Recruiting

[Ewooc]

How concerned are you for this recruiting class if Riley leaves? Does it all fall apart? Can we save some of the top guys? Who do you see leaving? Who do you see staying strong.

Also if the next guy is Frost do you think he will have success getting recruits to Nebraska. I heard once that he said the part he hated most about coaching college football was the recruiting.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch_rivals294365]

The recruiting class that is in doubt is 7 guys. 3 out of the 11 are coming to Nebraska no matter what and another is a kicker.

SEVEN.

 

[HuskAir]

I saw that around a dozen crystal balls flipped yesterday for Bookie, to OU, after his visit this weekend. Can’t say I would blame someone for wanting to be at a stable, winning program.

 

[Husker-NJ]

Not concerned, although it will be a rough class. Part of doing business.

 

[YouGotSwatted!]

Small class anyways this year

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I am more concerned about the class if Riley comes back.

 

[huskerfan1414]

Better just keep him.
Then say the same thing next year.
And the year after.
Gotta keep those top 25 classes rolling in, can't expect better here and no one will like NU ever if Riley ain't recruiting em.
#winfebruaryitmattersmore

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Small class anyways this year

Wrong. Went from 15 to 18 and will probably grow to 20 or more once Riley is fired.

 

[Huskercigar]

It depends on who the next coach is. If it is Scott Frost I think we will end up with as good a class as we will have if Mike Riley gets another year. I absolutely believe that Scott will have a better chance of closing the deal than Mike Riley ever will. Right now he is one of the hottest commodity on the Market. He brings a dynamic with him that probably puts him just outside the top 5 in head coaches in regards to attracting talent if he was at an attractive school. Now are we that attractive school? That's a good question but I can tell you we will look the part 10 times over with Scott Frost than we do Mike Riley.

 

[Headcard]

It depends on who the next coach is. If it is Scott Frost I think we will end up with as good a class as we will have if Mike Riley gets another year. I absolutely believe that Scott will have a better chance of closing the deal than Mike Riley ever will. Right now he is one of the hottest commodity on the Market. He brings a dynamic with him that probably puts him just outside the top 5 in head coaches in regards to attracting talent if he was at an attractive school. Now are we that attractive school? That's a good question but I can tell you we will look the part 10 times over with Scott Frost than we do Mike Riley.

In the long run that could very well be true, but no way Frost would manage to bring in a better class this year. We just won't be able go find and bring in guys like Moore, Bookie and Williams that late in the game.

 

[inWV]

One factor that will play into Riley's retention is whether progress is being made in rebuilding the roster. A second is whether coaching is of sufficient competence to build on that talent. A third is the product we see on the field on game days. There are cases of staffs that recruit like the dickens, but stink at the nuts and bolts of coaching. The result is uneven play on the field. Others are not as good at recruiting, but really develop talent. The result is winning the games you can (and should), but generally losing to top end teams in your conference (albeit usually in a respectable fashion). For Riley, I think the answer to these three is:
1. Progress, but not in any way game changing
2. Uneven
3. Not so good

 

[otismotis08]

The bigger issue is replacing MR. No way should we even consider hanging on to him in order to keep a recruiting class together. That would be shortsighted.

 

[Ewooc]

It depends on who the next coach is. If it is Scott Frost I think we will end up with as good a class as we will have if Mike Riley gets another year. I absolutely believe that Scott will have a better chance of closing the deal than Mike Riley ever will. Right now he is one of the hottest commodity on the Market. He brings a dynamic with him that probably puts him just outside the top 5 in head coaches in regards to attracting talent if he was at an attractive school. Now are we that attractive school? That's a good question but I can tell you we will look the part 10 times over with Scott Frost than we do Mike Riley.

I was thinking maybe some of Frosts recruits will flip and come with him. But honestly I went and looked and UCF recruits. They are ranked 50th right now with nothing more than a 3 star guy. So if any do flip and isn't going to be able to replace the top guys we will be losing

 

[little a]

How concerned are you for this recruiting class if Riley leaves? Does it all fall apart? Can we save some of the top guys? Who do you see leaving? Who do you see staying strong.

Also if the next guy is Frost do you think he will have success getting recruits to Nebraska. I heard once that he said the part he hated most about coaching college football was the recruiting.

Not concerned at all-- after the AD firing a poster freaked out and said it would destroy recruiting- then we had a commit a day or so after. Hopefully with the new coach he can pull a Saban and "encourage" players to transfer or whatever method Bama uses.

