten years, ranking as one of the worst programs in college football. Welcome to Nebraska.

All told, it was 32 days from first mention of Devaney to eventual signing. Along the way, we had telegraph polls (sort of the Twitter of the day), team meetings, sources close to the situation, train trips, admonishment of tampering, rumors and the beginning of a new era for Nebraska football. It's amazing that it all happened without Chip Brown.

Postscript: Wyoming went on to hire Lloyd Eaton who coached the defensive backs under Devaney and knew the coach since their days at Alma College in Michigan. Italo Caccia went on to finish his career as a coach and administrator not at Fiorentina but at Idaho State. Here's how Devaney did:

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10 comments so far nu-isu-fan Jul 07 10

I don’t know if that counts as an ‘actual book’, but I commend you for it. It’s better than what I’ve been doing to pass the time.

- I’ve watched the 2009 games I hadn’t deleted (KSU, CU, UT, Holiday Bowl). OK, I’ve actually watched those more than a couple times. I don’t know why I deleted the others. I think I was frustrated in our O at the time and figured I wouldn’t want to watch them again. Lesson learned.

- I’ve watched old Big Ten games on BTN and wondered if, when NU joins, they’ll televise our classic games of old. I doubt they will, but I hope they do.

- Then I resorted to watching 2009 games they have on CBS Sports. I watched UNLV and Oregon State last night. I thought that might scratch the itch. It didn’t.

Now I’m contemplating a walk on attempt. I still have eligibility. Though I question the chances I’d have at 5’9”, 155 pounds, a bum knee, age 43. Maybe I should follow your lead and read a book.

Brandon Jul 07 10

Did it have a cover, spine and retail for $24.95? Yes on all fronts, therefore book.

In all honesty, you're right, it barely qualifies.

A real college football book I can recommend? "Saturday's America" by Dan Jenkins. While nothing more than a collection of Jenkins work for SI it still as good as college football writing gets. It's out of print but well worth tracking down a copy online.

Finally, can BRN have an "exclusive" on your experience walking on? I'm thinking a multi-part, multimedia series, sort of a "Paper Lion" for the Internet age.

darren Jul 07 10

"The waiting...is the hardest part..."

NU-ISU - just like you I have resorted to watching ANY football on TV to try and get my fix. I watch any game the B10 Channel puts on. I watched Houston-Tulsa and Houston-UCF on CSTV.

My wife just rolls her eyes at me. And I just say, "Honey, it's football. Isn't that better than network re-runs?"

I need to start reading some books, too. Thanks for the recommendation, Brandon.

HuskerFaithful1 Jul 07 10

Hey..at least you get to watch some football right now. I have the hardest time pulling the remote from my wife's hands and am tortured with reruns of Dog the Bounty Hunter. I'd rather watch reruns of High School football from schools I never heard of before than that. I feel like a crack junky... Thank God for the internet at work. I catch some football there.

nu-isu-fan Jul 07 10

I'd love to give BRN the exclusive, though I reserve my rights for a TV deal down the road. Maybe they'll put it on the BTN.

Seriously, I'll bet "Devaney: A Dynasty Remembered" has a lot of goodies in it. I'd love some insight into the Devaney era - good years, bad years, turning points, etc. Any inspiration you get from those articles and share with the rest of us will help ease the pain of the off season.

Finally, please don't tell me how Houston-Tulsa ends up. I've recorded that one too.

Haley Jul 07 10

Another book I'd recommend is Sport's Illustrated's 'The College Football Book'. Or Forever Red. Both books are great.

Ryan Jul 07 10

All the talk of classic games made me check what's on ESPN Classic...the CU-Mizzou "fifth down" game from 1990. Only NC for the Boofs tainted by a horrible officiating error.

Greg Morrow Jul 07 10

I think the video was made by the same "DT," who posts comments on this brn. Great work!

