RB/WR depth for spring ball

[HominidHusker]

A Rivals story hinted that Ronald Thompkins may not be fully ready for spring ball after cleanup surgery from setback during the season. Spielman is out.

So that would potentially leave us 2 scholly RB’s for the spring. WR depth is similarly razor thin for the spring.
The goal isn’t to leave Wandale back there so much (plus no Spielman). Alante Brown I would think is the same, not really built for the RB load (also playing Spielman role).
Brody Belt and Zach Weinmaster are a couple of walkons at RB.

Trying to run a large team with multiple units seems difficult with how thin we are at those spots. This may really alter the spring plan and seems to compromise the ideal progress and advancement.

RBs and WRs arriving in the summer are gonna need to hit the ground running.

 

[Cloud_a_Heart]

Cancel the spring game now.......

 

[Huskerchil]

By fall we will be in good shape with wr and rb.

 

[HominidHusker]

6 WR when Frost was hired and only 1 (Stan) finished here- Spielman would be #2.
10 WR signed in 2018 and 2019, only 3 are still here.
Of the 5 2020 guys only Brown is here, leaving us with 4 total scholly WRs for spring.
With only 8 scholly guys total, we rank 13 out of 14 B1G schools. Seven teams have 12 or more.

The roster struggles really continue.
Progress is severely hindered when you only got 4 scholly guys to develop during spring ball.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

By fall we will be in good shape with wr and rb.

No we will not. All of the new guys are inexperienced and raw. And they have to learn the offense. Losing Spielman is a huge, huge, huge kick in the crotch. We REALLY needed him. How we can now be three years into the Frost tenure and have two running backs and four wide receivers available for Spring ball? That is just a disgrace and does not speak well to Frost's roster management or player relations. I doubt our offense is much better this year and will probably look a lot like last year's sputtering offense. Other than Wandale we have ZERO playmakers. So once Wandale goes down with injury, which he will, who steps up? The two "hot shot" wide receives who probably won't even qualify academically? Lol. Jack Stoll? Even bigger lol.

I am officially pessimistic for this Fall. Especially since our defensive line will probably also be a step back from last year, at least early on. We have a ton of big bodies on that line, but how much talent? Nobody knows.

 

[TruHusker]

No we will not. All of the new guys are inexperienced and raw. And they have to learn the offense. Losing Spielman is a huge, huge, huge kick in the crotch. We REALLY needed him. How we can now be three years into the Frost tenure and have two running backs and four wide receivers available for Spring ball? That is just a disgrace and does not speak well to Frost's roster management or player relations. I doubt our offense is much better this year and will probably look a lot like last year's sputtering offense. Other than Wandale we have ZERO playmakers. So once Wandale goes down with injury, which he will, who steps up? The two "hot shot" wide receives who probably won't even qualify academically? Lol. Jack Stoll? Even bigger lol.

I am officially pessimistic for this Fall. Especially since our defensive line will probably also be a step back from last year, at least early on. We have a ton of big bodies on that line, but how much talent? Nobody knows.

Be careful, you are going to be labeled "negative".

BTW, there is truth in your words. Every year we hear the same thing - we have so and so coming up who was a four star - we will be fine. Well, will we?

 

[Headcard]

6 WR when Frost was hired and only 1 (Stan) finished here- Spielman would be #2.
10 WR signed in 2018 and 2019, only 3 are still here.
Of the 5 2020 guys only Brown is here, leaving us with 4 total scholly WRs for spring.
With only 8 scholly guys total, we rank 13 out of 14 B1G schools. Seven teams have 12 or more.

The roster struggles really continue.
Progress is severely hindered when you only got 4 scholly guys to develop during spring ball.

And yet a large segment of our fan base bitches every time we sign a WR, because we need more linemen and not pretty boy WR's.

 

[NorthwoodHusker]

No we will not. All of the new guys are inexperienced and raw. And they have to learn the offense. Losing Spielman is a huge, huge, huge kick in the crotch. We REALLY needed him. How we can now be three years into the Frost tenure and have two running backs and four wide receivers available for Spring ball? That is just a disgrace and does not speak well to Frost's roster management or player relations. I doubt our offense is much better this year and will probably look a lot like last year's sputtering offense. Other than Wandale we have ZERO playmakers. So once Wandale goes down with injury, which he will, who steps up? The two "hot shot" wide receives who probably won't even qualify academically? Lol. Jack Stoll? Even bigger lol.

I am officially pessimistic for this Fall. Especially since our defensive line will probably also be a step back from last year, at least early on. We have a ton of big bodies on that line, but how much talent? Nobody knows.

2015, we had 3 rbs for the spring game on scholly.Newby,Cross and Wilbon.

 

[Anon1727835823]

Curious how we will attack the Transfer market. We have 2 spots right, or does it go against the 85 instead.

