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The final word
***USC will practice on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Omaha Westside High School before arriving to Lincoln for a 3:30 p.m. walk-thru.
***This shouldn't come as a surprise, but I expect to see some trick plays on Saturday. NU has yet to show any kind of reverses in 2007, so I expect to see some new twists to the Husker offense on Saturday.
***Boy, I just starting subscribing to the Sports News Magazine and let me tell you, they aren't very positive towards Nebraska. Last week they picked Wake to upset Nebraska…the only publication I saw to do so. This week they picked USC over Nebraska and they also ripped Sam Keller and his throwing style. They said Keller has reverted back to his old "bad habits" of rushing his throws and using bad mechanics.
***I won't touch the injury stuff right now in Tunnel Talk, but bear with me and I will give you something on it before kickoff from the sidelines.
***Right now the goal is to redshirt Prince Amukamara and Austin Stafford.
***Marlon Lucky will be featured on ESPN's College GameDay show.
***I'm hearing more and more people tell me that Lance Brandenburgh and Phillip Dillard are closing the gap on Bo Ruud and Corey McKeon. Ruud and McKeon need big games on Saturday.
Basketball recruiting talk
A little basketball recruiting to start off with on this big recruiting weekend, as the hoops staff also looks to take advantage of the gig game atmosphere. Coach Doc Sadler is working hard to find someone to give him some size, skill and presence in the middle when Aleks Maric leaves.
Orlando Allen visited NU a couple weeks ago, and Colton Iverson and Garrett Stutz will be in town this weekend. Both Iverson and Stutz are bringing parents and family members with them and will be attending the USC game. Allen and Iverson should be deciding soon, but Stutz will probably be visiting 5-10 more schools combined unofficially and officially before committing anywhere.
The Husker staff tried last year to recruit another player from Allen's Paris JC, but Ramon Clemente signed with Wichita St. instead. And former-Husker guard Mike Smith just transferred there.
Iverson just had a fantastic official to Minnesota and the Gophers might be the team to beat for him now. The Iverson family will be in Lincoln from Friday through Sunday, so all of the excitement and buzz surrounding this football weekend could pay dividends for Nebraska.
Stutz has a lot of quality tenders to choose from, but he told me that Marquette, Kentucky and Kansas are real close to offering him. If that happens, it's doubtful that Doc would beat out his two friends and mentors Bill Self and Billy Gillispie for this fast-rising recruit. Stutz also told me he's a "big coach K fan", but he's heard nothing from Duke.
One thing that NU has going for them is that when asked what they like about Nebraska each mentioned the relationships they've developed with the Husker coaches.
Scheelhaase has plenty of connections
Missouri athlete Nathan Scheelhaase will be one of the top recruits for 2009 in the border-states surrounding Nebraska and he has connections to several of the schools recruiting him.
In the update he told me about one of them: "Yep, I just got back from Iowa's game with Syracuse. It went real well, I had fun. I got to go down on the field and meet recruits from various areas. A good friend of mine, Blaine Dalton, was down there on the field, so it was good to see him as well."
It wasn't in the update, but he told me about a lot more of them: "At Iowa, I also knew Steven Staggs who I met at Nebraska's camp and a camp in Kansas City. At Missouri, Tony Temple is my friend Drew's brother. Tony's his older brother, and Drew is our running back. There are two kids that went to Stanford, Jerome Jackson and Derek Hall, that I know. At Kansas, there's Phillip Strozier.
"At Nebraska, there's David Belfonte on the baseball team that I know, and also Blake Lawrence on the football team who's from Shawnee Mission West. I just talked to him and I told him they had a good win at Wake Forest and I'd see him next week. I used to go watch Blake play when we were little. I've known him since the second grade."
He also has a connection to a former-Husker assistant coach.
"I would say UCLA is new in contacting me. My dad talked to coach (Jay) Norvell because my dad played with him at Iowa. Coach Norvell wants to get me up to a game, but I don't know if I'll be able to make it all the way out to UCLA."