 

[vs540husker]

Not concerned at all. Based on everything I see on the field, talent wouldn't fix 95% of that anyway. I'd rather have a 50th ranked class and new coaches that can coach than a 15-20th ranked class and see more of what we've been seeing this season.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Not concerned at all-- after the AD firing a poster freaked out and said it would destroy recruiting- then we had a commit a day or so after. Hopefully with the new coach he can pull a Saban and "encourage" players to transfer or whatever method Bama uses.

If the next coach doesn't run a 3-4 that kid isn't a great fit.

The issue will be in the players that decommit at the last minute. Replacing guys like Bookie, Moore, Goodrich, and Williams, in a short period of time will be tough.

 

[dinglefritz]

If the next coach doesn't run a 3-4 that kid isn't a great fit.

The issue will be in the players that decommit at the last minute. Replacing guys like Bookie, Moore, Goodrich, and Williams, in a short period of time will be tough.

We desperately need CBs and I don't think Frost has any miracle potion to conjure up any of those at the last minute.

 

[tro80]

There is no way to know how many kids might actually consider Nebraska if the coach that is recruiting him right now ends up at Nebraska. all of Frost's recruits are two and three star, and almost all are from Florida, so not likely many will follow and not likely any who do will wow anyone here. But he might win over some current commits and might lure at least a couple higher rated recruits if gets here in December - same with any other coach for that matter. If we get another successful coach with good recruiting ties and some solid recruits who want to follow him, then we get a good class that way. Plus, a coach will get a chance to sell at least some of Reilly's recruits, and the new coach may actually already have had some discussion with those in his recruiting efforts before they committed to Reilly - and maybe they like him enough to stick with UNL. Even if a recruit we might want signs early, he can always ask for a release if he is inclined to follow the new coach here. Might have to sit a year, but most freshmen are going to redshirt anyway. I bet we end up with a 20-30 ranked class anyway -- if we make the right hire and do it in short order without a lot of negative coverage such as getting turned down two or three times before settling on some average coach. Or the whole class goes to pot - but as mentioned before going to be a small class anyway, so if there is a year to miss out on a class, this might be it.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

We desperately need CBs and I don't think Frost has any miracle potion to conjure up any of those at the last minute.

Yep, but the bigger concern is going to be if the offensive or defensive schemes change drastically.

 

[dinglefritz]

Yep, but the bigger concern is going to be if the offensive or defensive schemes change drastically.

I'm honestly not as worried about that as some. We're a year removed from a 4-3 so it will be starting all over BUT we have a base to work from. Learning a new offense would be tough but it depends on how good a guy is at teaching and how our QB fits more than anything. IF Riley leaves I think Lee would either declare for the draft or do a grad transfer depending on who we hired.

 

[Ewooc]

Yep, but the bigger concern is going to be if the offensive or defensive schemes change drastically.

I doubt the next coach will run a 3-4 D. Lucky for us it has only been in place for a year. So our players can easily switch back if need with little effort.

 

[YouGotSwatted!]

Wrong. Went from 15 to 18 and will probably grow to 20 or more once Riley is fired.

Agreed, just more dirt on MR

 

[dinglefritz]

I doubt the next coach will run a 3-4 D. Lucky for us it has only been in place for a year. So our players can easily switch back if need with little effort.

The freshmen and redshirt freshmen playing right now would have more problems with a shift now but I think it would be easier than going from the 4-3 to the 3-4.

 

[BigRedLegion]

The recruiting class will take a hit. But the upgrade we should see in development should out weigh that hit. Then next years class hopefully gets back on track.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

There is no way to know how many kids might actually consider Nebraska if the coach that is recruiting him right now ends up at Nebraska. all of Frost's recruits are two and three star, and almost all are from Florida, so not likely many will follow and not likely any who do will wow anyone here. But he might win over some current commits and might lure at least a couple higher rated recruits if gets here in December - same with any other coach for that matter. If we get another successful coach with good recruiting ties and some solid recruits who want to follow him, then we get a good class that way. Plus, a coach will get a chance to sell at least some of Reilly's recruits, and the new coach may actually already have had some discussion with those in his recruiting efforts before they committed to Reilly - and maybe they like him enough to stick with UNL. Even if a recruit we might want signs early, he can always ask for a release if he is inclined to follow the new coach here. Might have to sit a year, but most freshmen are going to redshirt anyway. I bet we end up with a 20-30 ranked class anyway -- if we make the right hire and do it in short order without a lot of negative coverage such as getting turned down two or three times before settling on some average coach. Or the whole class goes to pot - but as mentioned before going to be a small class anyway, so if there is a year to miss out on a class, this might be it.

