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Thoughts on Nebraska football getting a blue-chip RB plus Nebrasketball starting five projection
Jun 8, 2024
We project the Nebraska basketball starting five after a recent transfer portal addition, plus offer our thoughts on quite possibly the biggest commitment in the 2025 class for Nebraska football.
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0:00
Good morning, Husker fans and welcome back to the Husker Big Red podcast
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I'm Chris Peterson and joining me as always is Danny Gillette. We're back here for another episode of the show and we have quite a few things to cover
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today after the Huskers landed a blue chip running back. They also landed a 2024 commitment from a player in Germany this week
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Plus the basketball team picked up a new addition, so we'll cover all that stuff and more
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Before we get to that, please make sure that you hit the like button, hit the subscribe
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button to the channel here. It really helps us out and helps other Husker fans find our content as well
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So yeah, before we get into it, Danny, how are you doing this morning, man
0:36
Good, good. The weather is heating up here, so it feels like summer and we're that much closer to football
0:43
I know I say that every single show, but boy am I excited. Got what, game one of the finals tonight, right
0:48
Yeah, there's going to be some late nights, but I hope they can seal the deal this time around
0:56
I mean, they won the finals obviously two years ago against Golden State and now they
1:00
have a chance to take on the Mavericks and Kyrie, so that'll be interesting
1:04
I think the cheapest ticket was going for like $3,000, so just a drop in the bucket, right
1:10
Yeah, it's crazy. So this game will be in Boston then? Yeah, I will not be attending any live games of the NBA finals, that's for sure
1:20
Yeah, that's way too much money for a basketball game, but it's almost better to watch it at
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home anyway. Yeah, and it's like you have, you know, you can get your snacks at home, you can get your
1:31
drinks at home, and the $3,000 isn't guaranteeing you a court side seat, it's just your basic
1:36
ticket price, you know? So I don't know. Yeah, you can get a whole 12-pack for the cost of one beer at the game
1:43
So that's not right there. Honestly, that's true even during the regular season. Yeah, that's true during the regular season game too now
1:50
Yeah, it's crazy. But at any rate, so that should be a fun series to follow for NBA basketball fans
1:57
but in terms of Nebraska, some big news on Wednesday is Jermarian Parker, we were talking
2:01
about this, you know, when is he going to commit? We talked about Mecke Nelson, how that, you know, maybe was like a pressure point for
2:07
Nebraska putting some pressure on him, but whatever it was, whatever pushed him to that
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point, he made as a commitment on Wednesday, which is really important for Nebraska
2:16
They got a four-star running back last year in Keyone Lacy, of course he ended up signing
2:21
with Missouri, didn't wind up at Nebraska. So there was kind of a hole there, just, you know, they only signed one running back in
2:27
the first two classes, you know, under Matt Rule. So if there was one position that was kind of under-recruited a little bit, you know
2:33
outside of the work they did in the transfer portal, it was running back. So huge addition here
2:36
Jermarian Parker's a guy ranked 340th overall, but I mean, he averaged over 11 yards per
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carry last year. He ran a sub 11 second 100 meter dash as a freshman
2:46
This kid's an absolute freak. He caught 16 passes last year as well
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He can do kickoff returns. So I feel like he's a guy that's going to contribute right away
2:54
And this is kind of the home run hitting back that the Huskers were trying to get in Keyone
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Lacy last year and didn't. So I mean, they still have to get Jermarian Parker to signing day, which there's a lot
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of other programs interested, like USC, Alabama, TCU were all some that Nebraska beat out here
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but a big win for EJ Barthel and Matt Rule on the recruiting trail
3:13
Yeah, absolutely. And you know, you just kind of mentioned it right there, still a lot of time towards signing day
3:20
You know, I get excited when, you know, a guy like Parker commits, it's always a bit
3:24
of caution. But right now I like the way, you know, this looks, I mean, Lacy is a tough runner and
3:31
yet he's fast. He has a unique blend of, you know, being able to run to the outside and also just running
3:38
north, south. So I think he's a great fit for this, for this offense
3:44
And, you know, you just kind of look at his acceleration, you know, once he gets to the
3:48
second level, can he accelerate? That's something I always look for in a running back
3:53
And the answer is yes. And so, you know, I, this is definitely a big pickup for Nebraska
3:59
And I think, you know, given how this offense is going to be run and we're not going to
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probably run the ball as much as we did last season, that'll give him more opportunities
4:08
to be effective and be that explosive kind of compliment to the passing attack. Yeah
4:15
So you look at the 2025 class as a whole right now, Parker was the ninth commitment total
4:20
for Nebraska. He's the second four star according to the 24 seven composite ranking
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So that's two of nine for Nebraska, which isn't too bad. That's about 25%
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We definitely like to see that blue chip number, you know, the number of four star recruits
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you know, get up there in the 30, 40% range, 50 would be ideal
4:38
That's like, that is going to take a little bit, you know, maybe after this season, if they get some, start getting, you know, some really big time winning, they can start getting
4:44
into that range. But but still a really nice class. I mean, you have a lot of guys, you know, ranked in that six, 700 range
4:52
Nebraska loves to recruit kind of that type of player. But I'm really excited about, you know, this kid also Parker out of St. Louis
4:59
So that was a good get, you know, they've missed on some bigger guys out of that area before
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So that was nice to see them do that. And, you know, he's just, I feel like he's a different kind of back than they have on