More from Canyon Springs
When I spoke with Canyon Springs coach Matt Jenkins this week, he said that there's a real battle for best receiver on his team. After a couple games, DeVonte Christopher is leading the state of Nevada in passing, but his most productive target hasn't been Raevon Samuel. It's been 6-foot-4, 205-pound teammate Juron Criner. Through two games, Criner has totaled 13 receptions for 320 yards (24.6 ypc) and four touchdowns, and he's done all that with a severely bruised right shoulder.
Criner has offers from Utah, UNLV, Wyoming and Nevada, with Washington set to pull the trigger any day. He has really come into his own as a senior and will only get better according to coach Jenkins.
Coach Jenkins said of Criner: "Juron's leading the state in receiving. In the past he's just lacked the top end speed that most are looking for. He's run in the high 4.5s in the past, but he's gotten faster since then. He's a tough, tough football player. Whoever gets him will be getting a steal. I've told every WAC and Mountain West school that he'd be a four-year all-conference player for them. I can see him being an All-Big 12 or PAC 10 player as a junior and senior. The film for his first two games will be coming with DeVonte to Nebraska so their coaches can look at it."
Top remaining targets
(Remember, these are the uncommitted prospects Nebraska fans should like NU to sign - in my opinion, and has nothing to do with the NU coaches' preferences.)
With the large group of visitors set to hit Lincoln this weekend, it's time to revise this list. Since my last list, Cameron Meredith has committed to NU, so that takes a slot away.
There are now at most five to seven slots left to fill for this 2008 class, depending on how the Husker staff finagles things to fit into the overall 25/85 NCAA mandated limits.
1. DE Simi Kuli - Though the Huskers already have a couple talented D-end commits, they are high school prospects and this five-star JUCO would play immediately giving them a chance to develop.
2. A difference-maker interior defensive lineman
3. TE Dion Jordan - Would be the high-profile tight end that has so far eluded past Bill Callahan classes.
4. CB Marc Anthony, DeVonte Christopher or Adrian Bushell – Nebraska still needs a high-quality corner to go along with David Whitmore, and these three taking officials this weekend proves that they're very high on NU's board.
5. LB Kenny Demens - Hard-hitting, sure-tackling middle linebacker to eventually replace Dillard.
6. A wide receiver prospect that other teams would fear - Could be D.L. Moore; could be Raevon Samuel or his teammate Juron Criner; could be someone who comes out of nowhere with a big senior campaign; or could even be someone like Deion Walker if NU has a very impressive season.
7. Trevor Robinson – Though this situation requires patience, a top 100 in-state target is still a prospect that Nebraska will wait on.
Making up Ground
Not more than a month ago, Nebraska was running in third position for Arizona cornerback Marc Anthony. Now they are a solid number two.
A few weeks ago, Anthony had the California Bears and Michigan Wolverines running neck and neck for his commitment. However, the Maize and Blue's early season struggles on the gridiron have caused him to cool a bit on the possibility of going to college in Ann Arbor.
The Huskers have a chance to make up some ground this weekend with a good visit. However, Cal is going to be awfully hard to beat in this race. Anthony's cousin, Cameron Jordan, is a freshman for the Bears and he is trying to persuade the Arizona blue-chipper to join him in 2008.
Anthony will likely love his visit to Nebraska. In the end though (probably in the next month) I see him picking Cal.
A couple of play-making tight ends
Dion Jordan will be in Lincoln for an official visit this weekend. The four-star athlete claims Nebraska, along with all of his other suitors, wants him for his talents on the offensive side of the ball.
Jordan has watched Nebraska's first two games and likes what he sees. "They're moving the ball and they're winning,” Jordan said. "That always makes a difference."
He added, "I haven't seen them try a lot of down field stuff." He didn't elaborate on the comment but I interpreted it if he went to Nebraska that he'd like to be involved in more down field, big-play opportunities.