I actually have the book, too, which I got for Christmas from my folks, some years back.
And, uh, I got about 10 pages into it. Gotta finish it. Time to grind it out. I never actually finished Osborne's "Faith in the game," either. Gotta get to that, too.
Did read "On solid ground," though. "More than winning" too, of course.

I KNEW Devaney left for the extra money! An extra "k" could've furnished half the house!
Gracious, in a grudging way, of Wyoming to give him up. More "genteel" times back then, in some ways.

bnahusker Jul 08 10

If you don't mind shedding a tear or two, read "One Final Pass". Brook Berringer's story.

NUBig10Fan Jul 08 10

Brandon - I love the Chip Brown reference. I laughed long and hard at that one.

bnahusker - I agree with you on "One Final Pass". It has been some time since I have read it, but will have to pick it out of the collection and read it again. He is still my favorite Husker and still wonder how things would have been if he hadn't been called to better things so early.

GBR, we are one day closer to kickoff!

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<a href="http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2010/07/dont_mess_with_texas_nebraska_1.htmltag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2010/07/dont_mess_with_texas_nebraska_1.htmlThu, 08 Jul 2010 23:12:31 GMT 00:00">Don't Mess with Texas? Nebraska Will Take its Chances

IRVING, Texas — Perhaps the Nebraska contingent did not receive as many pats on the back Monday as it might have during past Big 12 Conference football previews. But any animosity from league brethren over the Cornhuskers' decision to leave the Big 12 next summer for the Big Ten was conspicuously absent.

<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/sports2006/ci_15609112tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.denverpost.com/sports2006/ci_15609112Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:10:06 GMT 00:00">Cornhuskers not seeing hostility from Big 12 — yet

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Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement

<a href="http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2010/07/25/from_the_land_o.html?cxntfid=blogs_bevo_beattag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2010/07/25/from_the_land_o.html?cxntfid=blogs_bevo_beatSun, 25 Jul 2010 14:51:38 GMT 00:00">From the land of the corn: 'It's personal'

Barbecue open Friday night.

There are several former University of Nebraska football players who have perpetual spots on the list of celebrities in the annual Adrian Fiala Husker Heritage Golf Tournament at Wild Horse Golf Club.

Larry Jacobson, Bill Janssen, Bill Kosch, Dave Morock and Steve Runty are just a few who come back year after year for the charity event.

They’ll join many other former NU players in Gothenburg again on Saturday for the ninth annual fund raiser for the TeamMates mentoring program.

Organizer Adrian Fiala, former color commentator and Cornhusker football historian, said once they come to Wild Horse, Husker players are hooked.

But there’s always someone new who joins the ranks of Huskers to team with four other players in the scramble.

Fiala has added Outland Trophy winner and Nebraska Football Hall of Famer Eric Weigert to the list this year and has a couple of other big names hoping to make the trip.

At least 20 former players, coaches or staff members will golf on Saturday and many will be on hand Friday night as well for a free-will donation pork barbecue beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the club house.

Fiala said Friday’s social event is an opportunity for people to meet the former Huskers, hear them retell their stories and get autographs.

“It’s very informal,” Fiala said. “It’s a great time for people to come hobnob with us.”

The Nebraska Pork Producers, Frito-Lay and Peterson’s Supermarket sponsor the barbecue with all proceeds going to the local chapter of TeamMates.

Golf begins Saturday with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. and concludes with a banquet at the club house catered by Whiskey Creek.

Proceeds from the tournament also benefit the TeamMates organization.

TeamMates is a school-based one-to-one mentoring program that identifies youth who could use a caring adult in their lives.

Former coach and current athletic director Tom Osborne founded the program with his wife Nancy in 1991.

For more information, contact Wild Horse Golf Club at 537-7700.

