? About RB Recruiting

[Hedley Lemar]

are we in on any RB's for 2017? There's the Auburn DB recruit and the AZ recruit but I haven't heard of any others. (Don't know if either of those 2 are realistic.) Was Eno Benjamin interested? If so, why no offer?? That dude looked legit. No doubt that there's been noticeable improvement in our backs but the recruiting in that department seems to be on a milk carton. Thx for any info.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Well if you look at the number of wide receiver recruits we have versus running backs, I think you get some idea of the direction we are headed.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Well if you look at the number of wide receiver recruits we have versus running backs, I think you get some idea of the direction we are headed.

Or you could look at the fact that if Adam Taylor doesn't graduate and leave, you will have 5 RBs on scholarship next fall with the addition of Miles. You probably have room for one.

The numbers in WR is because you are replacing 3 senior WR, plus replacing Grim, who signed last year then left in August. You basically have 5 WR and a converted QB returning at WR.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Or you could look at the fact that if Adam Taylor doesn't graduate and leave, you will have 5 RBs on scholarship next fall with the addition of Miles. You probably have room for one.

The numbers in WR is because you are replacing 3 senior WR, plus replacing Grim, who signed last year then left in August. You basically have 5 WR and a converted QB returning at WR.

Damn. I totally forgot about Taylor. But I hope he graduates. He is dead weight.

 

[GretnaShawn]

Damn. I totally forgot about Taylor. But I hope he graduates. He is dead weight.

He may not contribute at RB, but I believe he is a special teams contributor.

 

[HuskerLLM]

Well if you look at the number of wide receiver recruits we have versus running backs, I think you get some idea of the direction we are headed.

We don't even have a two deep of schollie WR on current roster heading into next season.

We need 4-5 this class.

 

[Jimmy Frank]

Damn. I totally forgot about Taylor. But I hope he graduates. He is dead weight.

Nice....wish some dead weight fans would leave too.

 

[northeastNebraska]

-Alaric Williams may have some qualifying issues.
-Nathan Tilford is intriguing, but is still committed to Arizona somehow.

This staff likes what we have at RB for 2017. If they don't like one they may not take one this class.

Watch to see how Jalen Bradley of Bellevue West performs next Monday in the state title game. If he balls out like he has all year, it'll be interesting. He seems to have some academic issues, but maybe get him in on a gray shirt.

 

[kaz36]

-Alaric Williams may have some qualifying issues.
-Nathan Tilford is intriguing, but is still committed to Arizona somehow.

This staff likes what we have at RB for 2017. If they don't like one they may not take one this class.

Watch to see how Jalen Bradley of Bellevue West performs next Monday in the state title game. If he balls out like he has all year, it'll be interesting. He seems to have some academic issues, but maybe get him in on a gray shirt.

For some reason, I was thinking that Alaric was told by Auburn that he could play RB there and that solidified his commitment to them. I believe they originally recruited him for defense and that is why he looked around. I may have him confused with someone else.

 

[huskerfan830]

Not to debate, but Bradley has nothing else to prove based off his high school career. Finals should make zero difference. -biased BW alum

 

[northeastNebraska]

For some reason, I was thinking that Alaric was told by Auburn that he could play RB there and that solidified his commitment to them. I believe they originally recruited him for defense and that is why he looked around. I may have him confused with someone else.

That could be I never heard that. But I also never heard if he scheduled a second visit to Nebraska like he planned back in September.

 

[GBRhuskers]

That could be I never heard that. But I also never heard if he scheduled a second visit to Nebraska like he planned back in September.

He was at the Minnesota game last weekend.

https://nebraska.rivals.com/news/recruit-visitor-gallery-minnesota

 

[northeastNebraska]

He was at the Minnesota game last weekend.

https://nebraska.rivals.com/news/recruit-visitor-gallery-minnesota

Alaric Williams wasn't.

 

[GBRhuskers]

Alaric Williams wasn't.

Well damn on me, I had thought Bradley was the discussion. My bad.

 

[NikkiSixx]

In my opinion, this is a big problem.. to have trouble getting a great RB to commit here is unfathomable.. I don't want to start a big stink, but part of me wants to look for a better RB coach. If a position coach can't recruit his position, it's a problem.