I can tell that his top three schools are Oregon, Arizona and Nebraska. Though he didn't come right out and say it, I believe that he currently favors the Ducks. They were the first school out of his mouth when he mentioned favorites and his recruiting coach from Oregon was the first person mentioned when he discussed his favorite coaches to talk to.
Another tight end will also be in Lincoln for an unofficial visit on Saturday. Aldon Smith out of Missouri plans to make the drive up with one of his assistant coaches.
Smith is off to a fantastic start in the 2007 season. Through two games, he’s tallied approximately 190 yards receiving and two touchdowns as a tight end. At defensive end, he's already logged 23 tackles, four sacks and one blocked punt.
My personal feeling is that the Huskers hold the upper edge in this battle, though Smith won't likely make a final decision until December.
Smith recently earned his fourth scholarship offer. Kansas sent him a written offer a couple of weeks ago. Iowa State has also given him the impression that they will be offering soon.
Will Nebraska offer?
The first Nebraska junior with a Division I scholarship offer is Tyrone Sellers out of McCook. Sellers is a bit of a "sleeper" as he didn't even start for the Bison in 2006. However, he impressed at the Kansas State summer camp, turning in a 4.6-second 40-yard dash.
He won't likely get an offer from Nebraska until he attends a summer camp in Lincoln. Even then, it's not a sure thing. Sellers is a Wildcat lean currently but if the Huskers come through with an offer, I see the "Big Red" winning out. He and his family are pretty avid Nebraska football fans.
Another tight end target emerges
An update came out today that four-star tight end Tyler Edwards from Monroe (La.) Ouachita and his first official visit has been set up to Nebraska.
Now, when I was covering Edwards earlier in the year on the regional level for Rivals.com, before rankings came out, the word was that he was a lock to stay in-state. Is it possible that he leaves the state? Yes, though it may not be a huge chance. However, the fact that Nebraska will get an official visit certainly makes the Huskers' chances much better. Like in anything else, a visit can change everything.
In previous updates Edwards mentioned that Alabama and LSU are the top two schools in his top five. It will be an uphill battle for NU, but the visit certainly is big news regardless.
Huge weekend upcoming
I've said this before but while Nebraska probably likes having their 2008 class already wrapped up to focus on the season more, this weekend proves that it's also valuable in terms of getting a head start on the 2009 class.
There is a very impressive list of juniors coming in. In my mind, the most impressive prospect that is visiting this weekend for Nebraska is offensive tackle Thomas Ashcraft. When I say impressive, it's not just based on talent, because other visiting juniors like Gabe Lynn and Nathan Scheelhaase have plenty of talent. But it's really more the job that the Husker staff did in getting the talented junior up for a visit.
Talking with Ashcraft's coach, Joey McGuire, he mentioned that no other prospect has been offered this early. That includes highly regarded prospects from years past like Anthony Blue, William Cole and Jarvis Humphrey. Now that can also be attributed to how fast recruiting is moving, but it also says a lot for Ashcraft's ability.
Also, after speaking with Ashcraft when he got his Nebraska offer and several others right after Sept. 1, he didn't know that much about the Huskers. However, I think the connection with former high school teammate Blue and this big game already has him interested and already on an unofficial visit to see Lincoln for a game.
Etc.
Some other people ask about the team rankings and why those haven't moved since the junior college rankings were released. Today was the prep school rankings release, so I would expect tomorrow morning for the team rankings to show the addition of the stars.
Also, Jeremy Crabtree confirmed this late today but Arthur Brown and Bryce Brown will not be unofficially visiting Nebraska this weekend. For what it's worth, Arthur is planning to narrow down his list even further next week.
