One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at linebacker:
Looking back: Any discussion regarding Nebraska linebackers in 2011, and for that matter the past two seasons, begins and ends with LaVonte David. While Husker fans (well, a significant portion anyhow) have always had aversions to junior college transfers, one cannot deny that without David (a former JUCO transfer) Nebraska very well could have finished 7-6 instead of 9-4.
His forced fumble and subsequent recovery of Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller sparked a 34-27 come-from-behind win over the Buckeyes when the Huskers appeared headed for their second embarrassing loss in as many weeks. David’s numbers speak for themselves as he recorded team highs in total tackles (133), tackles for loss (13) and quarterback sacks (5.5).
Will Compton came alive in the second half of the season and recorded 82 total tackles, seven for lost yardage. Sean Fisher came back after having missed the 2010 season with a leg injury to start four games and record 24 total tackles. However, Alonzo Whaley saw his most significant playing time the last two games of the season and actually moved ahead of Fisher on the depth chart.
Looking ahead: No point sugarcoating matters, David’s incredible skills will be hard to replace. Nebraska has had its share of legendary linebackers such as Tom Novak, Broderick Thomas, Barrett Ruud, Jerry Murtugh, Ed Stewart and Marc Munford. Where David fits in the anals of Husker lore is open for discussion but he certainly belongs in that conversation.
David Santos, who will be a redshirt freshman, might get the first shot at replacing David. While Santos is talented he also young. Plus, going from scout team player to replacing David would be a tall order.
The fact that Compton made it through an entire season mostly injury free, which hadn’t been the case throughout his career before the season, is a good sign. The Huskers will need Compton to take on an even bigger role in 2012. Sophomore Trevor Roach saw action early in the season and can be a capable backup at MIKE linebacker to Compton.
It also bears watching if Whaley stays ahead of Fisher on the depth chart at the BUCK position. Either way, both will be needed when the Huskers go to their goal-line defense.
The player from the 2012 class that will need to contribute immediate is junior college transfer Zaire Anderson. The Huskers have a strong group of recruits but will they be ready to contribute right away?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
2012 Position Outlook: Defensive Line
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at defensive line:
Looking back: The Nebraska defensive line was dealt a severe blow when defensive tackle Jared Crick, who appeared poised for a breakout season, was shelved after five games because of a torn pectoral muscle. While Crick was not having the breakout season most expected of him, losing him as a presence in the middle of the line was a fate the Huskers were not counting on suffering before the season began.
The Nebraska defense did not stop teams with the same authority as it had in 2009 and to a lesser extent 2010. The Huskers ranked No. 41 nationally in points allowed (22.8) and No. 37 to total yards against (350.7).
Nebraska also allowed opposing quarterbacks too much time to throw, which is significant because head coach Bo Pelini prefers to rely on the front four to generate pressure without blitzing.
While Crick’s season-ending injury hurt the Huskers during the last half of 2011, it helped develop experience for sophomore Chase Rome, who could be Nebraska’s most explosive young lineman. Seniors Bakers Steinkuhler and Cameron Meredith have been steady starters for two years, but their production seems to have reached its ceiling.
Looking ahead: Though the Huskers lose Crick and Terrence Moore, who started seven games at defensive tackle after Crick was put on the shelf, Nebraska should be in good shape at this position because there are plenty of experienced returning players.
Eric Martin and Cameron Meredith are entrenched as starters at defensive end. Senior Baker Steinkuhler should provide a steady presence at defensive tackle with sophomore Chase Rome pushing strongly for a starting job.
Jason Ankrah, Joe Carter and Kevin Williams are touted recruits who have yet to live up to their potential. Thad Randle and Jay Guy are coming off injuries, but seem to have the goods to stop the run. Todd Peat and Williams could also emerge as contributors. Greg McMullen is a talented recruit while Avery Moss may be counted on to rush the passer more.
The biggest change, however, is the addition defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski, who turned out strong units at Iowa for five years. Kaczenski was hired as a result of John Papuchis replacing Carl Pelini as defensive coordinator after getting hired as the Florida Atlantic head coach. Kaczenski assumes a unit that needs a jolt of energy. This unit should be the strength of Nebraska’s defense in 2012 and it needs to be.