 

[jflores]

In my opinion, this is a big problem.. to have trouble getting a great RB to commit here is unfathomable.. I don't want to start a big stink, but part of me wants to look for a better RB coach. If a position coach can't recruit his position, it's a problem.

Tre Bryant says hello.

Rumblings are, we may not even want a RB this year. Which is quite different than "can't".

 

[jflores]

Its also worth noting, that we are pursuing Greg Johnson, who is Joe Lewis good friend at Hawkins. I believe he's currently committed to Arizona, but could play a number of positions for us, including RB.

 

[GretnaShawn]

In my opinion, this is a big problem.. to have trouble getting a great RB to commit here is unfathomable.. I don't want to start a big stink, but part of me wants to look for a better RB coach. If a position coach can't recruit his position, it's a problem.

Really? So far Davis has brought in Ozigbo and Bryant. I would say that he has done pretty well on the recruiting front so far. We are still a ways from Feb. Also, he has done a heck of a job coaching the players. How many fumbles have we have this year compared to years past?

Fumbles Per Game
2016 - 41st in the country
2015 - 5th
2014 - 119th
2013 - 119th
2012 - 119th
2011 - 112th
2010 - 120th

https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/stat/fumbles-per-game?date=2016-11-17

 

[jflores]

Really? So far Davis has brought in Ozigbo and Bryant. I would say that he has done pretty well on the recruiting front so far. We are still a ways from Feb. Also, he has done a heck of a job coaching the players. How many fumbles have we have this year compared to years past?

Fumbles Per Game
2016 - 41st in the country
2015 - 5th
2014 - 119th
2013 - 119th
2012 - 119th
2011 - 112th
2010 - 120th

https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/stat/fumbles-per-game?date=2016-11-17

IMO Davis is legit. He's fairly active on Twitter as well. I'm of the mind to take one every year, but if we don't, their call. I'd love to take Eno and call it a day, but Eno doesn't really talk about NU very much anymore, he may not have really legit interest here.

 

[GBRhuskers]

Rumblings are, we may not even want a RB this year. Which is quite different than "can't".

I can't imagine that's the case considering the amount of time Davis has spent attempting to land a RB in this class. In my opinion, the rumblings are code for "Davis is struggling".

 

[jflores]

I can't imagine that's the case considering the amount of time Davis has spent attempting to land a RB in this class. In my opinion, the rumblings are code for "Davis is struggling".

You have to look at where he's spent the most time though. He's not put a whole ton of effort into guys who are freely available three stars.

All of our top targets are "flips" from somewhere else. Alaric Williams, Stephen Carr, Najee Harris, Greg Johnson, Nathan Tilford, etc.

We could have taken Peacock a long time ago and just called it a day (Peacock has since committed to UVA).

We seem to be playing for a home run ball, since we don't seem to believe we absolutely need another 3* back on the roster just to say we did.

 

[jflores]

Remember that Davis is a guy that worked for Harbaugh in the pros, and Harbaugh wanted at his Death Star in Michigan.

I'd say the odds of Davis "not being able to get it done" are pretty low. His track record here is pretty good with Ozigbo and Bryant in years 1 and 2.

 

[GBRhuskers]

You have to look at where he's spent the most time though. He's not put a whole ton of effort into guys who are freely available three stars.

All of our top targets are "flips" from somewhere else. Alaric Williams, Stephen Carr, Najee Harris, Greg Johnson, Nathan Tilford, etc.

We could have taken Peacock a long time ago and just called it a day (Peacock has since committed to UVA).

We seem to be playing for a home run ball, since we don't seem to believe we absolutely need another 3* back on the roster just to say we did.

So your belief is we want one in this class, but not just anyone. I can buy that however, that's a little different than 'we may not want a RB in this class". Maybe I'm interpreting your words wrong.

We have "3* backs on the roster" because Reggie Davis has yet to land anyone with a higher ranking. He got lucky with Charlton Warren having the scoop on Oz, a different staffer but similar with Bryant, but that's for another discussion.

As of today, we have 3 backs on scholarship for the 2017 season. Skipping a back in this class is a mistake. Of course, that's personal opinion.

To me, Reggie Davis seem to be a weak link on the recruiting trail.

 

[jflores]

So your belief is we want one in this class, but not just anyone. I can buy that however, that's a little different than 'we may not want a RB in this class". Maybe I'm interpreting your words wrong.

