College Newcomers to Watch

[Evenrude]

Nice article on incoming players and their potential impact.

SI: Newcomers to watch (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2005/newcomers/index.html)

Two players of note: :homer:

Zac Taylor, QB, Nebraska
6-2, 210 pounds
Juco: Butler County Community College, Great Bend, Kan.

In Year 1, Bill Callahan's West Coast offense went over as well in Lincoln as the one about the N on the Huskers' helmet standing for "knowledge." But if the spring game is any indication, Zac Taylor will change that.

Taylor threw a record 357 yards (20-of-27) and three touchdowns -- in the first half -- of the scrimmage. He was so impressive that last year's starting QB, Joe Dailey, opted to transfer to North Carolina.

Taylor, 21, began his collegiate career at Wake Forest. He was redshirted, and played just once in mop-up duty before heading to Butler County CC, where he threw for 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns in a four-wide receiver set, catching Callahan's eye.

"Zac has the background necessary to function in our offensive system -- that's evident by what he did here in the spring and his history at Butler Community College," Callahan said. "From that standpoint, he captures you immediately when you watch him on film."

Marlon Lucky, RB, Nebraska
6-0, 205 pounds
High school: North Hollywood, Calif.

Lucky, the nation's second-ranked running back according to Rivals.com, has already made his intentions known. His competition in the Cornhuskers' I-back depth chart would be wise to take notice.

"I think I can play early there and make a big impact as a true freshman, and that was the deciding factor," Lucky told the Daily Nebraskan of his decision to head to Lincoln. "I think I can have an Adrian Peterson-type impact."


And Lucky has the tools to do it. He's both explosive (4.44 speed in the 40) and physical (305 bench max, 410 squat max).

He racked up 2,036 yards and 40 touchdowns last year and is also a threat out of the backfield (23 receptions for 443 yards and seven scores). The stud freshman should get every opportunity to unseat Cory Ross as the starter, as the Huskers try to bounce back from their first season without a bowl appearance in 36 years.

[Bronco LB 59]

Evenrude, what's up with the "Adrian Peterson impact" comments after you told me yesterday that Cory Ross is the guy?

SoCal is going to be pissed! They left off Ken Phillips! RB Jonathan Stewart of Oregon and Martellus Bennett of Texas A&M deserve mention as well.

I know DenFan38 is going to complain about Maurice Wells getting overlooked.

[Evenrude]

Evenrude, what's up with the "Adrian Peterson impact" comments after you told me yesterday that Cory Ross is the guy?

SoCal is going to be pissed! They left off Ken Phillips! RB Jonathan Stewart of Oregon and Martellus Bennett of Texas A&M deserve mention as well.

I know DenFan38 is going to complain about Maurice Wells getting overlooked.

Marlon Lucky is no Adrian Peterson. That was his quote from the article not me saying it.

He might turn into a Reggie Bush type eventually though. Supposedly, they are working out ways to get both Ross and Lucky on the field together. Fellow Freshman RB Cody Glenn might end up being the steal of the class. He has been running over anything in his path so far in practice, and is penciled in as the short yardage back already.

I think they left off a lot of good players. I was only posting it to stir the pot a bit because they had two Huskers on it. ;D

[Master___Pain]

Nice article on incoming players and their potential impact.

SI: Newcomers to watch (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2005/newcomers/index.html)

Two players of note: :homer:

Zac Taylor, QB, Nebraska
6-2, 210 pounds
Juco: Butler County Community College, Great Bend, Kan.

In Year 1, Bill Callahan's West Coast offense went over as well in Lincoln as the one about the N on the Huskers' helmet standing for "knowledge." But if the spring game is any indication, Zac Taylor will change that.

Taylor threw a record 357 yards (20-of-27) and three touchdowns -- in the first half -- of the scrimmage. He was so impressive that last year's starting QB, Joe Dailey, opted to transfer to North Carolina.

Taylor, 21, began his collegiate career at Wake Forest. He was redshirted, and played just once in mop-up duty before heading to Butler County CC, where he threw for 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns in a four-wide receiver set, catching Callahan's eye.

