Things have quieted down. A lot of sadness this week, but if we sit back and analyze it - I can't imagine very many blaming the coaches for flipping the roster after a disastrous season. It sucks what happened, but it's needed. We have to move forward and do everything in our power to improve the roster for 2023.
With that said, the flip doesn't give the coaches a slide for inexperience in 2023. It was their choice to make these moves and, at least for me, can't grant them a "free year" for this. That "free year" is 2022, only because of the success in 2021.
So here's a recap:
Known departures (12)
Banjoff, Bragg, Bradford, Palmer, Steil, Mason, Gomes, Chick, Feekin (volunteer assistant at NU), Petersen, Wimmers (mutual departure, he'll likely drop to D2), Wessel (retiring from baseball)
I've been told all true freshmen in 2021 are returning except Petersen (Guthmiller moved to the bump but I've heard he's having second thoughts). 11 returning is disappointing. I still question Jackson, but at least wanted to add what I heard late last night. He's telling the coaches one thing and others something else. So he'll be added to the roster numbers below till 1 of us can confirm otherwise.
Asked to return, undecided
Schanaman, Everitt, Frank
Shay & Griff return if no opportunity at next level. Frank possibly transferring closer to home. I'm unaware of any time-line request by the staff for these 3. I assume there has to be one for Frank. Although I really want Frank back - the portal is our friend, not enemy, so we can't be held hostage.
Roster count, confirmed:
(1) Jessen, (2) Caron, (3) Jackson, (4) Christo, (5) Hood, (6) Brockett, (7) Benson, (8) Hawkins, (9) Swansen, (10) Guthmiller, (11) Anglim, (12) Walsh, (13) Anderson, (14) Matthews, (15) Olson, (16) Sartori, (17) Ornelas, (18) Cervantes, (19) Perry, (20) Bunz.
(21) Schanaman, (22) Everitt, (23) Frank
@HuskerFan31 has our incoming class
currently at 16. ((Edit to add: just got another commit so we're at 17.)) I know we're still looking for 2-4 more, portal is priority, so the attrition isn't over.
(20) + (17) = 37. Add Shay, Griff, Koty & we're currently at 40.
2023 season has a roster maximum of 40 players allowed which includes no more than 5 guys with a covid season to use. If they weren't in college, at any level, in 2020 then they count towards our 35.
Okay, back to shriveled body parts at Charles Schwabb Stadium. I'll ask one thing, we're dealing with 18-22 year olds that can change their mind quicker than
a woman, well, you know so take it easy on me if something else transpires over the next 12 weeks.