Tevita Finau
I actually feel the chances are quite good on getting him. A lot will depend on what Kuli decides (see below) and Simi is slated to visit in October. When "T" Finau mentions coach Busch you can tell he likes him - obvious. He does know I am from HI, but Polynesian kids just tell it like it is...when you can get them to open up. He never mentions any other coaches, but he obviously likes the Oregon State coaches. It is coach Busch against a ton from OSU. I will always bet on coach Busch, though.
The key is always getting a kid (Finau in this case) in for a visit and not committing at or right after a visit to the other three already set. The competition is tough for him - Florida, West Virginia and Auburn are all set for visits. If he gets by those three without committing (not impossible but tough), then I see NU and Oregon State getting a visit. In his case, it might be a situation or come down to which team gets who. I mean between Oregon State and Nebraska. NU gets Kuli and then Oregon State will get Finau or vice-versa...or Oregon State will get both. No, NU won't get both. That should be obvious.
Simi Kuli
Now it appears Kuli is a big 'maybe' on going to NU. The chances were very strong, but...Well, that ('maybe' now) is the impression and vibes I have been getting. The thinking I have been told is that NU has two DEs (Turner & Potter) coming back next year.
Yes, I know what you might think and I agree with you. NU needs more than two DEs and needs to rotate and does it. Even if the two were not coming back, Kuli or whomever, would not be playing every down anyway. OU will be visited within a few weeks 'for sure'. Don't forget A&M and what the coach there has been doing - great recruiting job. I understand one NU coach might be getting involved with Simi's recruiting. Coach Wyatt has been doing a real good job with both Kuli and Thompson.
Simi has his cousin (Lyle Moevao) at Oregon State, so don't forget them. Plus, two other El Camino players have already committed to Oregon State. The Oregon State coaches believe they have Simi all but locked up. Simi says that he wants a new adventure and not go to where Polynesian players are at.
Late note: I just talked to both Simi and Justin and you will be able to see what you think. I am back to being a little more positive for the Huskers. Yes, recruiting can change on a dime.
Justin Thompson
I have the strong feeling that he will end up at Cal. They are doing the best job of recruiting him right now. He did tell me that he and Simi are actually really close and who knows if Simi picks NU. He might like it and end up at NU, too.
Tyson Hetzer
When talking to Shaun Mohler the other day, our conversation got into his game against Citrus (first game) and Tyson Hetzer. "He is a big guy with great hands and he can move." Shaun did not cover Tyson, as he was on the other side. He and Tyson might be rooming together at Nebraska. Both just quality kids and both should make an impact next year. Can you imagine a 6-7, 260 TE that moves like a WR? That is Tyson. Can you imagine a LB that hits like a Mack truck? That is Shaun. Watch his film. I saw 'all' of his clips before sending to Rivals. Very aggressive. Reminds me of Steve O.
Steve Allen
I assume most of you remember Steve Allen. It was a major upset that Steve did not make it to NU last year. He would have been an immediate hit with the fans and his teammates and a big hit on USC last year. He did land on his feet. He played at West Texas A&M and is reportedly already receiving NFL attention. He should be one of the top inside linebackers in Division II this year.
The coaches at WT A&M feel that he will get DII consideration for AA. He was a first-team Lone Star Conference player in 2007. He was second on the team with 76 tackles (24 solo), seven and half tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. He stepped it up in their championship game - 10 tackles and two sacks. This year in their first game against No. 8 ranked South Dakota, he knocked the ball out of the SD QB's hand and helped them beat SD - 55-45. In the first two games in 2007, he has had 15 tackles with one for a loss, and one sack. Oh well, chalk it up to 'what could have been'.
D.J. Woods' sister
DJ's sister is a big-time basketball player in Ohio. As a freshman last year she was named to the all-state second-team and she has been invited to meet with the NU basketball coach this weekend, so for the family it is another major reason to get to Lincoln this weekend. They will be driving from Ohio to Nebraska after DJ's game on Friday.
