After all that JD is on the red-shirt track. That
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This seems to be a darn good sign DPE is really ready.
They were waiting to see where DPE was. He was outstanding tonight.
The other interesting item is that it sounds like Boe Wilson is on the redshirt track. I hope Hanh and Barnett can step up so Wilson can redshirt and play next year.
I actually think that Westerkamp is a better punt returner than alot of folks give him credit for. With that said, if he's back there all season long I'm going to be grumpy.
They think Wilson's pass blocking is tremendous, but Hahn and a healthy Whitaker give them better options in the run game.
Best long term and short term solution here. Historically, having a couple seniors in the program step up and play in the OL while redshirting the young talent has served this team well.
Which is just further evidence that the coaches are really planning on pounding the rock more this year.
We know exactly how good he is and is why we NEED someone else. He's in there for his hands not his feet. He has the best hands of any Husker ever...or since the late 60s when I started watching.
He has as good of hands as Santino Panico and THAT is saying a lot......Fortunately Westerkamp is a little fleeter of foot than Santino.
Westy's longest punt return is like 10 yards. DPE eclipses Westy's season totals in a single game. Neff said.
Take a kid out of high school and throw him in fall camp, and you basically have a kid still just out of high school competing against guys that are more mature (hopefully physically and emotionally), have prior knowledge of the specific schemes, and already know what the coaches want.
I believe the coaching staff offers scholarships to kids that they are sure have a very good shot at playing, it just may not be in the true freshman year.
I believe the coaching staff offers scholarships to kids that they are sure have a very good shot at playing, it just may not be in the true freshman year.
It's a tough balance, sometimes we just need the best hands out there to ensure we get possession. What we lose is the potential for an electrifying return that can swing the momentum back in our favor. It's all situational.
Westy has also dropped the ball; we just don't always lose it. DPE has good hands; I would guess there is little difference in ball handling; and if there is - some of it would be late grabs and chances DPE takes to get angles and break returns. As said above; Westy is more of a Santino.
I'm pretty sure I clearly stated I don't want to see #1 back there returning punts. But fwiw, Westercamp averaged over 10 yards per return last year.
No one else is DPE and that's not a knock, he's a special return man.
Didn't he have one longer return that he ran through a large gap - that drives an average up a lot. Hey he is a hero ; but we need to develop break away players at the position. He amazes me on route running and getting open; punt returns are a way different technique.
Wait just one minute. All of the doctors on this board said that there would be no way, and that he should redshirt no matter what. Hmmm...
It's a rare thing to have the vision to make vertical cuts in the punt return game. The best ones do it, their first move is to attack UP the field and put the defenders on difficult angles. Usually if you can split those first two gunners, it's game on.
Gotta be aggressive as hell to be a great PR man.
Gotta be aggressive as hell to be a great PR man.
Good lord!!! I've said twice now that I hope he's not our main punt returner!!! How much clearer do I have to be!?!? All I said was he's better than people give him credit for. And clearly everybody wants to put him in the same category as Santico Pinico.
My whole point was, yes if #15 can return to his old form then yes he is the best punt returner in the country. Have you ever had major knee surgery??? I have!!! The way punt coverage is these days you need someone who can change directions at ultima speed. Punt coverage these days are on top of these guys so fast that when they catch it you need someone who can make the first guy or two miss before making a cut. That is clearly not Westerkamp's skill set. That's why this is a Spielman thread and I brought it up. Goodness!!!
If DPE can return to his freshman form then I'm fine. If not, then Spielman deserves a chance!!! That was my whole point. How much clearer do I have to be?!?!
Seriously, stop poo-pooing on Westerkamp's punt return abilities just because it's easy for you!!!
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Does that mean 1+1 is not equal to 2 because it is easy. You stated Westy is a better returner than many give him credit for. Most responded no we know exactly what he gives us. We love Westy but the only reason he returns punts are his hands. Most realize he is much better than Santico, Westy has moves. To suggest that Husker fans don't know what he brings to the table as a returner is where we disagree.
I realized what you have said. I believe I have reinforced your comments before ; or someone similar. My comment a day ago or so related to his average return mentioned could use some research; I am cool with ten yards - but I was not looking it up and said there may be a few that made the average look better than it was; pretty simple. I am guessing I may have similar knee stories to yours. Really didn't mean to respond to you; because if you look at my posts; I think he and the coaches need to decide and work him in when its time. If it was you before and your saying cutting at ultima speed ; I completely agreed with you - anyone who has rehabbed a knee " gets it "; and you know the levels of strength and how it can seem to lose power ( and on and on ).
So the guys that were really on Westy; how much easy time are you spending on them - My opinion is I don't want him hurt and it appears we have better options. Ever had cancer and knee surgery ? Football and struck by a car injury - I agree with you and GBR
I agree with the Captain on this one. He's not DPE, but Westerkamp is a much better punt returner than people give him credit for. I think part of the problem is that people have his freshman season burned in their brains. But it was hardly his fault that BO didn't have his punt return team actually block for him.
Great observation; one of the stranger things to see, to the point I thought he was risking Westerkamps health. Puts you in the position of : if you break through two, your in the arms of three. GBR
2015 - 6 returns, 61 yards. Long of 24 at Miami. 2013 - 19 returns, 51 yards. Long of 19 at Minny
DPE - 150 yards against Fresno St in 2014
DPE - 150 yards against Fresno St in 2014
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