Kaczenski has spent the past five years coaching Iowa’s defensive line. Among the players that flourished under his watch were All-Big Ten picks Adrian Clayborn and Mitch King. Clayborn received consensus All-America honors in 2010.
Seven of Kaczenski’s defensive linemen have been drafted or have signed an NFL free-agent contract over the past four seasons.
Looking back: The Nebraska defensive line was dealt a severe blow when defensive tackle Jared Crick, who appeared poised for a breakout season, was shelved after five games because of a torn pectoral muscle. While Crick was not having the breakout season most expected of him, losing him as a presence in the middle of the line was a fate the Huskers were not counting on suffering before the season began.
The Nebraska defense did not stop teams with the same authority as it had in 2009 and to a lesser extent 2010. The Huskers ranked No. 41 nationally in points allowed (22.8) and No. 37 to total yards against (350.7).
Nebraska also allowed opposing quarterbacks too much time to throw, which is significant because head coach Bo Pelini prefers to rely on the front four to generate pressure without blitzing.
While Crick’s season-ending injury hurt the Huskers during the last half of 2011, it helped develop experience for sophomore Chase Rome, who could be Nebraska’s most explosive young lineman. Seniors Bakers Steinkuhler and Cameron Meredith have been steady starters for two years, but their production seems to have reached its ceiling.
Looking ahead: Though the Huskers lose Crick and Terrence Moore, who started seven games at defensive tackle after Crick was put on the shelf, Nebraska should be in good shape at this position because there are plenty of experienced returning players.
Eric Martin and Cameron Meredith are entrenched as starters at defensive end. Senior Baker Steinkuhler should provide a steady presence at defensive tackle with sophomore Chase Rome pushing strongly for a starting job.
Jason Ankrah, Joe Carter and Kevin Williams are touted recruits who have yet to live up to their potential. Thad Randle and Jay Guy are coming off injuries, but seem to have the goods to stop the run. Todd Peat and Williams could also emerge as contributors. Greg McMullen is a talented recruit while Avery Moss may be counted on to rush the passer more.
The biggest change, however, is the addition defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski, who turned out strong units at Iowa for five years. Kaczenski was hired as a result of John Papuchis replacing Carl Pelini as defensive coordinator after getting hired as the Florida Atlantic head coach. Kaczenski assumes a unit that needs a jolt of energy. This unit should be the strength of Nebraska’s defense in 2012 and it needs to be.
Kaczenski has spent the past five years coaching Iowa’s defensive line. Among the players that flourished under his watch were All-Big Ten picks Adrian Clayborn and Mitch King. Clayborn received consensus All-America honors in 2010.
Seven of Kaczenski’s defensive linemen have been drafted or have signed an NFL free-agent contract over the past four seasons.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
2012 Position Outlook: Offensive Line
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at tight end:
Looking back: Though the Huskers lose center Mike Caputo along tackles Marcel Jones and Yoshi Hardrick to graduation, this unit underwent a youth movement for the first time in recent memory.
Walk-on Spencer Long came out of nowhere to start every game at right guard. Andrew Rodriguez and Seung Hoon Choi took their shots starting at left guard. True freshman Tyler Moore started all four non-conference games at right tackle. Even though Jeremiah Sirles played as a backup this year, he has 14 games as a starter at left tackle in 2010 under his belt.
The 2011 campaign showed that the strength for Nebraska was the offense, as the defense was racked by injuries. The offense was once again focused on the run, but unlike 2010 when quarterback Taylor Martinez was a game-breaker, he was focused more on limiting turnovers (sorry, I hate the term “game manager’). The Huskers sustained their share of injuries on the offensive line which led to the lineup being changed often, and at one point in time, Nebraska would rotate the entire line every so often in the game.
Under first-year offensive coordinator Tim Beck, Nebraska dropped in production from 2010, but to be fair, if Nebraska had 2010's defense, they would have done a lot better this season.
Beck introduced some new formations, like the diamond, and shifted from the shotgun being the base formation to the pistol. He also started to use the fullback, which made all the people who remember Nebraska using a fullback happy.