Duane 'Roz' Rossiter
HuskersIllustrated.com
Recruiting Publisher
***USC will practice on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Omaha Westside High School before arriving to Lincoln for a 3:30 p.m. walk-thru.
***This shouldn't come as a surprise, but I expect to see some trick plays on Saturday. NU has yet to show any kind of reverses in 2007, so I expect to see some new twists to the Husker offense on Saturday.
***Boy, I just starting subscribing to the Sports News Magazine and let me tell you, they aren't very positive towards Nebraska. Last week they picked Wake to upset Nebraska…the only publication I saw to do so. This week they picked USC over Nebraska and they also ripped Sam Keller and his throwing style. They said Keller has reverted back to his old "bad habits" of rushing his throws and using bad mechanics.
***I won't touch the injury stuff right now in Tunnel Talk, but bear with me and I will give you something on it before kickoff from the sidelines.
***Right now the goal is to redshirt Prince Amukamara and Austin Stafford.
***Marlon Lucky will be featured on ESPN's College GameDay show.
***I'm hearing more and more people tell me that Lance Brandenburgh and Phillip Dillard are closing the gap on Bo Ruud and Corey McKeon. Ruud and McKeon need big games on Saturday.
Basketball recruiting talk
A little basketball recruiting to start off with on this big recruiting weekend, as the hoops staff also looks to take advantage of the gig game atmosphere. Coach Doc Sadler is working hard to find someone to give him some size, skill and presence in the middle when Aleks Maric leaves.
Orlando Allen visited NU a couple weeks ago, and Colton Iverson and Garrett Stutz will be in town this weekend. Both Iverson and Stutz are bringing parents and family members with them and will be attending the USC game. Allen and Iverson should be deciding soon, but Stutz will probably be visiting 5-10 more schools combined unofficially and officially before committing anywhere.
The Husker staff tried last year to recruit another player from Allen's Paris JC, but Ramon Clemente signed with Wichita St. instead. And former-Husker guard Mike Smith just transferred there.
Iverson just had a fantastic official to Minnesota and the Gophers might be the team to beat for him now. The Iverson family will be in Lincoln from Friday through Sunday, so all of the excitement and buzz surrounding this football weekend could pay dividends for Nebraska.
Stutz has a lot of quality tenders to choose from, but he told me that Marquette, Kentucky and Kansas are real close to offering him. If that happens, it's doubtful that Doc would beat out his two friends and mentors Bill Self and Billy Gillispie for this fast-rising recruit. Stutz also told me he's a "big coach K fan", but he's heard nothing from Duke.
One thing that NU has going for them is that when asked what they like about Nebraska each mentioned the relationships they've developed with the Husker coaches.
Scheelhaase has plenty of connections
Missouri athlete Nathan Scheelhaase will be one of the top recruits for 2009 in the border-states surrounding Nebraska and he has connections to several of the schools recruiting him.
In the update he told me about one of them: "Yep, I just got back from Iowa's game with Syracuse. It went real well, I had fun. I got to go down on the field and meet recruits from various areas. A good friend of mine, Blaine Dalton, was down there on the field, so it was good to see him as well."
It wasn't in the update, but he told me about a lot more of them: "At Iowa, I also knew Steven Staggs who I met at Nebraska's camp and a camp in Kansas City. At Missouri, Tony Temple is my friend Drew's brother. Tony's his older brother, and Drew is our running back. There are two kids that went to Stanford, Jerome Jackson and Derek Hall, that I know. At Kansas, there's Phillip Strozier.
"At Nebraska, there's David Belfonte on the baseball team that I know, and also Blake Lawrence on the football team who's from Shawnee Mission West. I just talked to him and I told him they had a good win at Wake Forest and I'd see him next week. I used to go watch Blake play when we were little. I've known him since the second grade."
He also has a connection to a former-Husker assistant coach.
"I would say UCLA is new in contacting me. My dad talked to coach (Jay) Norvell because my dad played with him at Iowa. Coach Norvell wants to get me up to a game, but I don't know if I'll be able to make it all the way out to UCLA."