We have "3* backs on the roster" because Reggie Davis has yet to land anyone with a higher ranking. He got lucky with Charlton Warren having the scoop on Oz, a different staffer but similar with Bryant, but that's for another discussion.

As of today, we have 3 backs on scholarship for the 2017 season. Skipping a back in this class is a mistake. Of course, that's personal opinion.

To me, Reggie Davis seem to be a weak link on the recruiting trail.

On another board, one of the insiders seemed to indicate the staff was happy with the backs we have coming back.

So taking one is not an absolute necessity. Which frees them to go after the best ones, and let the chips fall where they may.

If they absolutely just want to take a body late, they can go get a 3* back who is pretty good as a fall back option.

I'm a 1 RB a year type of guy too, so this appears to me, to be a risky strategy. But its their paycheck, so I'll let them make the call. We are pretty heavily pursuing guys who can play a number of positions for us, so there's possibilities there too.

Eno Benjamin remains a mystery. Are we not interested, is he not interested? Michigan has like 3 or 4 RB recruits, so it remains a mystery why Eno is infatuated with them. Perhaps the staff knows they have Eno in the bag if they want him. Perhaps they feel good about flipping a guy like Johnson.

 

[jflores]

I'm also curious about general philosophy.

Riley seems to like a diverse run game, not necessarily predicated on 30 carries a game on one dude.

Without question we will throw more with Lee and POB and Gebbia. Will Ozigbo and Bryant each get 10-15 touches? WR Jet sweep for days. Can Ben Miles be a "Janovich" option as well as a "Cethan Carter end around" option?

It appears there will be a lot of diversity in run game touches, and the screen game. Unless we get a truly special back, there probably won't be a whole lot of 200 yard rushing days for *one* guy.

Edit: NU may become a little less I-Back U, and a little more basketball on grass.

 

[GBRhuskers]

On another board, one of the insiders seemed to indicate the staff was happy with the backs we have coming back.

So taking one is not an absolute necessity. Which frees them to go after the best ones, and let the chips fall where they may.

If they absolutely just want to take a body late, they can go get a 3* back who is pretty good as a fall back option.

I'm a 1 RB a year type of guy too, so this appears to me, to be a risky strategy. But its their paycheck, so I'll let them make the call. We are pretty heavily pursuing guys who can play a number of positions for us, so there's possibilities there too.

Eno Benjamin remains a mystery. Are we not interested, is he not interested? Michigan has like 3 or 4 RB recruits, so it remains a mystery why Eno is infatuated with them. Perhaps the staff knows they have Eno in the bag if they want him. Perhaps they feel good about flipping a guy like Johnson.

That's a lot to expect people to buy. History says Warren snagged Oz, and Wilhite was heavily involved in Bryant. All while Reggie Davis is going after "big fish", he's yet to land someone; even a lonely 3*, on his own. One recruit, just one. But we don't need one in this class, unless it's someone better than what's on the roster? Sorry man, I can't buy that.

It's best I digress.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Or you could look at the fact that if Adam Taylor doesn't graduate and leave, you will have 5 RBs on scholarship next fall with the addition of Miles. You probably have room for one.

The numbers in WR is because you are replacing 3 senior WR, plus replacing Grim, who signed last year then left in August. You basically have 5 WR and a converted QB returning at WR.

So your belief is we want one in this class, but not just anyone. I can buy that however, that's a little different than 'we may not want a RB in this class". Maybe I'm interpreting your words wrong.

We have "3* backs on the roster" because Reggie Davis has yet to land anyone with a higher ranking. He got lucky with Charlton Warren having the scoop on Oz, a different staffer but similar with Bryant, but that's for another discussion.

As of today, we have 3 backs on scholarship for the 2017 season. Skipping a back in this class is a mistake. Of course, that's personal opinion.

To me, Reggie Davis seem to be a weak link on the recruiting trail.

I lean toward GBR's analysis here. I am not sold on Davis

But maybe there is also a lot of negative recruiting going on where opposing coaches point out the upcoming QB's on our roster and tell recruits we are clearly veering toward a more pass happy offense.

On the other hand Davis could easily counter such arguments by pointing out that we will be running a pro style offense, which is attractive to upper tier running back recruits.

And correct me if I am wrong, but don't we already have a 3* running back recruit in Ben Miles? What is his offer list like?