Looking ahead: There were moments when the group imposed its will and shined. The second half against Ohio State in a 34-27 win over the Buckeyes and the first half of the Capital One Bowl game (a 30-13 loss to South Carolina) were prime examples of what Nebraska could accomplish up front against talented opposition. Entering the bowl game, Nebraska ranked 13th in the country rushing while facing its share of talented defensive lines in the Big Ten.
However, the second half of the loss to South Carolina served as a reminder that this unit still has to improve. In the last 25 minutes, Nebraska had almost as many penalties (8) as offensive yards (12).
With another year under their belts, Sirles and Moore figure to be the early front-runners to start at tackle. Depth, however, needs to be established.
The Huskers have some solid and proven depth at guard with Choi, who made the most of his opportunity after Rodriguez was beset by injuries. Rodriguez is long on potential but can he stay healthy?
Spencer Long, who is a walk-on that started every game a year ago, will be starting somewhere. The question is will it be at guard or center? Replacing Caputo at center is a pressing need considering that he saw the majority of the snaps. Cole Pensick is the early favorite to start though others will get a look as well including Ryne Reeves, Mark Pelini and possibly Long. Brent Qvale, who enters his junior year, will have a chance to contribute as well as Brandon Thompson.
Looking back: Though the Huskers lose center Mike Caputo along tackles Marcel Jones and Yoshi Hardrick to graduation, this unit underwent a youth movement for the first time in recent memory.
Walk-on Spencer Long came out of nowhere to start every game at right guard. Andrew Rodriguez and Seung Hoon Choi took their shots starting at left guard. True freshman Tyler Moore started all four non-conference games at right tackle. Even though Jeremiah Sirles played as a backup this year, he has 14 games as a starter at left tackle in 2010 under his belt.
The 2011 campaign showed that the strength for Nebraska was the offense, as the defense was racked by injuries. The offense was once again focused on the run, but unlike 2010 when quarterback Taylor Martinez was a game-breaker, he was focused more on limiting turnovers (sorry, I hate the term “game manager’). The Huskers sustained their share of injuries on the offensive line which led to the lineup being changed often, and at one point in time, Nebraska would rotate the entire line every so often in the game.
Under first-year offensive coordinator Tim Beck, Nebraska dropped in production from 2010, but to be fair, if Nebraska had 2010's defense, they would have done a lot better this season.
Beck introduced some new formations, like the diamond, and shifted from the shotgun being the base formation to the pistol. He also started to use the fullback, which made all the people who remember Nebraska using a fullback happy.
Looking ahead: There were moments when the group imposed its will and shined. The second half against Ohio State in a 34-27 win over the Buckeyes and the first half of the Capital One Bowl game (a 30-13 loss to South Carolina) were prime examples of what Nebraska could accomplish up front against talented opposition. Entering the bowl game, Nebraska ranked 13th in the country rushing while facing its share of talented defensive lines in the Big Ten.
However, the second half of the loss to South Carolina served as a reminder that this unit still has to improve. In the last 25 minutes, Nebraska had almost as many penalties (8) as offensive yards (12).
With another year under their belts, Sirles and Moore figure to be the early front-runners to start at tackle. Depth, however, needs to be established.
The Huskers have some solid and proven depth at guard with Choi, who made the most of his opportunity after Rodriguez was beset by injuries. Rodriguez is long on potential but can he stay healthy?
Spencer Long, who is a walk-on that started every game a year ago, will be starting somewhere. The question is will it be at guard or center? Replacing Caputo at center is a pressing need considering that he saw the majority of the snaps. Cole Pensick is the early favorite to start though others will get a look as well including Ryne Reeves, Mark Pelini and possibly Long. Brent Qvale, who enters his junior year, will have a chance to contribute as well as Brandon Thompson.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Paterno's legacy a complicated definition
As we mourn the loss of former Penn State football head coach Joe Paterno, one thought crosses my mind.
OK, hold the tasteless humor for later but serious, we’ve all seen stories of 90-year old couples living out their lives together, and then when one of them passes away, the other one goes within
about six months. It’s almost as if the survivor loses their will to live after their love of 60 years, their constant companion, is gone. Paterno’s love for the last 60 years was Penn State football. When it was taken from him, you wonder how much it affected his will to live. The cause of death is cancer, but I think it may have been hastened by the loss of his love.