More from Canyon Springs
When I spoke with Canyon Springs coach Matt Jenkins this week, he said that there's a real battle for best receiver on his team. After a couple games, DeVonte Christopher is leading the state of Nevada in passing, but his most productive target hasn't been Raevon Samuel. It's been 6-foot-4, 205-pound teammate Juron Criner. Through two games, Criner has totaled 13 receptions for 320 yards (24.6 ypc) and four touchdowns, and he's done all that with a severely bruised right shoulder.
Criner has offers from Utah, UNLV, Wyoming and Nevada, with Washington set to pull the trigger any day. He has really come into his own as a senior and will only get better according to coach Jenkins.
Coach Jenkins said of Criner: "Juron's leading the state in receiving. In the past he's just lacked the top end speed that most are looking for. He's run in the high 4.5s in the past, but he's gotten faster since then. He's a tough, tough football player. Whoever gets him will be getting a steal. I've told every WAC and Mountain West school that he'd be a four-year all-conference player for them. I can see him being an All-Big 12 or PAC 10 player as a junior and senior. The film for his first two games will be coming with DeVonte to Nebraska so their coaches can look at it."
Top remaining targets
(Remember, these are the uncommitted prospects Nebraska fans should like NU to sign - in my opinion, and has nothing to do with the NU coaches' preferences.)
With the large group of visitors set to hit Lincoln this weekend, it's time to revise this list. Since my last list, Cameron Meredith has committed to NU, so that takes a slot away.
There are now at most five to seven slots left to fill for this 2008 class, depending on how the Husker staff finagles things to fit into the overall 25/85 NCAA mandated limits.
1. DE Simi Kuli - Though the Huskers already have a couple talented D-end commits, they are high school prospects and this five-star JUCO would play immediately giving them a chance to develop.
2. A difference-maker interior defensive lineman
3. TE Dion Jordan - Would be the high-profile tight end that has so far eluded past Bill Callahan classes.
4. CB Marc Anthony, DeVonte Christopher or Adrian Bushell – Nebraska still needs a high-quality corner to go along with David Whitmore, and these three taking officials this weekend proves that they're very high on NU's board.
5. LB Kenny Demens - Hard-hitting, sure-tackling middle linebacker to eventually replace Dillard.
6. A wide receiver prospect that other teams would fear - Could be D.L. Moore; could be Raevon Samuel or his teammate Juron Criner; could be someone who comes out of nowhere with a big senior campaign; or could even be someone like Deion Walker if NU has a very impressive season.
7. Trevor Robinson – Though this situation requires patience, a top 100 in-state target is still a prospect that Nebraska will wait on.
Making up Ground
Not more than a month ago, Nebraska was running in third position for Arizona cornerback Marc Anthony. Now they are a solid number two.
A few weeks ago, Anthony had the California Bears and Michigan Wolverines running neck and neck for his commitment. However, the Maize and Blue's early season struggles on the gridiron have caused him to cool a bit on the possibility of going to college in Ann Arbor.
The Huskers have a chance to make up some ground this weekend with a good visit. However, Cal is going to be awfully hard to beat in this race. Anthony's cousin, Cameron Jordan, is a freshman for the Bears and he is trying to persuade the Arizona blue-chipper to join him in 2008.
Anthony will likely love his visit to Nebraska. In the end though (probably in the next month) I see him picking Cal.
A couple of play-making tight ends
Dion Jordan will be in Lincoln for an official visit this weekend. The four-star athlete claims Nebraska, along with all of his other suitors, wants him for his talents on the offensive side of the ball.
Jordan has watched Nebraska's first two games and likes what he sees. "They're moving the ball and they're winning,” Jordan said. "That always makes a difference."
He added, "I haven't seen them try a lot of down field stuff." He didn't elaborate on the comment but I interpreted it if he went to Nebraska that he'd like to be involved in more down field, big-play opportunities.