<a href="http://www.gothenburgtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1532:wild-horse-to-host-ninth-annual-husker-benefit&catid=2:sports&Itemid=3tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.gothenburgtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content">Wild Horse to host ninth annual Husker benefit

Wauneta man injured in utility vehicle accident

Kent Doetker of Wauneta was life-flighted to Kearney on the evening of Monday, July 19, following a utility vehicle accident. The accident happened in a pasture south of Wauneta on land owned by Doetker. First responders were called to the scene at 7:55 p.m. MT. According to his son, Doetker was in an induced coma as of Tuesday, July 20.

Frenchman Valley Baptist VBS is July 26-30

The Frenchman Valley Baptist Church in Wauneta is hosting Vacation Bible School next week. VBS will be held in the mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. MT beginning on Monday, July 26, through Friday, July 30. The mornings’ activities will include Bible teaching, games and recreation. Refreshments will be served. Children prekindergarten thru sixth grade are invited to attend.

Wauneta UMC Bible School set for July 26-29

Wauneta United Methodist Church will be the headquarters for Bible School learning and fun next week when volunteers host “Hero Headquarters” Vacation Bible School. VBS activities will be held daily from 3:30 to 6 p.m. MT, Monday thru Thursday, July 26 -29, for youngsters ages 4 thru sixth grade.

For more information contact Dawn Doetker, coordinator of this year’s UMC VBS.

Digital photo contest deadline a week away

Calling all camera buffs — the deadline for the Wauneta Harvest Festival Digital Photo Contest sponsored by Champa Group is coming up at midnight on Thursday, July 29.

This year “tractors” will be the featured subject. Photos can also be submitted in the “general” category. To submit your digital image for the contest go online to http://gallery.champgroup.com/main.php to upload your photos.

Contest entries will be on display at the Champ Group office, downtown Wauneta, on Saturday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During this time those visiting the exhibit can vote for their favorite photos.

Winners will be announced at the Harvest Fest barbecue.

Breeze captures two national press awards

The National Newspaper Association announced last week that staff members at the Wauneta Breeze have capture two national newspaper awards in the NNA’s Better Newspaper Contest.

Competing in the non-daily division of newspapers with circulation of up to 3,000, former Breeze staffer David Vrbas, now of Lincoln, garnered a second place award in the category of Best Humorous Column. Vrbas received the recognition for a column titled “An intrusion of nature” in which he detailed his family’s encounter with a squirrel in their house.

The Breeze also took third place in Best Photo Essay for photos and page design by Vrbas and Tina Kitt in the paper’s coverage of Wauneta’s 2009 Harvest Festival.

Vrbas received an honorable mention in Best Sports Feature Story for his profile of Wauneta’s walk-on Husker football players.

Don’t forgot your Breeze vacation issue

Summer vacation season is in full swing and those on the go are reminded to tuck a copy of the Breeze in their suitcase so they can snap a vacation issue photo.

Once a year the Breeze includes photos of our readers as they travel the globe with the Wauneta Breeze. So snap your vacation issue with the Breeze — or if you forget your newspaper just print off a page from our web site at waunetabreeze.com to include that page in the photo.

Vacation issues can be mailed to the Breeze at P.O. Box 337, Wauneta, NE 69045, emailed to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or dropped off at the Breeze office. Be sure to include a list of names of those in the photo as well as information about where your vacation issue photo was taken.

<a href="http://www.waunetanebraska.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2042:this-weeks-briefs-uv-accident-injury-bible-school-at-united-methodist-and-baptist-churches-digital-photo-contest-deadline-breeze-captures-national-awards-&catid=25:local-news&Itemid=34tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.waunetanebraska.com/index.php?option=com_content">THIS WEEK'S BRIEFS: UV accident injury; Bible School at United Methodist and ...

18 comments so far July 23, 2010 by Darren K. Carlson

About a week ago, I ran my usual off season talent test on the Husker roster, a simple exercise I call "Five Great Players." The results looked positive. Yesterday, the Big 12 media members more or less affirmed that audit of the Husker personnel, by naming four NU players to their preseason all-conference squad. Husker fans can be optimistic for 2010 knowing that there are pieces in place for a possible conference title run. But, getting over the hump will take more than a handful of stars. It takes contributors. Football is the ultimate team game. So, who are the "next 5" for NU? Or, put differently, which players are primed to emerge or breakout for the 2010 season? Selecting this group is a much riskier proposition, but at least candidates abound for the Huskers.