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this roster. You know, I know that they're going to have Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson next year
5:15
But I feel like this guy, I feel like Parker can come in and be a factor next year, especially
5:19
with his ability to be a kicker, Turner, you know, catch passes. I just feel like, you know, he even said that they've got some good backs on this roster
5:26
was one of the quotes I think he said to us online, but they don't have anybody on this roster that's like me
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So, you know, even he kind of this team feels like, you know, he's going to bring a
5:37
different element to this offense from the running back position. Yeah, just his burst when he runs, as soon as he gets the ball, he just immediately
5:43
you know, turns on the Jets. And he is, you know, a dynamic playmaker and, you know, someone I always look at, you know
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can he fit in the Big Ten? Although now it's not the Big Ten anymore, but, you know, and for Parker, I think the
6:00
answer is yes. I mean, he's got that unique ability to kind of just accelerate and also have that physical element
6:08
A power back or, you know, a kind of speed back, he's a little bit of both, and he has
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elusiveness as well. And so he kind of his game is not necessarily completely complete, but he is a type of player
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that brings that multifaceted skill set to the table. Yeah. And, you know, looking at this class as a whole, kind of talking about it earlier, you
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know, with JT or TJ Lateef, excuse me, I think Jermaine Parker is right on par with
6:39
Lateef right now in terms of importance and his commitments. I mean, I usually don't wouldn't say that about a quarterback, but because Nebraska's
6:45
got Rayola and Kalen, you know, that that makes it a little less, I guess, important
6:49
Getting another Elite 11 dude is very critical for that room. But I do that just kind of shows how important it was for this team to get, you know, a blue
6:56
chip running back. And Matt Rule, I mean, I know that we're going to have a loaded pass offense for the next
7:01
few years. I mean, that's my expectation. Matt Rule still understands that you have to be able to run the football
7:06
You have to be able to impose your will, especially in the fourth quarter
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And frankly, I think a lot of teams that can truly run the football and get, you know
7:14
get that play action game going. I mean, when you have a guy like Dylan Rayola who can play in that pro style system or a
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spread system, you know, either way. But when you get that play action where you can truly kind of turn your back to the defense
7:26
that kind of allows you to create explosive plays. And I want Nebraska to be able to do that
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And I think Jermarion Parker is the kind of guy that can help them kind of establish that
7:35
dominant running game and take advantage of the fact that teams are going to have to start
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you know, playing with six, seven guys in the box because if they don't, Dylan Rayola is going to eat them alive. Yeah
7:45
Yeah, no, it's definitely a good comment to what the passing attack can bring
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I mean, we talked, you know, ad nauseum about kind of the one dimensional offense Nebraska
7:54
had last year and teams knew to stack the box because all we could do is run
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Now that's not going to be the case. They're going to have to prepare for Dylan Rayola and the wide receivers as well as the
8:04
running game. And, you know, that definitely opens up your playbook and it allows, you know, Marcus Satterfield
8:11
to do a bunch of different things. And I know many have been calling for his head, but I think we're starting to see, you
8:18
know, the type of offense he can, you know, he's more comfortable calling because he has
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the type of playmakers around him. So before anybody else calls for his head, just give him this year because I think you'll
8:30
see, you know, you know, more of what this coaching staff wants to run in terms of the
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type of offense. And before we talk about the newest Nebraska basketball player, Berkey, but you could tons
8:42
of hopefully I'm pronouncing that name, right? I want to talk about this other 2024 commitment
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If you haven't kind of heard about this, Nebraska's in the satellite camp to her down in Houston
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this weekend, they came across a guy 22 years old, actually. His name is David Hofgen
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He's from Germany. He was at this camp. He's six, eight. Some people have said six, seven
9:02
I believe that he's six, eight. I think there's a measurement there. But anyway, six, seven, six, eight, like two, basically 260 pounds
9:09
This guy was, you know, broad jumped, I think nine feet. Looks like an absolute freak
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I watched a lot of his not a lot of his highlights, but some, some of his workouts that he posted
9:19
on on Twitter on X or whatever you want to call it from the satellite camp
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And I saw, I watched some of his reps as a, as a tackle, as an edge
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I think he's got a chance at both. I mean, he's got really long arms
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He's really long athlete. I actually really did like him as a pass rusher. So I think they're going to try him a tackle
9:37
I'm not exactly sure if he's going to stay there, but I like this take for Nebraska
9:40
I'm sure he's coming in as a preferred walk on. They'll probably give him some NIL money
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Maybe, you know, like they've done with some of these other guys. I definitely don't think they're giving him a scholarship at this point, but the Oscars
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you know, they bet on these athletes. So this is a Matt rule kind of take. And I like it
9:55
I mean, why not at this point, take a chance on a guy that's, you know, six, eight and
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has that type of freakish athleticism. A German offensive lineman. Sign me up
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I mean, like not, not, not like not even, I'm kind of joking, but at the same time, like there, you know, many are very, you know, solid football players
