Nebraska landed 19 recruits in the 2011 class. The Huskers filled some needs, and added some depth to all sides of the ball. The class included players from Weston, Massachusetts, to Rancho, Cucamonga, California. There were even 3 in-state recruits. I gave the class a B- and ranked them in the top 15 classes in the country. Here is the position by position break down and gradings.
Over all class: 19.
Over all grade: B-
QB:
QB’s: 2
Over all grade: A
Jamal Turner: QB: Sam Houston, TX, Sam Houston High School: The 6-foot-1, 175lb Texas stand out was projected to be a signal caller when he came to Lincoln. Turner arrived in Lincoln early to learn the new offense. When he arrived, the NU coaching staff decided to move Turner to wide receiver. Turner’s move wowed Husker fans at the annual Spring Game scrimmage. Turner caught 4 passes for 93 yards, and a touchdown.
Bubba Starling: QB: Gardner, KS, Edegerton High School: If you live in the State of Nebraska you know who Bubba Starling, or you live under a rock. Starling is a 6-foot-5, 195 lb two star athlete who is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and a top 10 draft pick in the upcoming July Major League Baseball draft. The thought is if drafted, Starlings club house would not let him play college football, because he is projected to sign a contract in the area of $6 to 10 million dollars. Starling has said that he is very interested in playing football at Nebraska, where he would be a two sport athlete , but doesn’t know if he can turn down the money. He, his parents and super sports agent Scott Boris have not made a decision on where Bubba will be playing ball next year.
RB
RB’s: 3
Over all grade: B
Aaron Green: RB: San Antonio, TX, James Madison High School: Green started the season, regarded by many people as one of the top runningbacks in the country. Green had some minor injuries and his stats slumped, but the 5-foot-11, 200lb Texan finished his season with 1,717 rushing yards and 2o total touchdowns. Aaron is the younger brother of current Nebraska cornerback Andrew Green.
Ameer Abdullah: RB: Homewood High School, AL: Many people consider the 5-foot-10 180lb athlete from Homewood a steal for the Huskers. Abdullah commited late, and fills a giant hole in the backfield for Nebraska who only returns one running back with major playing time in Rex Burkhead. The Alabama native finished his high school career with 2,840 yards and 38 rushing touchdowns.
WR
WR: 1
Overall grade: C
Tarariq Allen: WR: Rivers High School: Weston, MA: Allen is 6-foot3 191 lbs. He will need to add a little more muscle to his frame, but has the potential to stretch the field in first year offensive coordinator Tim Beck’s new offense.
Offensive Linemen
OL: 5
Overall grade: A
Zach Sterup: OL: Hastings, Nebraska, St. Cecilia High School: At 6-foot-8 260lbs Sterup, is an athletic, long and a winner. in his career at Hastings, St. Cecilia the Buehawks went 45-2. Sterup was considered the top high school prospect in Nebraska by a lot of recruiting analyst.
Ryan Reeves: OL: Crete High School, Nebraska: Reeves was the first commit to the 2011 class. At 6-foot-3 300lbs, Reeves was a staple on the Crete offensive line that pushed Cardinals to an undefeated season, and Class B, State Championship.
Givens Mordi-Price: OL: Alief Taylor High School, Houston, TX: A one time Rice commitment, Givens decide to switch his commitment to the Huskers back in December. Price is 6-foot-4 and 280lbs of athletic raw talent.
Tyler Moore; OL: Clear Water High School, Countryside, FL: Moore is regarded as one of the top offensive line recruits in the nation. He is 6-foot-6, 295 lbs. He was awarded to the U.S. All-American team. Moore’s father was a former Nebraska tight end in the 1980’s. He is also the cousin of former Husker defensive end Jay Moore.
Ryan Klachko: OL:Sacred Heart Griffin High School, Springfield, Illinois: One of the biggest knocks against the 6-foot-4, 290 lbs is that he doesn’t stay on his feet enough. In a lot of his film he focuses on one block and ends up on the ground. That is something that can be fixed. If given the proper coaching, and technique, Klachko will be a force to be reckoned with. He has a a very fast fist step, and a wide thick base.
DT
DT: 2
Overall grade: B+
Kevin Williams: Springfield High School, Holland, Ohio:The first thing that comes to mind when you see Williams play is explosive. In his senior season he had 111 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Williams is 6-foot-2 280 lbs, and runs a 4.8 40 time.
Todd Peat Jr: DT: Carona Del Sol High School, Tempe AZ: Most people considered this the steal of the class. Peat was considered to be a heavy Arizona State lean on signing day. Then he shocked everyone by choosing the Huskers. Peat was considered one of the best defensive tackles in the country. He was invited to the US Army All-American Bowl as a senior. Todd is also the older brother of 2012 offensive line recruit Andrus Peat. Andrus has over 30 offers, and is considered one of the top 20 recruits over all in the country.
DE
DE: 1
Overall grade: C
Joseph Carter: DE: Chaffey C.C.: Rancho Cucamonga, California: The Huskers return a lot of depth at the defensive end. They return players with experiance with Cameron Meredith, Jason Ankrah, and Josh Williams. They also moved former linebacker and special team artist, Eric Martin to defensive end. Carter is a 6-foot-5 250 lb speed rusher. That combination of speed and power could cause havoc in every Big 10 backfield.
LB
LB: 2
Overall Grade: B
Max Priman: LB: Orville, Ohio, High School: Priman is more proof that the Pelini staff can go into Ohio and pull talent. Pirman is 6-foot-5 and 220 lbs. Priman is one time Indiana commit, but a mid-summer visit to Lincoln changed his mind.
David Santos: LB: Klien Colins High School, Klien TX: The reason this group got a B was Santos. This kid is one of the most solid tacklers I have seen coming out of high school in along, long time. His coaches rave about his ability to initiate first contact, and to wrap guys up. Santos is 6-foot-0 193lbs. His high light real tackles have Husker fans raving about Santos making his way to Lincoln.
DB
DB: 3
Overall grade: A-
Daniel Davie: DB: Beatrice, High School, Beatrice, NE: Don’t be surprised to see Davie move to the offensive side of the ball. He worked double time in Beatrice on both sides off the ball. Davie has great ball skills and has the ability to go up and get the ball at the highest point. Davie is 6-foot-0 185 lbs, and is a ball hawk.
Charles Jackson: DB: Klien High School, TX: Lock down. The only word to describe Jackson. He reminds me a lot of Prince Amukamara. He is very aggressive off the line, and is not afraid to put his hands on a receiver. He has a tendency to get a little over aggressive, but thats not something that can’t be fixed. The 6-foot-0 180 lb corner was a member of the 2011 Army All-American Bowl.
Damion Stafford: DB: Chaffey C.C.: Rancho Cucamonga, California: Stafford is one of a handful of players that will have the ability to come in early and make an impact. He is 6-foot-1, 210 lbs. His frame is complete. Last season at Chaffey Community College Stafford hauled in 5 interceptions, and had 66 tackles. This guy is a ball player and will see the field early in Lincoln.
K
K: 1
Overall grade: B
Mauro Bondi: K: West Boca High School, Boca Raton, FL: With the loss of All-World kicker Alex Henery, and kick off expert Adi Kunalic, Nebraska needs to get a fresh new leg in Lincoln. Bondi has a strong leg, but needs a little work. A redshirt would not hurt Bondi.
Written by Jimmie Allen