2008 Nebraska Offense: Looking For The 'Playmaker' at Receiver

by Jon Johnston on May 2, 2008 3:20 PM CDT in Nebraska Husker Football

Here's something to chew on over the weekend

Looking at the crop of receivers as potential starters for 2008, who’s going to step up and be the next big playmaker?

Let’s not worry much about Todd Peterson or Nate Swift. Both are proven receivers, both can move the chains. In fact, Nate Swift is moving up the charts in total receptions and if he has a decent season in 2008 he could pass Johnny Rodgers on the all-time receptions list.

But let’s face it. Neither Peterson nor Swift are going to strike fear into the hearts of a defense. Neither are going to be that ‘stretch the field’ guy, and that’s who I’m looking for. It's who the 2008 Nebraska offense will be looking for.

I’m worried about the next big playmaker.

Your candidates:

Menelik Holt - four receptions for 97 yards, all in the last three games of 2007 even though he was he the field for all 12 games. Probably should have redshirted, but that wasn’t in the cards. Big guy at 6'4" but can he run?
Niles Paul - had one for six, I keep hearing his name as high potential. Will it show up as a receiver or a kick/punt return man? Wasn't he a presidential candidate or something like that?
Chris Brooks - one career reception for four yards. He's a Junior who played in only a single game last season. Given Callahan's penchant for throwing the ball all over the place is he any good?
Curenski Gilleylen - much can be made about a 77 yard bomb for a touchdown in the spring game, but it takes more than one play to make him the guy. Especially when it’s during a spring game.
Will Henry - didn’t play last season.
Matt Donahue - hasn’t seen the field yet.

Who amongst these is going to be ‘the guy’ and why?

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Comments

My pick

is Brooks. He's quick but not the biggest receiver. I suppose the only thing holding him back is they say he has small hands. Not quite as small as a carnie but small for a receiver.

If he can catch the ball he could be a guy who can make things happen deep or turn a five yard catch into a big play. With Watson simplifying the playbook, he figures to have a breakout season (a term which gets over used in the spring.)

by 96operator on May 2, 2008 6:22 PM CDT reply actions

Curenski Gilleylen

He is incredibly talented already and has the potential to go as far as his drive takes him. He has impressed on and off the field and he hasn't even taken "real" snaps yet.

by Brandon Cavanaugh on May 2, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions

Please tell me...

that you are not endorsing Kleeb. I hope that he just bought an ad on here.

by taflorom on May 5, 2008 7:24 AM CDT reply actions

who's

Kleeb?

I wouldn't endorse a political candidate here. Not even Tom Osborne.

Go Big Red!

by Jon Johnston on May 5, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

All of the above

We won't see one guy make plays like Mo could from this group. However, as a group, each has the chance to bring something unique to the offense. I think Holt will be a red zone threat. Big body and capable hands to go get the ball. Meno could have 7-8 TD's this season.

Curenski will be what Franz hardy was, a deep threat to stretch the field. If used right, Curenski (we really need a nickname for him) could see 5-6 long td's.

But the guy who Ik will finish second on the team in catches (to Swift) is Niles Paul. Like we saw Nunn do for 4 years, NP will get lots the underneath routes, bubble screens, and yes, quick outs on 3rd and 4. He's got a great bse to his frame, good hands, and some toughness to go over the middle. When Curenski is going deep, Swift is running the seam route, and Holt is run a deep square in, look for NP to come open underneath, and tturn up for some yards after the catch.

by skerinKansas on May 14, 2008 3:20 PM CDT reply actions