Probably need a RB and WR. If it is determined that someone wont qualify, do we get that spot back?

 

[mgbreeze]

Be careful, you are going to be labeled "negative".

BTW, this is truth in your words. Every year we hear the same thing - we have so and so coming up who was a four star - we will be fine. Well, will we?

Don't worry, being negative is the "in" crowd around here. Pennsy is sitting at the cool table. But just to check, stating unequivocally that JD is "gone" when that isn't yet a fact - is that negative? Stating that neither Manning or Betts will qualify when you don't actually know anything - is that negative?

 

[NorthwoodHusker]

Curious how we will attack the Transfer market. We have 2 spots right, or does it go against the 85 instead.

Probably need a RB and WR. If it is determined that someone wont qualify, do we get that spot back?

We have two rbs coming in, one healing from injury. Wide out and D line

 

[TruHusker]

Don't worry, being negative is the "in" crowd around here. Pennsy is sitting at the cool table. But just to check, stating unequivocally that JD is "gone" when that isn't yet a fact - is that negative? Stating that neither Manning or Betts will qualify when you don't actually know anything - is that negative?

Pessimistic as he stated.

 

[Headcard]

I think a WR group of: Manning, Warner and Wandale will be pretty dam good. Obviously guys like Brown and Betts will have to step up to provide depth, but I'm still bullish on our offense for 2020. The defensive front 7 is still my biggest concern, by far.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

Be careful, you are going to be labeled "negative".

BTW, there is truth in your words. Every year we hear the same thing - we have so and so coming up who was a four star - we will be fine. Well, will we?

If he is going to be labeled, I have Pennsy's back.

 

[DudznSudz]

I think we start scouring for transfers right now. Im not "as" worried about RB as I am about WR, but I would take one of each.

 

[NorthwoodHusker]

In 2015, we had 5 wrs on scholly for spring.
Coach dub ran our wideouts down, and like most all transition classes, 2018 was a hit miss scenario.

Hopping from staff to staff has really hurt this team, and, being smart, when your numbers are this low, you dont go out and sign 8 hs kids, you get jucos and transfers, which this staff has done.
But the immediate fit/contribution on those players are more of a reach than a hs kid thats been vetted, with only transfers your best bet.

The coach who recruited that first class, who were supposed to have the others ready is gone.
Careful where you aim your arrows.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Be careful, you are going to be labeled "negative".

BTW, there is truth in your words. Every year we hear the same thing - we have so and so coming up who was a four star - we will be fine. Well, will we?

Time will tell. No koolaid this year

 

[9and4_rivals188421]

Curious how we will attack the Transfer market. We have 2 spots right, or does it go against the 85 instead.

Probably need a RB and WR. If it is determined that someone wont qualify, do we get that spot back?

Could FCS all-American WR Cade Johnson play at the FBS level? He's at South Dakota State, is the son of Clester Johnson, and caught 72 passes for 1,222 yards and 8 TDs last year. He had over 1,300 yards and 17 TDs as a sophomore in 2018.

I have no idea if he's good enough or even interested in spending his senior year anywhere but Brookings.

 

[yunginsNU2]

I think a WR group of: Manning, Warner and Wandale will be pretty dam good. Obviously guys like Brown and Betts will have to step up to provide depth, but I'm still bullish on our offense for 2020. The defensive front 7 is still my biggest concern, by far.

I was thinking the same thing.. there is unproven talent and untill they dont make ot to campus it still looks like a solid group on paper... the olb and dline is the core of our defense and scares me more as well..im worried they wont be able to hold up in the trenches again this year..ugh

 

[dinglefritz]

I was thinking the same thing.. there is unproven talent and untill they dont make ot to campus it still looks like a solid group on paper... the olb and dline is the core of our defense and scares me more as well..im worried they wont be able to hold up in the trenches again this year..ugh

We've also taken a fair number of pretty talented walk on wide receivers over the past couple of years. I expect we'll be fine as far as numbers for spring and this will be a GREAT opportunity for the walk ons to get reps with the upper units and maybe earn a spot for next fall.

 

[HominidHusker]

Most teams have their woes or weak spots, but boy it’d sure be nice to develop a more solidified roster across the board.
It was already hinted, but when we’re razor thin at spots the impact of any potential injury is clearly magnified.

Hickman may get used more at WR this spring to help alleviate the problem a little. He was not included in the numbers referenced.
Warner, Folkers and Liewer are three walk-ons who can contribute.

 

[NorthwoodHusker]

We've also taken a fair number of pretty talented walk on wide receivers over the past couple of years. I expect we'll be fine as far as numbers for spring and this will be a GREAT opportunity for the walk ons to get reps with the upper units and maybe earn a spot for next fall.

Reimers did more than our jucos did. Then hopefully there's a Reilly on the walkon program.

