Tweet
Re: Recruits
Another story from the Argus:
http://www.argusleader.com/sports/Tuesdayarticle1.shtml
Husker roster cuts may aid Jackrabbits
From Staff & Wire Reports
published: 2/3/2004
Smaller football programs in the region are prepared to capitalize on new Nebraska coach Bill Callahan's plan to cut the size of the Cornhuskers' roster.
Callahan has said he would like to coach a more "manageable" number of players. He has not said how many spots he would eliminate from the team's 170-man roster, but did indicate the number of walk-ons would be scaled back.
Logistically, two main benefactors of Callahan's decision could be South Dakota State and North Dakota State. Those two universities are elevating their football programs to Division I-AA this fall, the second-highest classification offered by the NCAA.
However, SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier feels area Division II schools will reap a bigger windfall. He said the talent level of many of the Nebraska walk-ons isn't up to the I-AA standard.
"At our level (I-AA), it's a different kind of kid we're recruiting right now," Stiegelmeier said. "None of us will beat Nebraska on a scholarship kid. Our guys we're offering scholarships to weren't interested in walking on at Nebraska. They were interested in playing at a higher level."
Augustana coach Jim Heinitz said he was surprised that the Cornhuskers' legendary walk-on program was being curtailed.
As to whether it will benefit the area schools, Heinitz said, "Who knows?"
There have been numerous success stories associated with the nationally acclaimed walk-on program that started in earnest under Bob Devaney in the 1960s. Six Nebraska players have achieved All-America status after initially paying their way to school, and many have been key contributors.
A great many walk-ons see little or no playing time, however. Though they can come from anywhere, the majority are homegrown Nebraska kids who grew up dreaming of playing for the Big Red and are willing to serve as practice meat in exchange for the chance to run through the Memorial Stadium tunnel.
"We've had kids over the years who we've offered scholarships to who chose to walk on at Nebraska," said Heinitz, who has coached the Vikings for 16 seasons. "It seems like every year, they've had some walk-on kids who have become good football players. It's like that at every program. Even though we like to think we're the greatest evaluators of talent, some kids slip through the cracks."
Wayne State coach Scott Hoffman said the Huskers' leftovers will find places to play.
"There are some awful good players who are at Nebraska right now that would be excellent players at the Division II level," Hoffman said. "My guess is that if some of those kids get cut loose, UNO, Wayne, Kearney, Chadron and Northwest Missouri stand to benefit."
There were four former walk-ons in Nebraska's 2003 starting lineup. As recently as 2002, seven starters came to Nebraska as walk-ons.
Go State!
Another story from the Argus:
http://www.argusleader.com/sports/Tuesdayarticle1.shtml
Husker roster cuts may aid Jackrabbits
From Staff & Wire Reports
published: 2/3/2004
Smaller football programs in the region are prepared to capitalize on new Nebraska coach Bill Callahan's plan to cut the size of the Cornhuskers' roster.
Callahan has said he would like to coach a more "manageable" number of players. He has not said how many spots he would eliminate from the team's 170-man roster, but did indicate the number of walk-ons would be scaled back.
Logistically, two main benefactors of Callahan's decision could be South Dakota State and North Dakota State. Those two universities are elevating their football programs to Division I-AA this fall, the second-highest classification offered by the NCAA.
However, SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier feels area Division II schools will reap a bigger windfall. He said the talent level of many of the Nebraska walk-ons isn't up to the I-AA standard.
"At our level (I-AA), it's a different kind of kid we're recruiting right now," Stiegelmeier said. "None of us will beat Nebraska on a scholarship kid. Our guys we're offering scholarships to weren't interested in walking on at Nebraska. They were interested in playing at a higher level."
Augustana coach Jim Heinitz said he was surprised that the Cornhuskers' legendary walk-on program was being curtailed.
As to whether it will benefit the area schools, Heinitz said, "Who knows?"
There have been numerous success stories associated with the nationally acclaimed walk-on program that started in earnest under Bob Devaney in the 1960s. Six Nebraska players have achieved All-America status after initially paying their way to school, and many have been key contributors.
A great many walk-ons see little or no playing time, however. Though they can come from anywhere, the majority are homegrown Nebraska kids who grew up dreaming of playing for the Big Red and are willing to serve as practice meat in exchange for the chance to run through the Memorial Stadium tunnel.
"We've had kids over the years who we've offered scholarships to who chose to walk on at Nebraska," said Heinitz, who has coached the Vikings for 16 seasons. "It seems like every year, they've had some walk-on kids who have become good football players. It's like that at every program. Even though we like to think we're the greatest evaluators of talent, some kids slip through the cracks."
Wayne State coach Scott Hoffman said the Huskers' leftovers will find places to play.
"There are some awful good players who are at Nebraska right now that would be excellent players at the Division II level," Hoffman said. "My guess is that if some of those kids get cut loose, UNO, Wayne, Kearney, Chadron and Northwest Missouri stand to benefit."
There were four former walk-ons in Nebraska's 2003 starting lineup. As recently as 2002, seven starters came to Nebraska as walk-ons.
Go State!
Comment