 

[jflores]

That's a lot to expect people to buy. History says Warren snagged Oz, and Wilhite was heavily involved in Bryant. All while Reggie Davis is going after "big fish", he's yet to land someone; even a lonely 3*, on his own. One recruit, just one. But we don't need one in this class, unless it's someone better than what's on the roster? Sorry man, I can't buy that.

It's best I digress.

IMO, I don't care if Davis needs "help" or not. Recruiting is generally a team game it appears.

If Davis can keep coaching them up, and someone else is primarily nabbing the bodies, its all the same to me. If the cupboard is bare in a year or two, you'll certainly see more angst, but right now, we do not appear to be on the verge of running out of folks to tote the rock.

Edit: And no one seems to be complaining that Stewart putting in work in Florida, is setting up the table for Parella.

 

[jflores]

I lean toward GBR's analysis here. I am not sold on Davis

But maybe there is also a lot of negative recruiting going on where opposing coaches point out the upcoming QB's on our roster and tell recruits we are clearly veering toward a more pass happy offense.

On the other hand Davis could easily counter such arguments by pointing out that we will be running a pro style offense, which is attractive to upper tier running back recruits.

And correct me if I am wrong, but don't we already have a 3* running back recruit in Ben Miles? What is his offer list like?

At best he can be half right. He can't claim we have three backs and throw out Taylor and Miles. (Miles is more of an H/flex-back candidate that true RB, but he will probably still see carries).

In a perfect world, I'd like to see Johnson/Eno on board with Ben Miles, and perhaps re-evaluation of Taylor's ability to contribute in the off-season leading to maybe 2 true backs next year.

 

[jflores]

I lean toward GBR's analysis here. I am not sold on Davis

But maybe there is also a lot of negative recruiting going on where opposing coaches point out the upcoming QB's on our roster and tell recruits we are clearly veering toward a more pass happy offense.

On the other hand Davis could easily counter such arguments by pointing out that we will be running a pro style offense, which is attractive to upper tier running back recruits.

And correct me if I am wrong, but don't we already have a 3* running back recruit in Ben Miles? What is his offer list like?

I think a lot of the angst now is just "time". We're I-back U right, where's the back? He should be one of the first on-board.

If we're truly playing the waiting game for a top shelf athlete, then where we are at is not at all strange. Johnson in particular, does not appear to be in a hurry to decide.

In particular, what should be the standard of a coaches ability to flip a RB recruit from Bama or USC? We appear to be in much better shape with Johnson even though he's a spectacular athlete at a lesser school. Which is to be expected.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I lean toward GBR's analysis here. I am not sold on Davis

But maybe there is also a lot of negative recruiting going on where opposing coaches point out the upcoming QB's on our roster and tell recruits we are clearly veering toward a more pass happy offense.

On the other hand Davis could easily counter such arguments by pointing out that we will be running a pro style offense, which is attractive to upper tier running back recruits.

And correct me if I am wrong, but don't we already have a 3* running back recruit in Ben Miles? What is his offer list like?

My comment wasn't a philosophy, it was pointing out the numbers game. In Riley's offense you will see more single back sets and more 3 WR sets. That doesn't necessarily mean you will pass 3x as often but it does mean that you will need more WRs than RBs. So if you already have five RBs on scholarship adding a 6th and 7th is great if you have room. However, when you only have 5 WR, (only 2 who have taken a snap at Nebraska) returning to go with a converted QB, I can see why the staff would emphasize WR over RB. They will have OZ, Bryant and Wilson back. That is 3 deep. You don't go 3 deep at WR.

 

[TheBeav815]

In my opinion, this is a big problem.. to have trouble getting a great RB to commit here is unfathomable.. I don't want to start a big stink, but part of me wants to look for a better RB coach. If a position coach can't recruit his position, it's a problem.

If you can put on film of Newby at the start of last year vs right now and tell me the RB coach isn't doing really well, there's problem #1 with your line of thinking.

THEN if you can't look at how they got Bryant and, while he didn't pan out, that 4* kid in what's-his-bucket that ate a bunch of food and then quit the team, there's problem #2.

 

[jflores]

Here was a good take from another board insider, credit to SSO.

