Nebraska Football: Director of player development important for program

This was a good hire by Nebraska football.

Now I know at first glance the new role for Nebraska football may not seem particularly glamorous. After all, the program hired a director of player development. That doesn’t exactly sound too exciting.

However, this position in my estimation is extremely important. The job will go to Marcus Castro-Walker who worked with head coach Scott Frost at UCF. Having been on a team myself for a couple of seasons, I can assure you that the director of player development is important.

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Frost had indicated that Nebraska football was looking for a director of player development. In some ways, I believe it is extremely important for the program to have this. College kids need this liaison, especially throughout the course of the season.

As noted in a report from Brian Christopherson of 247Sports, the position certainly holds many facets to it. Many major football programs that I have seen have this position. Having been on a lower-level college football team myself, I can certainly say that a director of player development is an important part of the program.

As far as Nebraska goes, this job posting indicates that Castro-Walker will have to do a little bit of everything.

"Develop, implement, direct and monitor effective student mentoring program for Nebraska Football. Coordinate and direct the Life Skills outreach program in the community. Report to, and work closely with, the Head Football Coach, helping to manage and oversee many off-the-field responsibilities and assisting in community service efforts. Serve as liaison to all current football student-athletes and incoming recruits. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. Weekend and evening hours required."

Again, this may not seem like a necessary football position. However, it is. When you think about the fact that these kids are college kids, who will have ups-and-downs, this is where Castro-Walker will be able to come in and help immensely.

Having a close connection with Frost will hopefully be able to help both Frost and student-athletes succeed. Having that liaison is extremely important as certain kids may feel more comfortable going to Castro-Walker for something . That trust could prove to be crucial, especially as a freshman adjusts to college.

This is a great hire by Nebraska football, and I’m excited to see how Castro-Walker will be part of the program. I think it is certainly a positive thing, and I think it may help the program clean up some things off the field in terms of transfers.

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