Paterno died Sunday at a State College, Pa., hospital, suffering in his final days from lung cancer, broken bones and the fallout of a horrific scandal that not only cost him his job, but also his trademark vigor and a portion of his good name.
The question is, how will the 85-year old Paterno be remembered? For most of his life Paterno conveyed three basic messages (honor, ethics and education) but all of that changed on Nov. 5, 2011, when a grand jury indicted Paterno’s former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, of multiple counts of sexual abuse of children.
Many, including Penn State’s Board of Trustees, believed Paterno could have and should have done more to stop Sandusky, especially after allegations of misconduct arose in 2002. Within days Paterno was fired from the program and school to which he’d become synonymous.
People can say what they want about the scandal but you can’t take away the fact of how many lives he has touched and how important he was to college football. Paterno will be missed and the Penn State sidelines will never be the same.
Though I believe the powers that be at Penn State were justified in dismissing Paterno, I can’t help but feel bad for him on some level. He clearly made a huge mistake in not doing more when he found out about Sandusky and he was clearly negligent but I think overall he was a good man and coach. Sandusky deserves most of the blame and I hope he rots. Sandusky needs to have his ass kicked and fed to the vultures.
I may have rooted against Penn State more often than for them it was more from the understanding that Paterno was going to have his team ready to play. We have lost a true legend of the sport and a truly remarkable human being.
To say he handled the situation poorly would be an understatement; however, his accomplishments will be in the record books without an asterisk by them. Most will forgive him in time just watch. It might be a long time, but it’ll happen.
OK, hold the tasteless humor for later but serious, we’ve all seen stories of 90-year old couples living out their lives together, and then when one of them passes away, the other one goes within
about six months. It’s almost as if the survivor loses their will to live after their love of 60 years, their constant companion, is gone. Paterno’s love for the last 60 years was Penn State football. When it was taken from him, you wonder how much it affected his will to live. The cause of death is cancer, but I think it may have been hastened by the loss of his love.
Paterno died Sunday at a State College, Pa., hospital, suffering in his final days from lung cancer, broken bones and the fallout of a horrific scandal that not only cost him his job, but also his trademark vigor and a portion of his good name.
The question is, how will the 85-year old Paterno be remembered? For most of his life Paterno conveyed three basic messages (honor, ethics and education) but all of that changed on Nov. 5, 2011, when a grand jury indicted Paterno’s former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, of multiple counts of sexual abuse of children.
Many, including Penn State’s Board of Trustees, believed Paterno could have and should have done more to stop Sandusky, especially after allegations of misconduct arose in 2002. Within days Paterno was fired from the program and school to which he’d become synonymous.
People can say what they want about the scandal but you can’t take away the fact of how many lives he has touched and how important he was to college football. Paterno will be missed and the Penn State sidelines will never be the same.
Though I believe the powers that be at Penn State were justified in dismissing Paterno, I can’t help but feel bad for him on some level. He clearly made a huge mistake in not doing more when he found out about Sandusky and he was clearly negligent but I think overall he was a good man and coach. Sandusky deserves most of the blame and I hope he rots. Sandusky needs to have his ass kicked and fed to the vultures.
I may have rooted against Penn State more often than for them it was more from the understanding that Paterno was going to have his team ready to play. We have lost a true legend of the sport and a truly remarkable human being.
To say he handled the situation poorly would be an understatement; however, his accomplishments will be in the record books without an asterisk by them. Most will forgive him in time just watch. It might be a long time, but it’ll happen.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
2012 Position Outlook: Tight End
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at tight end:
Looking back: The Huskers made a return to running the triple option, which means the tight ends were involved quite a bit as blockers. However, when Nebraska ran any variation of the option the tight end was always a significant threat in the passing game.
While Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton occasionally made plays in the passing game, they also went long stretches without being involved. Reed caught 15 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown that did not come until the regular season finale of a 20-7 win over Iowa. Cotton caught 14 balls for 189 yards with nary a touchdown.
Looking ahead: The running game remains the Huskers’ staple but Reed has the speed to get behind defenders that Nebraska wants, and needs, to utilize in the passing game. The Huskers need to do so if for no other reason that for residual effects of opening up more running lanes.
Cotton can be a threat in the passing game but his strength is blocking on the perimeter for the Huskers running game.
