This is a new series that I am putting together to hopefully help you guys out. I will try to put out a synopsis on as many teams as I can about every 3 days. I will start out in the Big 12 (my conference) and work my way around from there. Some of the information on teams I put out may not be as good as the hometown guy or their resident expert so by all means please chime in if you have anyting extra. But hopefully these previews will give you a better grasp upon what teams have.
First Team Nebraska Cornhuskers
2001 Record 11-2 7-1 Big 12 North 2nd place
Returning Starters: 12 (5) Offense (7) Defense
The burning Question: Who will replace Heisman Trophy winning QB Eric Crouch???
Answer: Junior QB Jamaal Lord a redshirt who stands 6-2 and weighs 215 lbs. Jamaal really is an impressive athlete 4.59 40 yard dash, 36 " vertical Jump and was in the top 5 for the entire team in all physical tests from winter conditioning.
Lord who used to carry the tag of a loafer and a bad attitude guy quickly changed that this spring. Jamaal wore the green jersey meaning he did not see any contact. However he threw the ball well made great decisions and is a very smooth operator who has gained the full confidence of the NU staff. While Lord is no Eric Crouch, he is definitely more elusive in the pocket and has better scrambling ability while Crouch had great straight line speed. The offense under lord will see the QB less as Lord is not much of the homerun threat that Crouch was but it also speaks of the improvement of the Nu running backs and receivers.
There is an interesting battle for the # 2 QB. Sophomore Mike Stuntz 6-1 195 4.71and True Freshman Curt Dukes 6-2 205 4.75. Dukes is an interesting story . He graduated HS a semester early so he could partake in NU's spring drills and he did not dissapoint. Very much in the mold of Scott Frost Dukes is very adept at running the option and a decent passer. His overall decision making skills were solid and he litterally ran over opposing tacklers. While he does not have the greatest speed at this point of his career he is no slouch and a very good and strong athlete. Soph Qb Stuntz is best known for "The Play" He threw the 63 yard scoring strike to Erich Crouch that put Oklahoma away last year. Stuntz is a good athlete whom is Nu's best overall passer. He is a little better athlete than Dukes, but insiders say that Dukes looks a little more natural at QB. It looks like a dead heat right now between the 2 and the QB that does not get the #2 spot will redshirt. Other Qbs are Brett Lindstrom, and Joe Chrisman.
RB: Dahhran Diedrick 6-0 225 Sr. reasserted himself in the spring game by gaining nearly 100 yards on less than 10 carries. The Big 12 leading rusher is now a senior and looks to take a more vocal and leadership enhancing role for NU. While Diedrick is not overly fast 4.62 40 he is very tough and a dependable runner. Diedrick runs tough between the tackles and understands the offense well. Jr RB Josh Davis was the Co #1 with Diedrick until after the spring game. DAvis 5-10 215 4.53 has been bothered by a bad hamstring most of the spring. Davis is a very fast and strong runner. He is the 3rd fastest man on the NU squad. He was very good returning kicks last year and is a solid option at RB. He will definitley add a nice change of pace to the NU attack next year.
Thunder Collins 6-2 195 Sr. has been switched to the WB position but may still see time at RB. This move is by no means a demotion, but more of an attempt by Solich (who calls the offensive plays) to get the best players on the field at the same time. Collins has good speed 4.55 40 and Extreme toughness who played injured down the stretch. He may still see carries but may look to be more usefull at the WB position.
Other options Nu has are Redshirt Fr Marquess Simmons 5-8 190 4.49. He had an outstanding spring and brings pure speed to the NU backfield. he is suprisingly tough for his size and has a very bright future at NU. He reminds many insider of former Nu superstar RB Derek Brown. Redshirt FR Cory Ross 5-5 207 5.0 is not very fast but has outstanding quickness and moves. He is very overweight right now as he is coming off shoulder surgery. He can be a major league weapon for NU returning kicks and catching passes out of the backfield especially if he can lose some weight. Other less talented players in the mix are DeAnte Grixby 5-8 205, and Robin Miller 5-11 250 who will do nothing more this year than come in at garbage time and give opposing defenses a break.
FB: Nu has not had a dominant FB since the departure of Joel Mackovicka. Jr FB Judd Davies 6-0 255 4.9 has not been the same since incurring neck and back injuries as a freshman. So FB Steve Kriewald 5-10 255 4.9 a promisng player has also been hampered by injuries. Curt Tomasevic a walkon with a 37 " vertical jump and 4.6 40 yard Dash 5-11 225 may steal some playing time from the both of them. Incoming Freshman hometown product Dane Todd of Lincoln SE HS 5-10 235 is a Tom Rathman Clone and will be a good one before he is done. A guy that NU is counting will be Jr Kyle Ringenberg 6-4 255 who has good speed 4.75 and tremendous hands. But that remains to be seen.
