Rob Zatechka

[Pennsyhusker]

listened to his podcast last night. He seems to think the injury to Jerald Foster is a devastating blow to the line. Too much inexperience in his backups.
He also was not high at all on Utter. Says he is a real gamer who works his ass off, but is too small and slow. He said he would like to see Decker play center.
Thoughts????

 

[Husker Sledge]

Foster wasn't exactly that experienced either. We'll be alright.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Foster wasn't exactly that experienced either. We'll be alright.

That is what I thought. I guess the difference is that he was very positive about Foster's strength, intelligence and athleticism

 

[TruHusker]

I would tend to trust a guy who has a bit more experience.

 

[Husker Sledge]

I'm really high on Foster too. He's got a bright future. I think Cav found something in this Wilson kid. Underrated out of high school. Injuries or not, to do what he's doing this soon is really impressive! Maybe our center of the future? Once Barnett gets his but in better shape he'll be pretty good as well. Next few years look great on the offensive line!

 

[tpmcg]

to be fair, i'm sure most, save a few like alabama who can plug in a new guy and not miss much of a beat, would be in a similar dilemma.

maybe compared to the depth when he played, i'm sure its night and day. we were in alabama's shoes then...

 

[swissticuffs]

Well he's right, it was a blow....in terms of potential.
Both lines are thin and relatively inexperienced. Not a good situation.

 

[leodisflowers]

Thanks for narrowing that down for us Rob. Tell us more!

 

[headcard]

The fact that Whittaker is also hurt makes it worse. Whittaker is a smart player with some game experience. Having him would have allowed us to ease Wilson and Barnett into things, maybe even let Wilson keep his RS.

 

[GretnaShawn]

I would like to see Decker instead of Utter as well. After rewatching games last year and focusing on line play, Utter was unimpressive. Hopefully he has improved this year.

 

[sparky62]

I think the loss of Foster is bigger then what people think. This is a very talented kid.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I think the loss of Foster is bigger then what people think. This is a very talented kid.

I agree. There's no way to sugarcoat this. Left guard has become a weak spot on the line. And Utter is just ok. Hopefully things will gel quickly for the younger guys

 

[The.Bear.Lib]

I think the loss of Foster is bigger then what people think. This is a very talented kid.

Agree. It lowers the ceiling for the line, there's no way around it. It's times like right now that the loss of Thurston hurts. He'd be in line to start or rotate heavily before camp is even over.

Watching the Bears go through this same thing after Grasu blew an ACL and now Kyle Long (maybe, probably) tore his labrum. People will give you the, "We'll be fine, next man up" narrative but I'm still waiting to see them pick up a simpe A-gap blitz correctly with their next men up.

There are maybe 1% of true freshmen in the wide world ready to come in and make an upgrade to your OL or interior DL. I'm glad Wilson is a mauler, hopefully he leaves NU with all-conference honors and then some. Expect to see him look like a freshman at times if he has to start.

 

[headcard]

You can tell from Riley's comments in the Journal Star article that losing Foster was a big loss.

http://journalstar.com/sports/huske...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=LEEDCC

"I actually let that Jerald Foster injury the other day ruin my day. I was so sick about that. What I immediately start doing is flashing right through my mind, 'What could I have done differently in this practice to prevent that?' And I hate it. But everybody is expecting you to get back and do your job, but, boy, that was a tough one."