With both Reed and Cotton being seniors, the Huskers are in good hands at tight end.
Looking back: The Huskers made a return to running the triple option, which means the tight ends were involved quite a bit as blockers. However, when Nebraska ran any variation of the option the tight end was always a significant threat in the passing game.
While Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton occasionally made plays in the passing game, they also went long stretches without being involved. Reed caught 15 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown that did not come until the regular season finale of a 20-7 win over Iowa. Cotton caught 14 balls for 189 yards with nary a touchdown.
Looking ahead: The running game remains the Huskers’ staple but Reed has the speed to get behind defenders that Nebraska wants, and needs, to utilize in the passing game. The Huskers need to do so if for no other reason that for residual effects of opening up more running lanes.
Cotton can be a threat in the passing game but his strength is blocking on the perimeter for the Huskers running game.
With both Reed and Cotton being seniors, the Huskers are in good hands at tight end.
Monday, January 16, 2012
2012 Position Outlook: Wide Receivers
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at wide receiver:
Looking back: Brandon Kinnie was expected to be an integral part of the offense but he proved to be a disappointment as he caught just 22 passes for 257 yard and just one touchdown. Those were not the numbers Nebraska had in mind before the season started.
The Huskers also converted Jamal Turner from quarterback to wide receiver and while he caught 15 passes for 243 yards, he was a nonentity in the second half of the season.
Instead, it was Kenny Bell and Quincy Enunwa that made the biggest impact. The former became quarterback Taylor Martinez’s go-to guy as he caught 32 passes for 461 yards and three touchdowns, all of which were team highs. Bell especially came on strong in the second half of the season. Enunwa also showed flashes of brilliance as he caught 21 passes for 293 yards and a pair of scores. Tim Marlowe caught 12 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
However, dropped passes that did not allow drives to be kept afloat haunted Nebraska throughout the season.
Looking ahead: While Martinez has issues to straighten out as a passer, it is equally true that Nebraska receivers have not done him any favors by dropping catchable passes. The biggest culprit was Kinnie, who will be lost to graduation.
Bell, who will be a sophomore, figures to be the Huskers biggest offensive weapon not named Rex Burkhead. Bell certainly has the speed to get behind defenders. Enunwa, who will be a junior, not only gained confidence as a receiver but is perhaps the Huskers best downfield blocker among the wide receivers. That quality is very significant with any offense that runs a variation of the option. Marlowe might not fill up a bunch of highlight shows but his knowledge of the offense is a huge plus.
The wild card among next year’s group is Turner and Khiry Cooper, especially the former. Turner has the game-breaking speed and how he is used this fall bears watching. Cooper, who will be a senior, did not see a ton of snaps and freshman Taariq Allen shined as a scout team player last year but how that parlays into playing time is another matter.
Looking back: Brandon Kinnie was expected to be an integral part of the offense but he proved to be a disappointment as he caught just 22 passes for 257 yard and just one touchdown. Those were not the numbers Nebraska had in mind before the season started.
The Huskers also converted Jamal Turner from quarterback to wide receiver and while he caught 15 passes for 243 yards, he was a nonentity in the second half of the season.
Instead, it was Kenny Bell and Quincy Enunwa that made the biggest impact. The former became quarterback Taylor Martinez’s go-to guy as he caught 32 passes for 461 yards and three touchdowns, all of which were team highs. Bell especially came on strong in the second half of the season. Enunwa also showed flashes of brilliance as he caught 21 passes for 293 yards and a pair of scores. Tim Marlowe caught 12 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
However, dropped passes that did not allow drives to be kept afloat haunted Nebraska throughout the season.
Looking ahead: While Martinez has issues to straighten out as a passer, it is equally true that Nebraska receivers have not done him any favors by dropping catchable passes. The biggest culprit was Kinnie, who will be lost to graduation.
Bell, who will be a sophomore, figures to be the Huskers biggest offensive weapon not named Rex Burkhead. Bell certainly has the speed to get behind defenders. Enunwa, who will be a junior, not only gained confidence as a receiver but is perhaps the Huskers best downfield blocker among the wide receivers. That quality is very significant with any offense that runs a variation of the option. Marlowe might not fill up a bunch of highlight shows but his knowledge of the offense is a huge plus.