OL: With the loss of Fonoti and Raiola to the NFL Draft in recent years the O-line to outsiders looks to be a weak spot. However I have been told that this will be the most talented group that NU has fielded since Frankie Solich has taken the helm. If this group can gell early look out. One thing I want to point out about NU Olines in recent years is that they have looked very fat compared to those freaks that paved the way to National Title caliber teams between 1993-1997. This spring OLine Coach Tenopir layed down an ultimatum to his troops and they took heart as they have come out leaner and much more strong and nimble. The new leader looks to be REdshirt Fr Richie Incognito 6-2 295. He is one of the strongest and most outspoken players on the NU team. He is versatile as he can play and excell at any given position along the line but looks to start out at Guard. He was so good last year that he was working out with the first team offense as a true freshman but Nu decided to redshirt him to preserve his eligibility as they knew that their days with Fonoti were probably numbered. C John Garrison Sr 6-4 295 is a master technician at his position who uses his leverage and quickness well. He is also NU's deep snapper. A very cerebral player who will not get you beat. Sr Guard Wes Cody 6-2 300 tied the Nebraska record for bench press at 500lbs and is only the 2nd player ever to do that at NU. He is a rock at his position and has vastly improved his technique. Other players to watch are Nate Kolterman SR 6-3 305, Dan Villi Waldrop 6-5 325 (whom shed 30 pounds this spring) Mike Erickson 6-4 305 and Tim Green whom have all had good springs and are significant talent upgrades as to what NU has put out in recent years.
WR/WB: I have already discussed the prospects of Thunder Collins. Wilson Thomas 6-6 220 4.6 JR will pose problems for many defensive backs that he will see. While he does not have great speed, he carries his pads extremely well and is the best threat Nu has had at receiver since Irving Fryar. He is a great blocker, runs very good routes and is intimidating on the gridiron. RS FR Ross Pilkington an original Nebraska recruit from the 1999 class has also made a big impression. He has good speed 4.57 and spent 2 years in the Colorado Rockies organization. So don't question his athleticism. He is very much in the mold as Career Receiviing leader Matt Davison. He will be a nice option for Lord to throw to. Other players in the mix will be So Ben Zajicek 6-0 200 4.55, SR Ben Cornelsen 5-11 195 4.55 .
TE: This looks to be a weak spot for the NU offense. Gone is the big playmaker Tracy Wistrom. Aaron Golliday Sr 6-4 290 is a wide body and a good blocker but not the threat to sneak behind safeties. Phil Peetz 6-2 260 SR is also a in the mold of a blocker rather than pass catcher. Inujured Sr Jon Bowling 6-3 235 also looks to contribute. This will be a dimension that will be sorely lacking that has been a staple of the NU offense in the past.
PK: Josh Brown 6-1 190. and Sandro De Angelis 5-8 190 Soph are no Kris Brown. Brown has the stronger leg but De Angelis is much more accurate. Both players are on scholarship and could be pushed by a freshman walk on from California.
First Team Nebraska Cornhuskers
2001 Record 11-2 7-1 Big 12 North 2nd place
Returning Starters: 12 (5) Offense (7) Defense
The burning Question: Who will replace Heisman Trophy winning QB Eric Crouch???
Answer: Junior QB Jamaal Lord a redshirt who stands 6-2 and weighs 215 lbs. Jamaal really is an impressive athlete 4.59 40 yard dash, 36 " vertical Jump and was in the top 5 for the entire team in all physical tests from winter conditioning.
Lord who used to carry the tag of a loafer and a bad attitude guy quickly changed that this spring. Jamaal wore the green jersey meaning he did not see any contact. However he threw the ball well made great decisions and is a very smooth operator who has gained the full confidence of the NU staff. While Lord is no Eric Crouch, he is definitely more elusive in the pocket and has better scrambling ability while Crouch had great straight line speed. The offense under lord will see the QB less as Lord is not much of the homerun threat that Crouch was but it also speaks of the improvement of the Nu running backs and receivers.
There is an interesting battle for the # 2 QB. Sophomore Mike Stuntz 6-1 195 4.71and True Freshman Curt Dukes 6-2 205 4.75. Dukes is an interesting story . He graduated HS a semester early so he could partake in NU's spring drills and he did not dissapoint. Very much in the mold of Scott Frost Dukes is very adept at running the option and a decent passer. His overall decision making skills were solid and he litterally ran over opposing tacklers. While he does not have the greatest speed at this point of his career he is no slouch and a very good and strong athlete. Soph Qb Stuntz is best known for "The Play" He threw the 63 yard scoring strike to Erich Crouch that put Oklahoma away last year. Stuntz is a good athlete whom is Nu's best overall passer. He is a little better athlete than Dukes, but insiders say that Dukes looks a little more natural at QB. It looks like a dead heat right now between the 2 and the QB that does not get the #2 spot will redshirt. Other Qbs are Brett Lindstrom, and Joe Chrisman.
RB: Dahhran Diedrick 6-0 225 Sr. reasserted himself in the spring game by gaining nearly 100 yards on less than 10 carries. The Big 12 leading rusher is now a senior and looks to take a more vocal and leadership enhancing role for NU. While Diedrick is not overly fast 4.62 40 he is very tough and a dependable runner. Diedrick runs tough between the tackles and understands the offense well. Jr RB Josh Davis was the Co #1 with Diedrick until after the spring game. DAvis 5-10 215 4.53 has been bothered by a bad hamstring most of the spring. Davis is a very fast and strong runner. He is the 3rd fastest man on the NU squad. He was very good returning kicks last year and is a solid option at RB. He will definitley add a nice change of pace to the NU attack next year.