"Zac has the background necessary to function in our offensive system -- that's evident by what he did here in the spring and his history at Butler Community College," Callahan said. "From that standpoint, he captures you immediately when you watch him on film."


I am not buying a guy that could not play at a hoops school and who in his last game threw 5 picks and completed roughly 33% of his passes. The spring game means nothing, ask Joe Dailey. I have a feeling Taylor is simply a stop gap until Harrison Beck is ready.

Lucky on the other hand......he's going to be a good one.

[Evenrude]

I am not buying a guy that could not play at a hoops school and who in his last game threw 5 picks and completed roughly 33% of his passes. The spring game means nothing, ask Joe Dailey. I have a feeling Taylor is simply a stop gap until Harrison Beck is ready.

In his defense, the reason Taylor left Wake Forest was not because "he could not play", it was because they changed coaches and systems. In short he got "Joe Dailey'D". ;D

You are correct in not getting too hyped up about a guy that has yet to play a down in the Big 12, but he is bound to be an improvement over what we had last year. That's not a slam on Joe but he was a square peg in a round hole.

Beck is currently number 3 on the depth chart behind Taylor and red shirt freshman Joe Ganz who had an awesome spring. It's nice to have some options at QB instead of option guys trying to play QB.

[Master___Pain]

In his defense, the reason Taylor left Wake Forest was not because "he could not play", it was because they changed coaches and systems. In short he got "Joe Dailey'D". ;D

You are correct in not getting too hyped up about a guy that has yet to play a down in the Big 12, but he is bound to be an improvement over what we had last year. That's not a slam on Joe but he was a square peg in a round hole.

Beck is currently number 3 on the depth chart behind Taylor and red shirt freshman Joe Ganz who had an awesome spring. It's nice to have some options at QB instead of option guys trying to play QB.


Good stuff 'rude. Joes Ganz eh? Sounds like someone from Goodfellas :thumbsup:

Should be an interesting year for the corn. Are you at all nervous? I am scared to death of injuries, but if we stay healthy I really like our team. Defense will be greatly improved over last year.

Good D
Great Special Teams
Senior 3 year starter at QB

mix together with a little luck and I like this team, alot.

[Evenrude]

Good stuff 'rude. Joes Ganz eh? Sounds like someone from Goodfellas :thumbsup:

Yeah it does, he is from the Chicago area too.... LOL

Should be an interesting year for the corn. Are you at all nervous? I am scared to death of injuries, but if we stay healthy I really like our team. Defense will be greatly improved over last year.

Good D
Great Special Teams
Senior 3 year starter at QB

mix together with a little luck and I like this team, alot.

Yeah it really is going to be a pivotal year for NU. We could see a 4 win season or a 9 win season and I wouldn't be overly suprised either way.... though I think 7-8 wins are most likely. Another losing season and yes people will be getting very nervous in Huskerland.

I agree with you on CU this year, they say healthy and they will be the team to beat in the North.

[SoCalBronco]

Good call on Ken Phillips, 52.

He has led the entire team in interceptions during camp. He is the next great Miami safety. Randy Phillilps at corner has been impressive as well.

These two, especially the former, will make themselves known this year.

[FADERPROOF]

Evenrude, what's up with the "Adrian Peterson impact" comments after you told me yesterday that Cory Ross is the guy?

SoCal is going to be pissed! They left off Ken Phillips! RB Jonathan Stewart of Oregon and Martellus Bennett of Texas A&M deserve mention as well.

I know DenFan38 is going to complain about Maurice Wells getting overlooked.

Maurice Wells looks to be the 3rd RB option this year, unless he truly has impressed the coaches, he could be redshirted this year even.

Antonio Pittman and Erik Haw are #1 and #2 on the Buckeyes depth chart and will likely remain that way, Wells could play this year but it'll be a much more limited role.

I wouldn't be surprised to see LeMarcus Coker of Tennessee impress this year, the Vols always run a RBBC and Coker will get plenty of chances to play this year. Gerald Riggs will be the starter, but Phil Fulmer always splits up carries with his RB's(Henry-Stephens, Stephens-Lewis, Houston-Riggs), so while Riggs will get the majority of the carries, Coker will be a solid #2 RB for the Vols.