I can tell that his top three schools are Oregon, Arizona and Nebraska. Though he didn't come right out and say it, I believe that he currently favors the Ducks. They were the first school out of his mouth when he mentioned favorites and his recruiting coach from Oregon was the first person mentioned when he discussed his favorite coaches to talk to.
Another tight end will also be in Lincoln for an unofficial visit on Saturday. Aldon Smith out of Missouri plans to make the drive up with one of his assistant coaches.
Smith is off to a fantastic start in the 2007 season. Through two games, he’s tallied approximately 190 yards receiving and two touchdowns as a tight end. At defensive end, he's already logged 23 tackles, four sacks and one blocked punt.
My personal feeling is that the Huskers hold the upper edge in this battle, though Smith won't likely make a final decision until December.
Smith recently earned his fourth scholarship offer. Kansas sent him a written offer a couple of weeks ago. Iowa State has also given him the impression that they will be offering soon.
Will Nebraska offer?
The first Nebraska junior with a Division I scholarship offer is Tyrone Sellers out of McCook. Sellers is a bit of a "sleeper" as he didn't even start for the Bison in 2006. However, he impressed at the Kansas State summer camp, turning in a 4.6-second 40-yard dash.
He won't likely get an offer from Nebraska until he attends a summer camp in Lincoln. Even then, it's not a sure thing. Sellers is a Wildcat lean currently but if the Huskers come through with an offer, I see the "Big Red" winning out. He and his family are pretty avid Nebraska football fans.
Another tight end target emerges
An update came out today that four-star tight end Tyler Edwards from Monroe (La.) Ouachita and his first official visit has been set up to Nebraska.
Now, when I was covering Edwards earlier in the year on the regional level for Rivals.com, before rankings came out, the word was that he was a lock to stay in-state. Is it possible that he leaves the state? Yes, though it may not be a huge chance. However, the fact that Nebraska will get an official visit certainly makes the Huskers' chances much better. Like in anything else, a visit can change everything.
In previous updates Edwards mentioned that Alabama and LSU are the top two schools in his top five. It will be an uphill battle for NU, but the visit certainly is big news regardless.
Huge weekend upcoming
I've said this before but while Nebraska probably likes having their 2008 class already wrapped up to focus on the season more, this weekend proves that it's also valuable in terms of getting a head start on the 2009 class.
There is a very impressive list of juniors coming in. In my mind, the most impressive prospect that is visiting this weekend for Nebraska is offensive tackle Thomas Ashcraft. When I say impressive, it's not just based on talent, because other visiting juniors like Gabe Lynn and Nathan Scheelhaase have plenty of talent. But it's really more the job that the Husker staff did in getting the talented junior up for a visit.
Talking with Ashcraft's coach, Joey McGuire, he mentioned that no other prospect has been offered this early. That includes highly regarded prospects from years past like Anthony Blue, William Cole and Jarvis Humphrey. Now that can also be attributed to how fast recruiting is moving, but it also says a lot for Ashcraft's ability.
Also, after speaking with Ashcraft when he got his Nebraska offer and several others right after Sept. 1, he didn't know that much about the Huskers. However, I think the connection with former high school teammate Blue and this big game already has him interested and already on an unofficial visit to see Lincoln for a game.
Etc.
Some other people ask about the team rankings and why those haven't moved since the junior college rankings were released. Today was the prep school rankings release, so I would expect tomorrow morning for the team rankings to show the addition of the stars.
Also, Jeremy Crabtree confirmed this late today but Arthur Brown and Bryce Brown will not be unofficially visiting Nebraska this weekend. For what it's worth, Arthur is planning to narrow down his list even further next week.