 

[bshirt73]

No we will not. All of the new guys are inexperienced and raw. And they have to learn the offense. Losing Spielman is a huge, huge, huge kick in the crotch. We REALLY needed him. How we can now be three years into the Frost tenure and have two running backs and four wide receivers available for Spring ball? That is just a disgrace and does not speak well to Frost's roster management or player relations. I doubt our offense is much better this year and will probably look a lot like last year's sputtering offense. Other than Wandale we have ZERO playmakers. So once Wandale goes down with injury, which he will, who steps up? The two "hot shot" wide receives who probably won't even qualify academically? Lol. Jack Stoll? Even bigger lol.

I am officially pessimistic for this Fall. Especially since our defensive line will probably also be a step back from last year, at least early on. We have a ton of big bodies on that line, but how much talent? Nobody knows.

Oh c'mon Penny. Above all else we "should" have a substantial better OLine. Really, what is more important than that? Remember the 1st half of last year where we had a putrid running results "and" center hikes flying around everywhere?

Also, it would be almost impossible to have worse special teams than we had last year. Wouldn't you agree Penny? One could argue forever which was worse with those two.

Lastly, Mills returns and we've seen how terrific he can run the ball when our OLine actually blocks somebody. Again, with an improved Oline.....

Hang in there partner. Yeah, it's been rough sledding....I know. I'm betting we'll see some real-deal progress this year. Probably nothing great, but definitely steps in the right direction. If so, some Jim Beam in your hand will have you feeling just fine.....

 

[Redscarlet]

If he is going to be labeled, I have Pennsy's back.

And I second that..

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

It’s year 3 ... things should be in good shape.

 

[Redscarlet]

It’s year 3 ... things should be in good shape.

Mike Riley appreciates your comments..

 

[Headcard]

It’s year 3 ... things should be in good shape.

Mr Broken record. Strikes again.

 

[NorthwoodHusker]

It’s year 3 ... things should be in good shape.

Cant wait for your team, on coach three, several system changes. When you start crying about your team, let us know.
We'll be there to support you.

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

Mr Broken record. Strikes again.

not at all ... I have full confidence that a national caliber coach will have us contending for the division in year 3
looking forward to racking up the W's after 2 years of taking our lumps

especially looking forward to hammering Wisconsin and Iowa - after being 0-4 in our most important divisional games this far

 

[Headcard]

not at all ... I have full confidence that a national caliber coach will have us contending for the division in year 3
looking forward to racking up the W's after 2 years of taking our lumps

especially looking forward to hammering Wisconsin and Iowa - after being 0-4 in our most important divisional games this far

I’m sure you are. Much more likely than: “I like to make up arbitrary benchmarks and standards and repeat myself, as if the things I make up are gospel.”

 

[John_J_Rambo_rivals315142]

not at all ... I have full confidence that a national caliber coach will have us contending for the division in year 3
looking forward to racking up the W's after 2 years of taking our lumps

especially looking forward to hammering Wisconsin and Iowa - after being 0-4 in our most important divisional games this far

what about a g5 hc with 4 years experience?

your gullibility has made you very bitter. a true lover scorned.

 

[PrimetimeSker]

I'm cautiously optimistic about both the WR and RB room, obviously the WR room worries me more after JD news.

But at RB you have a proven commodity in Mills, and 4 very young backs who will all get a crack at it. It could go a variety of ways, but all the backs have an opportunity here. Unlike last year when it was Mills getting his **** kicked in game after game to a point where he was banged the hell up and Wyatt Mazour (who was good for what he was asked to do). Mo's situation happened and that also played a factor. Plus, having an healthy QB, whoever that may be, will help the running attack a lot. HAVING OPTIONS IS NOT A BAD THING.

Wr room is a different story. We have wandele returning and who should by all estimation improve from last year. Kade Warner is a guy we can use to move the sticks. Then there's a bunch of unknowns. Omar Manning will change the offense from day 1 if he's as good as advertised. Then you have a nucleus of true freshman and redshirt freshman to battle for that third receiver spot. All of this is obviously without JD, who may still come back, but I'm working under the assumption it's a done deal.

Both position groups are in a similar situation. A proven commodity and a bunch of young guys. The wr room could use a grad transfer if the young guys step up, but I'm hearing great things about Alante Brown. And we have Fleming coming in for fall camp who is a burner. Not a bad spot, just unknowns

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

what about a g5 hc with 4 years experience?

your gullibility has made you very bitter. a true lover scorned.

we hired the national coach of the year ... we should contend in the West this year
please don't tell me that the UCF year was a fluke and we hired a Mike MacIntyre equivalent. .. I refuse to believe this and Frost will prove it this year by winning the West

 

[John_J_Rambo_rivals315142]

we hired the national coach of the year ... we should contend in the West this year
please don't tell me that the UCF year was a fluke and we hired a Mike MacIntyre equivalent

nobody can tell you anything. your feelings are too hurt.