An Inexact Science
It is one thing to rattle off the names of the five best players on the Husker roster and try to project them relative to the conference competition. It is something else entirely to identify the players that may breakout. It's like picking stocks - see the potential, look hard for results, and hope you get more right than wrong. In an article for last year's Cornhusker Kickoff magazine, I wrote on this subject with mixed results. The players I urged fans to watch for a breakout in 2009 included some hits (Prince Amukamara, Jared Crick), some "pushes" (Keith Williams, Will Compton) and a miss (Antonio Bell).

This process is very subjective as well. Everyone has a favorite. I asked our BRN staff, our site's facebook followers, and several of my friends and all got different answers. It is the debate that makes it fun, right? So, here is a list of players that may be primed to breakout for NU in 2010. Is it perfect? Doubtful. Do you agree or disagree? Sound off with your favorites in the comments section.

Pierre Allen
In 2009, it was pretty easy to lose track of Allen amongst all of the SUUUUUUUH cheers and amid Crick's all-conference sophomore campaign. But, the reality is that Allen had a very productive junior season (51 tackles, 5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss). He has the physical makeup of an NFL player, going 6'5'' and 265 pounds and the athleticism that made him a spectacular basketball player in high school (he actually broke up five passes last year). If there was a prototype for a player about to make "the leap" in his senior season, it is Allen.

Baker Steinkuhler
Allen's defensive line mate also appears primed to produce in 2010. Steinkuhler's physical ability and famous Husker bloodlines are enough to garner national media attention already. Beyond the name and the 5-star recruit hype, Steinkuhler showed signs of progress last year while playing in 13 games as just a redshirt freshman. Collecting 17 total tackles doesn't exactly turn heads. But, Steinkuhler will benefit this year the way Crick did last year. A line mate drawing double teams is a gift wrapped opportunity (no, an obligation!) to make plays. Nebraska's chances up front may not hinge so much on Crick being the next Suh as much as Steinkuhler developing in to the next Crick.

DeJon Gomes
Nebraska is deep and talented in the defensive backfield. Even though NU coaches say they would build their defense around the Husker "peso" back Eric Hagg and starting corner back Alfonzo Dennard is a physical freak who will benefit from opportunities by playing opposite of Amukamara, Gomes gets the nod here because he is a proven play maker. Even without playing much in NU's first four games in 2009, Gomes still accounted for 26 tackles and four interceptions in 2009. He made enormous plays against Missouri, Kansas and Texas last year. He is also versatile enough to play nearly anywhere in the Nebraska defensive backfield.

Rex Burkhead
Seldom do you see a fan base this excited about a returning rusher who accounted for 346 yards and three touchdowns. But, everybody who saw Rex Burkhead play last year knows he has the goods. He was shelved for a big stretch of the season with a foot injury. And, he played his best ball late in the year, with strong performances against Colorado and in the Holiday Bowl. It left fans craving more. Burkhead will no doubt split time with returning starter Roy Helu and face competition from Dontrayevous Robinson for carries. But, reports out of conditioning and summer drills say that Burkhead is rounding in to the type of player that NU coaches and fans expected to see - a breakout star.

Brandon Kinnie
Kinnie is another player whose physical talent outstrips his production from 2009. Catching 15 passes for 141 yards doesn't scream "breakout", but Kinnie sure passes the eyeball test. At 6'3'' and 220 pounds, he's certainly on the all bus team (players that look good getting off of the bus). Beyond that, the explanation is that Kinnie started slowly having arrived on campus from junior college. The lion's share of his production came during the last half of the season, and it became more and more obvious that this kid can make plays. He was one of the few NU offensive players able to shake free of the rigid Texas defense. At the time of his 16 yard grab in the Big 12 title game, I was compelled to stand up and shout "will somebody please get that guy the ball!" Want another affirmation of Kinnie's ability to breakout in 2010? His teammates - particularly Niles Paul - always tout Kinnie's work ethic and ability when they are asked about players ready to emerge. That should be music to Husker fans' ears.