Thunder Collins 6-2 195 Sr. has been switched to the WB position but may still see time at RB. This move is by no means a demotion, but more of an attempt by Solich (who calls the offensive plays) to get the best players on the field at the same time. Collins has good speed 4.55 40 and Extreme toughness who played injured down the stretch. He may still see carries but may look to be more usefull at the WB position.
Other options Nu has are Redshirt Fr Marquess Simmons 5-8 190 4.49. He had an outstanding spring and brings pure speed to the NU backfield. he is suprisingly tough for his size and has a very bright future at NU. He reminds many insider of former Nu superstar RB Derek Brown. Redshirt FR Cory Ross 5-5 207 5.0 is not very fast but has outstanding quickness and moves. He is very overweight right now as he is coming off shoulder surgery. He can be a major league weapon for NU returning kicks and catching passes out of the backfield especially if he can lose some weight. Other less talented players in the mix are DeAnte Grixby 5-8 205, and Robin Miller 5-11 250 who will do nothing more this year than come in at garbage time and give opposing defenses a break.
FB: Nu has not had a dominant FB since the departure of Joel Mackovicka. Jr FB Judd Davies 6-0 255 4.9 has not been the same since incurring neck and back injuries as a freshman. So FB Steve Kriewald 5-10 255 4.9 a promisng player has also been hampered by injuries. Curt Tomasevic a walkon with a 37 " vertical jump and 4.6 40 yard Dash 5-11 225 may steal some playing time from the both of them. Incoming Freshman hometown product Dane Todd of Lincoln SE HS 5-10 235 is a Tom Rathman Clone and will be a good one before he is done. A guy that NU is counting will be Jr Kyle Ringenberg 6-4 255 who has good speed 4.75 and tremendous hands. But that remains to be seen.
OL: With the loss of Fonoti and Raiola to the NFL Draft in recent years the O-line to outsiders looks to be a weak spot. However I have been told that this will be the most talented group that NU has fielded since Frankie Solich has taken the helm. If this group can gell early look out. One thing I want to point out about NU Olines in recent years is that they have looked very fat compared to those freaks that paved the way to National Title caliber teams between 1993-1997. This spring OLine Coach Tenopir layed down an ultimatum to his troops and they took heart as they have come out leaner and much more strong and nimble. The new leader looks to be REdshirt Fr Richie Incognito 6-2 295. He is one of the strongest and most outspoken players on the NU team. He is versatile as he can play and excell at any given position along the line but looks to start out at Guard. He was so good last year that he was working out with the first team offense as a true freshman but Nu decided to redshirt him to preserve his eligibility as they knew that their days with Fonoti were probably numbered. C John Garrison Sr 6-4 295 is a master technician at his position who uses his leverage and quickness well. He is also NU's deep snapper. A very cerebral player who will not get you beat. Sr Guard Wes Cody 6-2 300 tied the Nebraska record for bench press at 500lbs and is only the 2nd player ever to do that at NU. He is a rock at his position and has vastly improved his technique. Other players to watch are Nate Kolterman SR 6-3 305, Dan Villi Waldrop 6-5 325 (whom shed 30 pounds this spring) Mike Erickson 6-4 305 and Tim Green whom have all had good springs and are significant talent upgrades as to what NU has put out in recent years.
WR/WB: I have already discussed the prospects of Thunder Collins. Wilson Thomas 6-6 220 4.6 JR will pose problems for many defensive backs that he will see. While he does not have great speed, he carries his pads extremely well and is the best threat Nu has had at receiver since Irving Fryar. He is a great blocker, runs very good routes and is intimidating on the gridiron. RS FR Ross Pilkington an original Nebraska recruit from the 1999 class has also made a big impression. He has good speed 4.57 and spent 2 years in the Colorado Rockies organization. So don't question his athleticism. He is very much in the mold as Career Receiviing leader Matt Davison. He will be a nice option for Lord to throw to. Other players in the mix will be So Ben Zajicek 6-0 200 4.55, SR Ben Cornelsen 5-11 195 4.55 .
TE: This looks to be a weak spot for the NU offense. Gone is the big playmaker Tracy Wistrom. Aaron Golliday Sr 6-4 290 is a wide body and a good blocker but not the threat to sneak behind safeties. Phil Peetz 6-2 260 SR is also a in the mold of a blocker rather than pass catcher. Inujured Sr Jon Bowling 6-3 235 also looks to contribute. This will be a dimension that will be sorely lacking that has been a staple of the NU offense in the past.
PK: Josh Brown 6-1 190. and Sandro De Angelis 5-8 190 Soph are no Kris Brown. Brown has the stronger leg but De Angelis is much more accurate. Both players are on scholarship and could be pushed by a freshman walk on from California.