Tevita Finau
I actually feel the chances are quite good on getting him. A lot will depend on what Kuli decides (see below) and Simi is slated to visit in October. When "T" Finau mentions coach Busch you can tell he likes him - obvious. He does know I am from HI, but Polynesian kids just tell it like it is...when you can get them to open up. He never mentions any other coaches, but he obviously likes the Oregon State coaches. It is coach Busch against a ton from OSU. I will always bet on coach Busch, though.
The key is always getting a kid (Finau in this case) in for a visit and not committing at or right after a visit to the other three already set. The competition is tough for him - Florida, West Virginia and Auburn are all set for visits. If he gets by those three without committing (not impossible but tough), then I see NU and Oregon State getting a visit. In his case, it might be a situation or come down to which team gets who. I mean between Oregon State and Nebraska. NU gets Kuli and then Oregon State will get Finau or vice-versa...or Oregon State will get both. No, NU won't get both. That should be obvious.
Simi Kuli
Now it appears Kuli is a big 'maybe' on going to NU. The chances were very strong, but...Well, that ('maybe' now) is the impression and vibes I have been getting. The thinking I have been told is that NU has two DEs (Turner & Potter) coming back next year.
Yes, I know what you might think and I agree with you. NU needs more than two DEs and needs to rotate and does it. Even if the two were not coming back, Kuli or whomever, would not be playing every down anyway. OU will be visited within a few weeks 'for sure'. Don't forget A&M and what the coach there has been doing - great recruiting job. I understand one NU coach might be getting involved with Simi's recruiting. Coach Wyatt has been doing a real good job with both Kuli and Thompson.
Simi has his cousin (Lyle Moevao) at Oregon State, so don't forget them. Plus, two other El Camino players have already committed to Oregon State. The Oregon State coaches believe they have Simi all but locked up. Simi says that he wants a new adventure and not go to where Polynesian players are at.
Late note: I just talked to both Simi and Justin and you will be able to see what you think. I am back to being a little more positive for the Huskers. Yes, recruiting can change on a dime.
Justin Thompson
I have the strong feeling that he will end up at Cal. They are doing the best job of recruiting him right now. He did tell me that he and Simi are actually really close and who knows if Simi picks NU. He might like it and end up at NU, too.
Tyson Hetzer
When talking to Shaun Mohler the other day, our conversation got into his game against Citrus (first game) and Tyson Hetzer. "He is a big guy with great hands and he can move." Shaun did not cover Tyson, as he was on the other side. He and Tyson might be rooming together at Nebraska. Both just quality kids and both should make an impact next year. Can you imagine a 6-7, 260 TE that moves like a WR? That is Tyson. Can you imagine a LB that hits like a Mack truck? That is Shaun. Watch his film. I saw 'all' of his clips before sending to Rivals. Very aggressive. Reminds me of Steve O.
Steve Allen
I assume most of you remember Steve Allen. It was a major upset that Steve did not make it to NU last year. He would have been an immediate hit with the fans and his teammates and a big hit on USC last year. He did land on his feet. He played at West Texas A&M and is reportedly already receiving NFL attention. He should be one of the top inside linebackers in Division II this year.
The coaches at WT A&M feel that he will get DII consideration for AA. He was a first-team Lone Star Conference player in 2007. He was second on the team with 76 tackles (24 solo), seven and half tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. He stepped it up in their championship game - 10 tackles and two sacks. This year in their first game against No. 8 ranked South Dakota, he knocked the ball out of the SD QB's hand and helped them beat SD - 55-45. In the first two games in 2007, he has had 15 tackles with one for a loss, and one sack. Oh well, chalk it up to 'what could have been'.
D.J. Woods' sister
DJ's sister is a big-time basketball player in Ohio. As a freshman last year she was named to the all-state second-team and she has been invited to meet with the NU basketball coach this weekend, so for the family it is another major reason to get to Lincoln this weekend. They will be driving from Ohio to Nebraska after DJ's game on Friday.
Duane 'Roz' Rossiter
HuskersIllustrated.com
Recruiting Publisher