There are still dozens of questions about this year's Husker squad. What will happen at quarterback? Which of the 10 offensive linemen on the NU 2 deep roster will emerge? What is going on at linebacker? Who will play safety? And for each of those questions there is likely an answer or two that involves naming a breakout candidate (Taylor Martinez...Ricky Henry, Jermarcus Hardrick ... Compton, Fisher, Martin...Smith, Thenarse...etc). So, what Husker players do you think will emerge in 2010? The answers could tell the story of the season.

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18 comments so far HuskerT Jul 23 10

These are 5 really good breakout picks. In addition I would throw Eric Martin in the mix. And if he is as electrifying as everyone is saying, I hope we can get the ball in Taylor Martinez's hands.

One other person that I am excited to see is Ben Cotton. I think he will make some big grabs for us considering McNeil's apparent move.

AustinHusker Jul 23 10

It is interesting how little has been said and written about the LBs.

Almost makes you think we are missing something given several of them came in with much fan fair.

Mike Jul 23 10

I like the looks of this "5" and I REALLY like Burkhead!!! When I saw him I felt this kid was gonna turn heads! GBR! I really hope "Green" will turn bigtime "Red"!!!!

Kirk Jul 23 10

Good news, this is probably the first year we are so deep, that picking just 5 guys who will really stand out is pretty hard to do. I can agree with your 5. I would also include Cam Meredith, Sirles, Qvale, Cassidy, and Fisher (based on what was said about his progress in the spring). Again, we're pretty stacked, IMHO, so I would include Ankrah, Justin Jackson, Whaley, and Blue (felt bad for the kid with his injuries and I hope he has a great year).

Brian William Barnes Jul 23 10

Very good list. Kudos to calling Crick last year BTW.

LaVonte David - If Gomes can come in from Juco and have a season like he did last year under Brothers Pelini I dont see why this guy cant fill Dillard's shoes in the middle of the D.

Thadues Randall - This guy was picked as a 1st team defender ahead of 4 star Texas recruit Ashton Dorsey who garnered honorable mention accolades by Texas media his Sr. in High School. Coaches have spoke of him a number of times as a "player" we will see.

Jason Ankrah - He was ready to play last year but took the valued redshirt. If Allen or Cameron Meredith dont break out look for the young Mr. Anrah to get a lot of playing time. The former 4 star DE out of Maryland could be poised to be a playmaker in the Nebraska defense for the next few years.

My guess is that sooner or later these 3 will "break out" for the Cornhuskers. My guess is this year or next for this triplet.

Jeff_Georgia Jul 23 10

I agree with HuskerT - if Martin has gotten his head around the defensive scheme, he could have a monster season 'cause he sure has the skills, and the desire to take someone's head off on every play. A spectator's dream.

As for Burkhead, the kid is just an old fashioned football player. I think you could put him in any number of positions on the field and he would shine: RB, wildcat, split end, safety, or LB (think Cody Grimm). Heck, you might even be able to teach him to be a corner. Great attitude, work ethic, the whole package.

Kinnie - I think he could be better than Paul (and I think Paul will have a dynamite season in '10). If he ever learns to block like Paul, you might have an All-American. Once he is comfortable with the offense and assuming QB play is anything better than average, watch out!

If Lee (or Green or whomever) can get his passing game together combined with the ability of Paul, Kinnie, and McNeil (not to mention the up and comers), the Huskers could have as potent a passing attack as you could ever want to have. Watch out Big 12(10)(Texas and The Butt Boys)!

I can't wait for the season to start!

