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