Huskers should focus on recruiting centers in 2009

By Marc Hudgens  |   Sunday, April 06, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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"It's as good of an offensive line as I've been around in a while," Nebraska skipper Bo Pelini said of the squad after this past Saturday's practice.

This year's cast of big uglies will return tons of experience, as four of last year's five starters will take the field once again. Throw in there sophomore RT Jaivorio Burkes, who started the last four games last season, appears to be coming along nicely, and this squad should cause more than one opposing defensive front fits this year. Offensive line coach Barney Cotton's cupboard is far from bare.

Looking at this year's line, three of the five are seniors. On the surface, that means Pelini and Cotton will be hurting in the 2009 season, as only two former starters will return that year. And that's assuming upcoming junior Jacob Hickman won't bolt for the NFL a little less than a year from now.

Yes, there is quality depth at the position. But no matter how you cut it, losing three starters a year from now makes for a tough rebuild. So what does the 2009 recruiting class look like for the Huskers' offensive line?

Sure, the Huskers lost Texan tackle Thomas Ashcraft (6-5, 280-pounds) to the 'Horns, but they are still in the running for two other highly-rated tackles. Kyle Clark (6-5, 267-pounds, Denton, Texas) and Jeremiah Sirles (6-8, 270, Lakewood, Colorado) are both four-star prospects according to Rivals. The guard situation appears to be in good shape as well.

But the one position that appears to be suffering at the moment, recruiting-wise, is center. Cole Pensick (6-2, 250-pounds, Lincoln, Nebraska), is committed to the Huskers, so the team has a quality in-state player committed. Aaron Miller (5-8, 215-pounds, San Antonio, Texas) is on the radar but has given no verbal to anyone yet. Sure, it may be way too early, but it's not reassuring there just aren't a lot of choices.

But then again, there never are a lot of choices compared to, say, the quarterback position.

Long shot here, but perhaps send out an offer to Sam Simpson (6-5, 260-pounds, Lexington, Kentucky), who currently is the No. 1 center in the nation according to Scout. Trent Schuchart (6-2, 265-pounds, Pleasanton, Texas) is another one to eyeball, as Arkansas, North Texas, Rice, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech are all already interested.

While Nebraska's recruiting is going to be on the upswing under Pelini, one area of focus in late 2008 and early 2009 should be offensive line, specifically center.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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