BIGREDBADDAD Jul 23 10

I don't "get" the hype on Rex Burkhead. Don't get me wrong I like Rex, great change up to Helu, but he doesn't seem to have the big play, breakaway, change the game moves that Roy has.

Dwayne Jul 23 10

BigRed,
Among a list of things, the one which stands out with Burkhead, is that he has the intangibles that aren't taught. The "thing" that Marlon Lucky never had. He's not a liability. In other words, his coaches know what they're going to get as far as a minimum day in and day out. Very dependable player.

TexasHusker Jul 23 10

I think this year you'll see why they call him Rex Burkhead "Superman." Burkhead runs decisively, finds the hole and hits it, and he runs TOUGH. He may not take every carry to the house, but he always seems good for positive yardage, he eats up the field in chunks, makes great cuts, and it generally takes three guys to bring him down.

Roy Helu runs like a cheetah. He just blazes past, around or over you.

Can't wait to see what Tray Robinson does this year. They say he's looking like the Incredible Hulk.

Nater Jul 23 10

I saw Trey after the Spring game, and Hulk describes him well.

Dotbo Jul 23 10

I think Eric Hagg is going to go all Troy Polamalu on opponents.

The guy can do it all. Rush the passer for sacks, intercept, take down RBs, everything a LB does and more.

Eric Hagg, people. Making plays.

darren Jul 23 10

BIGREDBADDAD - I understand your concern about Burkhead. He doesn't "flash" big play potential the way some athlete do. He's not going to go 65 yards untouched. Big plays matter. They can gut an opponent.

But, just because there isn't sizzle doesn't mean it isn't a steak.

Watch the way Burkhead gets to-in-and-through the hole when he runs. See how he falls forward to turn 6 yards in to 8. Watch the way he catches a screen pass and goes immediately up the field. He does so many things and he does them very well.

It won't be gorgeous, but he can get 85 rush yards, add 50 more on catches and score the ball. In a word, effective.

darren Jul 23 10

Dotbo - you don't have to sell me on Eric Hagg. I am buying. If Marvin Sanders says he's great, that is good enough for me.

I put Gomes in this list first b/c of the production and plays from 2009. We've *seen* Gomes do it.

The comparison to Polamalu has my head spinning. That would be something. WHOO!

Can the season get here soon enough??

Grant Jul 23 10

We better hope PJ Smith has a break out year. NU lost a lot up the middle in Suh, Dillard, Asante, and O'Hanlon. Maybe Gomes fills one spot, but PJ or Thenarse better get the rest. I'm pulling for Thenarse just b/c I think he deserves to succeed, but PJ Smith has always received high marks from coaches and players. I also agree w/ Brian Barnes in his post RE: Meredith.

Palmer Jul 23 10

I just can not wait for the season to start. I think we've really got something awesome waiting in the wind. That Beat Texas video really got Texans stirred up. I just want to remind them that Bo is going to have these players focus on the game at hand. Not just Texas! I predict Neb. goes undefeated with a 42-17 victory over texas.

Troy Jul 23 10

I'd like the list a lot more if Gomes and Burkhead hadn't already broken out last year, and another player wasn't a returning 2 year starter (Allen). Way to go out on a limb there...

Dwayne Jul 23 10

I can't help but watch Baker develop and compare what he might/will do to what Suh did last season.
Baker wass a 5 star recruit and Suh was a 4 star recruit. I will be very interested in that comparison alone and what potential he has in his tank.

Randy Jul 23 10

What about Ricky Henry, I saw him in the Holiday Bowl just destroy Arizona linemen, he was very underrated. I think the whole O line is going to be good or Cotton is gone. Cotton needs to produce.

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<a href="http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2010/07/five_candidates_for_a_breakout.htmltag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2010/07/five_candidates_for_a_breakout.htmlFri, 23 Jul 2010 09:25:31 GMT 00:00">Five Candidates for a Breakout Season in 2010