[Garcia Bronco]

George Bell RB Virginia Tech

[alanm]

In his defense, the reason Taylor left Wake Forest was not because "he could not play", it was because they changed coaches and systems. In short he got "Joe Dailey'D". ;D

You are correct in not getting too hyped up about a guy that has yet to play a down in the Big 12, but he is bound to be an improvement over what we had last year. That's not a slam on Joe but he was a square peg in a round hole.

Beck is currently number 3 on the depth chart behind Taylor and red shirt freshman Joe Ganz who had an awesome spring. It's nice to have some options at QB instead of option guys trying to play QB.
Rude, While I can't wait to see these guys play. I'm more excited about the new guys on defense. Like Bowman-CB, The LB's Dillard and Octavian and the Dline guys like Dagundro and Turner and Suh. I think these guys are going to have the biggest impact of all the new guys. Man I can't wait till Saturday.

[Master___Pain]

Rude, While I can't wait to see these guys play. I'm more excited about the new guys on defense. Like Bowman-CB, The LB's Dillard and Octavian and the Dline guys like Dagundro and Turner and Suh. I think these guys are going to have the biggest impact of all the new guys. Man I can't wait till Saturday.

I understand your excitement about the CFB season starting but the Blackbears of Maine?!? What, wasn't Houston available?

[SoCalBronco]

I'll say it again, folks.

Remember the name, Kenny Phillips.

Future top 5 draft pick.

[SoCalBronco]

Here is another newcomer to watch. Miami Redshirt Freshman DE and the Colorado sack record holder, DE Calais Campbell. Gino Torretta says he will be the best player on the defense this year.


Big Man on Campus


DE Calais Campbell By Christopher Stock
Date: Aug 28, 2005

Calais Campbell is the tallest player on the team standing 6-foot-8. His height and personality makes him easy to point out in a crowd especially on campus.

Calais Campbell is one of five defensive ends who are expected to contribut this season. Thomas Carroll, Bryan Pata, Eric Moncur, and Javon Nanton are the other five.

The defensive line also features tackles Orien Harris, Baraka Atkins, and Kareem Brown.

"We are real deep along the defensive line," Campbell said. "We have a lot of players that could play for us this year. If an injury were to happen we would have players ready to step up. Coach Mark has been stressing to us to work on our technique."

The defense returns 14 of the 15 tacklers from a year ago. They are used to playing together and they look forward to improving on their 17.0 points allowed per game (13th in the nation).

"Everyone is playing well together as a team," Campbell said. "When someone messes up, there is someone else there to help out. We have bonded real well and we know what each other is doing. Our coaches want us to know the whole concept of the defense so you know where everyone is supposed to be at."

Campbell arrived on campus at 230 pounds and now he is up to 260 pounds. The added 30 pounds is very noticeable on the Denver, Colo. native.

"Coach Swasey is a terrific coach and I just worked out with him and my strength improved," Campbell said. "His philosophy is to put on weight, but remain the same speed or get faster. I just did what he wanted me to do and I ate a lot."

Campbell has played both left and right ends since he has been with the team. Currently he is the second-team left end behind Bryan Pata. Campbell played left end in high school and feels more comfortable there.

Last year Campbell redshirted and spent the time on the scout team improving his strength and his ability to stop the run.

"Over the year I have improved on my run-stopping ability," Campbell said. "Last year I was just known as a pass rusher. My goal was to improve against the run so the coaches would be more comfortable about putting me in the game. I worked a lot on my footwork and technique to prepare for the run."

At first glance, you would assume Campbell is on the basketball team because of his frame. While he would be an ideal power forward, he prefers football.

In fact Campbell holds the Colorado state record with 57 sacks in his career (he had 19 his senior year). He also averaged 22.7 points and 16.0 rebounds per game during his junior season on the basketball court.

For the rest of the article http://miami.scout.com/2/430174.html