Nebraska Cornhusker 2015 Recruits: Wide Receivers

Nebraska’s offense has changed over the years. Gone are the days of the 70’s pro-style offenses with Quarterbacks such as Jerry Tagge, David Humm, and Vince Ferragamo, where throwing to wide receivers was a fairly frequent occurance. Gone are the days of the play action option pass when former quarterbacks such as Turner Gill, Steve Taylor, Tommie Frazier, Scott Frost, and Eric Crouch would fake the option and drop back hitting a wide-open receiver on a long touchdown pass. Nebraska’s offense has transformed over time, just as it did from the 70’s pro style offense to the 80’s option style offense.

Kenny Bells speed moved him to the top of the depth char in 2011. His skill set will keep him there in 2012.

We have seen the Nebraska wide receivers become a much bigger part of the game. In 2000 it was Callahan’s West Coast Offense. Then we saw Pelini’s “Nebraska” offense (a mix of spread and read option). What we will see under Riley’s new offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf? He said Nebraska will run a West Coast style offense, but he “will utilize the talent he has and not force them to run something they cannot do” (unlike Bill Callahan).

Wide receivers will be called upon once again to be a big part of the new offense. Langsdorf will benefit from the talent pool of wide receivers currently on the roster if 1)he has a quarterback that can make the throws and 2) to coach the receivers to get rid of the dropsies! The bad news: Beloved receiver Kenny Bell is gone. Bell leaves Nebraska as the all time career reception and career reception yard leader. He will be missed for his athleticism, his leadership, and his ability to get in front of the defenders for run support.

The good news: Jordan Westerkamp, De’Mornay Pierson-El, Jamal Turner, and a host of others will be back in the mix again next year. Currently Nebraska only has one wide receiver on the 2015 commitment list. He is 6’0” 185lb four-star wide receiver Stanley Morgan out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Morgan committed to Nebraska on September 26, 2014 and has remained committed to Coach Riley.

Oct 26, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jamal Turner (10) runs with the ball after making a catch in the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Morgan is the 26th best wide receiver in the country per Rivals Recruiting Service, and is the 241st best high school football player in the country. Huskers were able to beat out schools such as Ohio State, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and UCLA (to name a few). Check out his film from Hudl.

So who is left for the Huskers to get to commit before signing day? Last season the Husker wide receivers were plagued with injuries so one commit is not really enough. The Huskers have offered scholarships to 45 wide receivers in this recruiting cycle. At one point, 3-star wide receiver Spence Tears was committed to the Huskers but decommitted back in June. It is not 100% certain, but many believe that this was a mutual departing.

Nov 16, 2013; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers punt returner Jordan Westerkamp (1) fumbles the ball against thet Michigan State Spartans in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Of the 45 offers, only 12 recruits remain uncommitted to a school. One such recruit that will actually be on campus visiting with Coach Riley on January 30th is 3-star wide receiver, Lavan Alston. Of the twelve remaining uncommitted wide receivers, Alston is probably the Huskers best chance to garner a commitment from before signing day. Alston was committed to Oregon State and coach Riley so this may help increase the Huskers chances.

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Of the other remaining uncommitted WR recruits, no one has Nebraska leading in the race for their commitment so unless Riley has someone else in mind, and if Alston does not commit, then the Huskers may only end up with one wide receiver in the 2015 class. Without a wide receiver coach named yet, this too could be an obstacle in getting a commitment. Nebraska has 12 receivers returning, so one commit might just be enough unless the injury bug hits the Huskers like last year.

In the meantime, stay tuned to Husker Corner for any updates on recruits and a WR Coach, and GO BIG RED!

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