I get what you are saying. I think you are underselling the relationship portion. I could see the St Louis guys staying if Wilhite is kept on staff. He is involved with those players and is from the area. But the fact that most analysts are switching Nebraska commits to other schools tells me the players have the relationship with Riley and his assistants not necessarily the university. Asking for a release isn't that easy. The early signing period is just like the February signing period. Its a permanent thing. If the coach or school that signs them doesn't grant the release, the kid either goes to that school or he loses a year of eligibility. That's the penalty. Lastly , the class is no longer a small class. It will be in the 20-22 range, especially if Riley is let go. Ending up with a top 20-30 class is probably not going happen if Nebraska fills all 85 scholarships. It's one thing to get a few 4 stars to flip and follow a coach, but when you have been recruiting for a class of 18 and now you are recruiting for a class of 22, the new coach will be have to decide on taking some reach 2 and 3 stars or leaving scholarships open.

 

[jflores]

If its Frost/Chinander, there won't be a defensive scheme change

"With Arkansas still potentially looking to shift primarily into a 3-4 defense next season, Chinander could be a perfect fit. It’s the same scheme he’s implemented at UCF and worked in at previous stops, including the 2013 season with the Philadelphia Eagles."

He plays a more aggressive style, but the body types should roughly be the same.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

I doubt the next coach will run a 3-4 D. Lucky for us it has only been in place for a year. So our players can easily switch back if need with little effort.

What does Frost's DC run at UCF??

edit - Sorry JFlores beat me to it.

 

[dinglefritz]

I get what you are saying. I think you are underselling the relationship portion. I could see the St Louis guys staying if Wilhite is kept on staff. He is involved with those players and is from the area. But the fact that most analysts are switching Nebraska commits to other schools tells me the players have the relationship with Riley and his assistants not necessarily the university. Asking for a release isn't that easy. The early signing period is just like the February signing period. Its a permanent thing. If the coach or school that signs them doesn't grant the release, the kid either goes to that school or he loses a year of eligibility. That's the penalty. Lastly , the class is no longer a small class. It will be in the 20-22 range, especially if Riley is let go. Ending up with a top 20-30 class is probably not going happen if Nebraska fills all 85 scholarships. It's one thing to get a few 4 stars to flip and follow a coach, but when you have been recruiting for a class of 18 and now you are recruiting for a class of 22, the new coach will be have to decide on taking some reach 2 and 3 stars or leaving scholarships open.

Lets say we hire Frost. Some of our current commits might look at his record down there and the excitement of what they are doing and say hey I can dig that. He's throwing it a bunch down there and he's running a similar defensive scheme it sounds like so you would think the potential is there to keep the defensive recruits and maybe the WRs. One thing everybody should appreciate is how and his staff sells Nebraska. He doesn't get enough credit for that .

 

[Headcard]

If its Frost/Chinander, there won't be a defensive scheme change

"With Arkansas still potentially looking to shift primarily into a 3-4 defense next season, Chinander could be a perfect fit. It’s the same scheme he’s implemented at UCF and worked in at previous stops, including the 2013 season with the Philadelphia Eagles."

He plays a more aggressive style, but the body types should roughly be the same.

I agree it would not be a huge transition. I have watched them a few times and it is similar, but not the same. They seem to run like a 3-3 with a "spinner" to steal Pelini vocab. Three down lineman are fairly aggressive and three true LB's, but that spinner is a wildcard, has to be able to cover, rush, defend the run, etc. I don't think they are ever in that 5-2 look we like, of course they play alot of spread teams.

 

[Headcard]

Lets say we hire Frost. Some of our current commits might look at his record down there and the excitement of what they are doing and say hey I can dig that. He's throwing it a bunch down there and he's running a similar defensive scheme it sounds like so you would think the potential is there to keep the defensive recruits and maybe the WRs. One thing everybody should appreciate is how and his staff sells Nebraska. He doesn't get enough credit for that .

I think the high profile recruits are very attached to Williams and Williams. If a new coach keeps them, I think we would have a punchers chance to keep guys like: Bookie, Brown, Moore, Goodrich, Williams.

 

[dinglefritz]

I agree it would not be a huge transition. I have watched them a few times and it is similar, but not the same. They seem to run like a 3-3 with a "spinner" to steal Pelini vocab. Three down lineman are fairly aggressive and three true LB's, but that spinner is a wildcard, has to be able to cover, rush, defend the run, etc. I don't think they are ever in that 5-2 look we like, of course they play alot of spread teams.

