Callahan: Huskers being more selective in recruiting process
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Friday, Apr 28, 2006 - 12:10:06 am CDT
Nebraska has picked up only one verbal commitment for its 2007 football recruiting class, while Texas has 19 such commitments and Kansas State 11. Not to worry, said Husker head coach Bill Callahan, noting that NU is being more selective in the type of athletes it’s recruiting this time around.
The number of prospects committing to Nebraska might pick up soon, as Husker assistants currently are on the road eyeing prospects, with six NU coaches in the talent-rich state of Texas “as we speak,” Callahan said Thursday night during an appearance on the “Sports Nightly” radio program.
Callahan said he plans to hit the recruiting trail in the next few days, mentioning that he plans to spend significant time in Texas, “where they practice practically all year round.”
Nebraska’s lone verbal commitment is from Niles Paul, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound wideout from Omaha North.
On Thursday, however, the Huskers gained center Chad Roark, who told the Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City that he has been released from his scholarship by OU coach Bob Stoops and will transfer to NU for summer school.
Roark, who graduated from Ada (Okla.) High School this past December, spent the spring practicing part-time with the Sooners’ No. 1 offense.
At NU, he’ll join older brother Craig, a redshirt freshman, on the football team, but must sit out the 2006 season and surrender a year of eligibility under Big 12 Conference rules. He will be eligible to play as a sophomore in 2007
While Husker coaches are emphasizing recruiting this month, the players are focusing on final exams. The players will begin their “informal” summer workout program June 5, Callahan said.
Callahan didn’t specifically address recent roster changes, most notably last week’s dismissal of wideout Grant Mulkey, as well as I-back Leon Jackson’s decision earlier this week to leave the squad. The coach did say, “If you’re honest and forthright with players, you’ll never have a problem.”
Callahan added, “Sometimes if players don’t take care of responsibilities, they basically eliminate themselves.”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com