 

[NorthwoodHusker]

I'm cautiously optimistic about both the WR and RB room, obviously the WR room worries me more after JD news.

But at RB you have a proven commodity in Mills, and 4 very young backs who will all get a crack at it. It could go a variety of ways, but all the backs have an opportunity here. Unlike last year when it was Mills getting his **** kicked in game after game to a point where he was banged the hell up and Wyatt Mazour (who was good for what he was asked to do). Mo's situation happened and that also played a factor. Plus, having an healthy QB, whoever that may be, will help the running attack a lot. HAVING OPTIONS IS NOT A BAD THING.

Wr room is a different story. We have wandele returning and who should by all estimation improve from last year. Kade Warner is a guy we can use to move the sticks. Then there's a bunch of unknowns. Omar Manning will change the offense from day 1 if he's as good as advertised. Then you have a nucleus of true freshman and redshirt freshman to battle for that third receiver spot. All of this is obviously without JD, who may still come back, but I'm working under the assumption it's a done deal.

Both position groups are in a similar situation. A proven commodity and a bunch of young guys. The wr room could use a grad transfer if the young guys step up, but I'm hearing great things about Alante Brown. And we have Fleming coming in for fall camp who is a burner. Not a bad spot, just unknowns

This is the year things start to change, still alot of building to do, but even though theres not alot at wr, we do have options. But our O line will be better, our qb play will be better than last year, our special teams will be better.
Moos made his assessment, but I agree with him, we're going to look very good, and sporadic as well.
We're building depth, but those guys need to play before we have experience too.

 

[j1b32lisflick]

we hired the national coach of the year ... we should contend in the West this year
please don't tell me that the UCF year was a fluke and we hired a Mike MacIntyre equivalent. .. I refuse to believe this and Frost will prove it this year by winning the West

You tell em brother

 

[artguy68]

No we will not. All of the new guys are inexperienced and raw. And they have to learn the offense. Losing Spielman is a huge, huge, huge kick in the crotch. We REALLY needed him. How we can now be three years into the Frost tenure and have two running backs and four wide receivers available for Spring ball? That is just a disgrace and does not speak well to Frost's roster management or player relations. I doubt our offense is much better this year and will probably look a lot like last year's sputtering offense. Other than Wandale we have ZERO playmakers. So once Wandale goes down with injury, which he will, who steps up? The two "hot shot" wide receives who probably won't even qualify academically? Lol. Jack Stoll? Even bigger lol.

I am officially pessimistic for this Fall. Especially since our defensive line will probably also be a step back from last year, at least early on. We have a ton of big bodies on that line, but how much talent? Nobody knows.

The good news is that we have a very weak first-half schedule. Hopefully those games will give the team time to develop the young players. But I agree, it could be ugly with all those "ifs".

 

[leodisflowers]

I think we need to look out for Nixon. I think he could be a dark horse to be a stud.

 

[SoFL Husker]

No we will not. All of the new guys are inexperienced and raw. And they have to learn the offense. Losing Spielman is a huge, huge, huge kick in the crotch. We REALLY needed him. How we can now be three years into the Frost tenure and have two running backs and four wide receivers available for Spring ball? That is just a disgrace and does not speak well to Frost's roster management or player relations. I doubt our offense is much better this year and will probably look a lot like last year's sputtering offense. Other than Wandale we have ZERO playmakers. So once Wandale goes down with injury, which he will, who steps up? The two "hot shot" wide receives who probably won't even qualify academically? Lol. Jack Stoll? Even bigger lol.

I am officially pessimistic for this Fall. Especially since our defensive line will probably also be a step back from last year, at least early on. We have a ton of big bodies on that line, but how much talent? Nobody knows.

Frost is finally bringing in his guys. Tough, fast, mentally strong. GBR

 

[RedCap_rivals330392]

A Rivals story hinted that Ronald Thompkins may not be fully ready for spring ball after cleanup surgery from setback during the season. Spielman is out.

So that would potentially leave us 2 scholly RB’s for the spring. WR depth is similarly razor thin for the spring.
The goal isn’t to leave Wandale back there so much (plus no Spielman). Alante Brown I would think is the same, not really built for the RB load (also playing Spielman role).
Brody Belt and Zach Weinmaster are a couple of walkons at RB.

Trying to run a large team with multiple units seems difficult with how thin we are at those spots. This may really alter the spring plan and seems to compromise the ideal progress and advancement.

RBs and WRs arriving in the summer are gonna need to hit the ground running.

We are really struggling with turning the signees into actual players when they arrive. We can get the commitments on signing day but then they don't deliver on the field. Our hit rate has been VERY bad so far.

Very disappointing by the way if Thompkins still is a no go. Sad for him, sad for us. Makes you wonder if he'll ever see the field or should just call it quits and take a medical.