"
Here is where i'm not concerned at all... I think defensive backs and running backs are a dime a dozen. There are so many of them that if you are a great talent evaluator, you will find the right guy. Lamar Jackson was a top100 recruit and hasn't looked great on the field. It's experience you need. But look at our starting secondary:
Josh Kalu: .8429
Chris Jones: .8223
Nate Gerry: .8534
Aaron Williams: .8610
Kieron Williams: (no 247 rating, committed end of May)

Ozigbo who will be our feature back next year: .8560 stole from Iowa State

The right evaluator can bring in some great recruits that may not look all that spectacular to people in stars or on paper. But we lead the nation in interceptions with the secondary I just listed, a secondary that many people would think have no chance to be good if you look at recruiting rankings. Coaching and scheme go a long way in college football, and if you know where to look, there are guys everywhere at these spots."

Back to my comments:

I think they are going to aim high, and trust their evaluations (this appears to be a staff strength) if they have to fall back on a lesser name guy towards the end of the cycle.

 

[NikkiSixx]

If you can put on film of Newby at the start of last year vs right now and tell me the RB coach isn't doing really well, there's problem #1 with your line of thinking.

THEN if you can't look at how they got Bryant and, while he didn't pan out, that 4* kid in what's-his-bucket that ate a bunch of food and then quit the team, there's problem #2.

My opinion on that, while it might not be popular, is that Newby has been sandbagging all along.
#2 Bryant hasn't done anything. We have all seen a lot of top tier backs here, and while that kid is just a freshman, he hasn't done anything yet to make a person think he is one. He may be eventually, but not yet. Furthermore, he hasn't been here very long, so what coaching impact if any has there been on him?

The Stephenson kid was just a late pickup being in the right place at the right time and doesn't qualify as 'recruiting'.. that was more based on Riley's relationships.

 

[TheBeav815]

My opinion on that, while it might not be popular, is that Newby has been sandbagging all along.
#2 Bryant hasn't done anything. We have all seen a lot of top tier backs here, and while that kid is just a freshman, he hasn't done anything yet to make a person think he is one. He may be eventually, but not yet. Furthermore, he hasn't been here very long, so what coaching impact if any has there been on him?

The Stephenson kid was just a late pickup being in the right place at the right time and doesn't qualify as 'recruiting'.. that was more based on Riley's relationships.

So to summarize, a coach doesn't deserve to share the credit when a talented player breaks out, the 4* RB they signed who is playing as a true freshman and scored a crucial TD last week isn't gonna be any good, and using relationships to your advantage to sign a kid is not recruiting?

 

[jflores]

My opinion on that, while it might not be popular, is that Newby has been sandbagging all along.
#2 Bryant hasn't done anything. We have all seen a lot of top tier backs here, and while that kid is just a freshman, he hasn't done anything yet to make a person think he is one. He may be eventually, but not yet. Furthermore, he hasn't been here very long, so what coaching impact if any has there been on him?

The Stephenson kid was just a late pickup being in the right place at the right time and doesn't qualify as 'recruiting'.. that was more based on Riley's relationships.

Just a curiousity, why would Newby decide to un-sandbag himself at the last minute?

 

[jflores]

So to summarize, a coach doesn't deserve to share the credit when a talented player breaks out, the 4* RB they signed who is playing as a true freshman and scored a crucial TD last week isn't gonna be any good, and using relationships to your advantage to sign a kid is not recruiting?

There's an awful lot of effort being put forth as to how NU just cosmically lucked into things and players magically appear without the help of any coaching staff. I believe God is a Husker fan too, but he's probably not the whole staff

 

[Lincoln100]

Can't wait to see Ben Miles on the field. He is going to do some serious damage. He very much feels like he's cut from the Jano mold, only maybe a little more athletic?

 

[NikkiSixx]

So to summarize, a coach doesn't deserve to share the credit when a talented player breaks out, the 4* RB they signed who is playing as a true freshman and scored a crucial TD last week isn't gonna be any good, and using relationships to your advantage to sign a kid is not recruiting?

I guess I'm talking about the RB coach and his ability to recruit. Not Riley's relationships, which was also the case for Ben Miles, just a favor to another coach.

 

[jflores]

I guess I'm talking about the RB coach and his ability to recruit. Not Riley's relationships, which was also the case for Ben Miles, just a favor to another coach.

You may as well discount this entire class then. Riley is only killing it because he was nice to Keyshawn 20 years ago, whose kid basically airmailed a bunch of talent our way.