The wild card among next year’s group is Turner and Khiry Cooper, especially the former. Turner has the game-breaking speed and how he is used this fall bears watching. Cooper, who will be a senior, did not see a ton of snaps and freshman Taariq Allen shined as a scout team player last year but how that parlays into playing time is another matter.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2012 Position Outlook: Running back
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at running:
Looking back: Let’s start with the obvious, “What more can be said about Rex Burkhead that has not already been said?” Nebraska has had its legendary running backs like Mike Rozier, Johnny Rodgers, I.M. Hipp, and Lawrence Phillips but Burkhead has established his own place in Husker lore.
The junior from Plano, Texas carried 284 times for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011. He also caught 21 more passes for 177 yards and a pair of scores. At times, Burkhead flat out carried the load for the Huskers and he did it against some pretty stout Big Ten defensive units such as Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. While I never met Burkhead in person, anyone who has publically spoken about him say he’s an even better person. Suffice it to say, Husker fans are blessed to have him for another year.
With the return of the option, we actually saw the fullback get a few carries but not the amount that will make fans forget Joel Mackovica. Legate had eight carries and four catches (two for touchdowns). The fullback carrying the ball, however, seemed to be more of an attempt to pander to the fans that long for the retro Tom Osborne playbook.
The most puzzling aspect of the 2011 season as it pertained to the running back position was the fact that the Huskers burned redshirts on three players (Ameer Abdullah, Aaron Green and Braylon Heard). The threesome combined for just 91 carries and three receptions. Abdullah not redshirting was at least somewhat understandable because he was the primary kickoff and punt returner. However, it was readily apparent by midseason that either Green or Heard, probably the latter, should have redshirted.
Looking ahead: Burkhead is the unquestioned leader not only of this position but the entire offense. The tricky aspect will be getting Burkhead his steady diet of touches while also preserving him for the Big Ten grind.
Though his costly fumble in the Huskers 30-13 Capital Bowl loss played a role in the team unraveling, Abdullah showed enough promise early in the season to be that change of pace runner to compliment Burkhead.
Given that the option has returned as part of the Husker offense, losing Legate might be more of a concern that at first glance. For openers, there’s the role of lead blocking for the running back but also quarterback Taylor Martinez seems better suited on “load option” running plays that involve either a fullback or pulling guard.
Looking back: Let’s start with the obvious, “What more can be said about Rex Burkhead that has not already been said?” Nebraska has had its legendary running backs like Mike Rozier, Johnny Rodgers, I.M. Hipp, and Lawrence Phillips but Burkhead has established his own place in Husker lore.
The junior from Plano, Texas carried 284 times for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011. He also caught 21 more passes for 177 yards and a pair of scores. At times, Burkhead flat out carried the load for the Huskers and he did it against some pretty stout Big Ten defensive units such as Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. While I never met Burkhead in person, anyone who has publically spoken about him say he’s an even better person. Suffice it to say, Husker fans are blessed to have him for another year.
With the return of the option, we actually saw the fullback get a few carries but not the amount that will make fans forget Joel Mackovica. Legate had eight carries and four catches (two for touchdowns). The fullback carrying the ball, however, seemed to be more of an attempt to pander to the fans that long for the retro Tom Osborne playbook.
The most puzzling aspect of the 2011 season as it pertained to the running back position was the fact that the Huskers burned redshirts on three players (Ameer Abdullah, Aaron Green and Braylon Heard). The threesome combined for just 91 carries and three receptions. Abdullah not redshirting was at least somewhat understandable because he was the primary kickoff and punt returner. However, it was readily apparent by midseason that either Green or Heard, probably the latter, should have redshirted.
Looking ahead: Burkhead is the unquestioned leader not only of this position but the entire offense. The tricky aspect will be getting Burkhead his steady diet of touches while also preserving him for the Big Ten grind.
Though his costly fumble in the Huskers 30-13 Capital Bowl loss played a role in the team unraveling, Abdullah showed enough promise early in the season to be that change of pace runner to compliment Burkhead.
Given that the option has returned as part of the Husker offense, losing Legate might be more of a concern that at first glance. For openers, there’s the role of lead blocking for the running back but also quarterback Taylor Martinez seems better suited on “load option” running plays that involve either a fullback or pulling guard.
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