Top 10 who'll succeed right awayBY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
We've identified the 10 players in Nebraska's 2005 recruiting class most likely to make an immediate impact. Because recruiting is an inexact science, feel free to quibble with our top 10.
With 31 players in the class, it wasn't difficult to find 10 who might make an immediate splash. Ranking them, however, was another story.
Remember, this is a preliminary list. It won't be until late August that the pretenders will be separated from the lead pack.
1. Zac Taylor, quarterback
OK, let's get one thing straight. This ranking presumes that Taylor will emerge as the starting quarterback. That's not a stretch, considering his resume in junior college and the fact he'll be here for spring drills. Nebraska coaches wouldn't have bothered bringing Taylor to town if they didn't think he could compete right away.
2. Zackary Bowman, cornerback
Nebraska needs immediate help at cornerback, and the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Bowman will be expected to supply it. He's the second-ranked juco prospect in the nation by Rivals.com.
3. Marlon Lucky, running back
Yes, Nebraska still has Cory Ross, who gained 1,102 rushing yards in 2004. However, both Lucky and Ross are versatile backs capable of playing simultaneously. Lucky, in fact, sees himself in the mold of Reggie Bush of USC, who's often used as a receiver.
4. Steve Octavien, outside linebacker
Nebraska lost its top three players on the depth chart at the WILL linebacker spot. Husker coaches went looking for speed and found it in Octavien, who ran the second leg on his junior college's national championship 400-meter relay team.
5. Phillip Dillard, middle linebacker
All Dillard will try to do is replace Nebraska middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, who finished as the school's all-time leading tackler. The 6-2, 240-pound Dillard, of Tulsa, Okla., is a hard-hitting, no-nonsense player who moves well sideline-to-sideline.
6. Ola Dagunduro, defensive line
Nebraska was pillowy soft in its defensive interior at times last season and suffered because of its anemic pass rush. The 6-2, 315-pound Dagunduro, a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, will get a long look this spring after starring last season at Compton (Calif.) Community College.
7. Frantz Hardy, wide receiver
The wide receiver position was one of the biggest disappointments for Nebraska last season, so immediate help was needed. The 6-foot, 170-pound Hardy should have an edge at NU come August if only because he was Taylor's favorite target at Butler County (Kan.) Community College last season.
8. Dontrell Moore, linebacker
Moore arrives for spring ball from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, which produced current Husker defensive end Wali Muhammad as well as Mike Rozier, the Huskers' 1983 Heisman Trophy running back.
9. Jordan Congdon, kicker
Look for Congdon, of San Diego, to win the battle over incumbent David Dyches. Congdon made 11-of-13 field-goal tries last season, with a long of 53 yards and three others from more than 40 yards. He booted 85 percent of his kickoffs for touchbacks.
10. Harrison Beck, quarterback
Beck's athleticism and arm strength are extremely impressive. It might be hard to keep the kid off of the field. But, hey, he's a true freshman who'll try to learn a complicated offense. He'll need some time to develop.