I'm sure there would be a whole new language and set of responsibilities for them to learn. I don't think it matters all that much what a new DC would run personally. There would be a learning curve.

 

[Headcard]

I'm sure there would be a whole new language and set of responsibilities for them to learn. I don't think it matters all that much what a new DC would run personally. There would be a learning curve.

Absolutely, but at least it wouldn't come with all the personnel fit issues. I think those are what really set you back and why we have had such rough coaching transitions.

 

[jflores]

Lets say we hire Frost. Some of our current commits might look at his record down there and the excitement of what they are doing and say hey I can dig that. He's throwing it a bunch down there and he's running a similar defensive scheme it sounds like so you would think the potential is there to keep the defensive recruits and maybe the WRs. One thing everybody should appreciate is how and his staff sells Nebraska. He doesn't get enough credit for that .

I think what will help with Frost is that we've been competing with Oregon for a lot of attention with recruits. Since he comes from that sort of tree of offense, a guy like a Moore or a Bookie won't necessarily part ways citing schematic differences.

If you are interested in Oregon, I don't see why you wouldn't be interested in what Frost/Chinander will bring to the table.

I think the thing that will sting us the most is that all of our top recruits are here because they like the Williamsx2 or Riley, and that's not something we can easily fix. How well Frost clicks with them will be key, or it'll just be too late and we have to take the loss.

 

[WHCSC]

Can't players transfer without penalty if there's a coaching change with a new system? Does that apply to defense too?

 

[dinglefritz]

Absolutely, but at least it wouldn't come with all the personnel fit issues. I think those are what really set you back and why we have had such rough coaching transitions.

I'm not sure we have the personnel to run the 3-4 better than a 4-3 or not. My impression is that we're better suited right now with the LB, DT and DE options we have for a 4-3 but that's just my relatively unqualified view.

 

[Headcard]

I'm not sure we have the personnel to run the 3-4 better than a 4-3 or not. My impression is that we're better suited right now with the LB, DT and DE options we have for a 4-3 but that's just my relatively unqualified view.

Maybe, but who can play DE in a 4-3? We would have some disruptive DT's with the Davis twins and Deontre Thomas, but Freedom, Mick and Danniels could be left without a position.

 

[dinglefritz]

Maybe, but who can play DE in a 4-3? We would have some disruptive DT's with the Davis twins and Deontre Thomas, but Freedom, Mick and Danniels could be left without a position.

Freedom still is a DE. At least one of the Davis twins could still playe DE. Miller could be a pass rushing DE as well as maybe Stille. We've got options. My view is whichever system we run, we lack elite talent at key positions and the 3-4 seems to be more predicated at having special players at say DE and OLB. JMHO.

 

[inWV]

I doubt the next coach will run a 3-4 D. Lucky for us it has only been in place for a year. So our players can easily switch back if need with little effort.

If it's Frost as the next HC, there is this interview with his DC. Appears he is a multiple front guy.
Q: Where you've been in the past you've run a 3-4 defensive front. Is that what you envision for the UCF defense going forward?
A: "Is there going to three down linemen? Yeah, maybe. Sometimes, sometimes not. The thing I don’t understand – you guys know more about it than I do now – you know, there's a three-technique, a five-technique and a one-technique. This guy's got his hand on the ground and now it's a 4-3. Now he's standing up and it's a 3-4. It's going to be a multiple defense. Sometimes it'll be four guys with their hands down, sometimes three."
Also this
Q: So what can you tell the UCF fans what kind of defense it's going to be?

A: "Well, other than what we've already talked about? You know I think in this day and age of the way offensive football is going, the way to win games on defense is sacks plus turnovers minus explosive plays. We want to get the ball back in these guys' hands as much as possible, so we have to be aggressive, we have to take some chances. But the kids are going to have fun. You're going to see a fast brand of football out there where kids are playing hard and trying to get the ball."

 

[Huskercigar]

In the long run that could very well be true, but no way Frost would manage to bring in a better class this year. We just won't be able go find and bring in guys like Moore, Bookie and Williams that late in the game.

Moore, Bookie and Williams won't be here if Riley gets another year. This class is going to fall apart under Riley. Scott Frost has the opportunity to save those guys and/or bring others in including recruits he is working on at Central Florida.

 

[Headcard]

Moore, Bookie and Williams won't be here if Riley gets another year. This class is going to fall apart under Riley. Scott Frost has the opportunity to save those guys and/or bring others in including recruits he is working on at Central Florida.

I totally disagree. I think all three will stay if Riley is back, not that it is a reason to keep a coach.