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They're well built. They're solid. They're strong. I mean, it's worth it
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Taking, taking a flyer on this guy. And you know, again, people say, Oh, why don't we do, why are we taking project players and
10:23
not proving guys and blah, blah, blah. We're taking this too many of that, whatever we've done a damn good job given that, you
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know, the brass can win five and seven last year. And we are going to have to take some project players and we are going to stop to find those
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diamonds in the rough because the winds are not there yet. And hopefully by the season that will change
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But at the same time, it's not only because, you know, the winds aren't there yet
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It's also because this coaching staff, you know, is good at developing talent
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And I think with the case of Hoffman, I think, you know, there's a real good chance that
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you know, he could be used, like you said, either on the offensive or defensive side
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of the football. And, you know, they, they love those two way players
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Jason, the, the tackle from North Dakota is a Jason majestic. Is that how you pronounce it
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I don't know if that's how you pronounce it, but yeah, close enough
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So yeah. So, so a guy like that, you know, they love those versatile players
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And they love, you know, those type of athletes. I mean, you've seen it a lot on the offensive side of the football, you know, like, you
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know, Bryce Turner was recruited as a wide receiver. Jeremiah Charles was recruited as a wide receiver and now they're on the defensive side of the ball
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So they love these two way athletes and Hoffman fits the bill
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And, you know, he's also just a strong overall prospect. Yeah. He's really, he's a really interesting player
11:45
And I think, you know, you look at what Nebraska has in terms of their facilities and their
11:50
weight room and stuff. So yeah. You know, Hopkins sitting there, he's, he's two 80, you know, six, seven, six, eight or
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260 pounds. I mean, he could, if he's going to play offensive tackle, he's going to have to put on like
12:00
40 pounds of weight, which he easily could do on that frame. And so that's the thing is that, you know, maybe in a couple of years, you're looking
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at a guy that's, you know, six, eight, maybe 300 pounds. It's that a couple of years of tutelage with, you know, Dylan Rayola and Matt rule and all
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these guys, all these other assistant coaches that they have. And maybe, you know, by then he's a guy that can play some tackle
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I mean, I wouldn't expect him, you know, this is going to be like a two year project. So I don't, don't think like, you know, David Hopkins is going to come out there and be
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like the starting left tackle in 2025 or anything, but, but I do think he has an opportunity in
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the future. And yeah, there's been, you know, some interesting guy, I think Sebastian Bomer, I want to say
12:36
was from Germany. The guy that used to play for the Patriots and there's, there's been a bunch more players
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There's a guy, his name is Brandon Collier who kind of recruits like these international
12:46
players and he brings them over here for all these camps. They're starting to get more and more offers
12:50
Nebraska recruited a linebacker last year from Germany. I think his name was Justin Oakland
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I'm going to butcher the name, but at any rate, he ended up going to Alabama
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He ended up going to Alabama, but they have been kind of doing, and they offered another
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German player. Actually. That's actually in the 2025 class this week. So those international prospects, because there are some absolute freaks and they just
13:12
haven't played, you know, very much football. And you know, Matt rules always says, I mean, football's not a tough game
13:17
I can teach people how to play football. You can't teach somebody how to be six, eight and move like this guy does
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So you know, I don't know if anything's going to come of it, but it's not taking up a scholarship
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spot and Nebraska has all the resources to get this guy to be where he needs to be in
13:31
order to be like an elite football player, you know, with the build and everything. So you know, why not
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And if it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out, but it's not costing, you know
13:40
Brassica much in terms of investment. So I think it's a smart move and I like how Matt rules staff is willing to take chances
13:46
on guys. I mean, look at James Williams. James Williams is another great example of Juco guy
13:51
Not a lot of people wanted him, but the Huskers saw him at a camp and they're like, Hey, this guy can play
13:56
And then last year, you know, he ended up redshirting at the end of the season, but they had to make a decision like, should we redshirt this guy or cause he was making an impact
14:03
I even read some stuff from Sean Callahan that the Husker coaches were really talking
14:08
him up this week. So sometimes you take these project players and it can work out
14:13
It's not always going to, but when it does, it makes you look really smart
14:17
If being six, eight could be taught, I would have taken advantage of it by now
14:22
But Sebastian Vollmer is a great name. I had forgotten, you know, that he was from Germany and he was, you know, just a stout
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offensive lineman, very consistent, very dependable, good technique. And so, you know, I, I do like this pickup for, for several reasons
14:40
And, you know, I think like, like you said, it's not costing Nebraska much, you know
14:45
this coaching staffs, one of their specialties is the offensive line. And so it falls right into their wheelhouse
14:50
They love, you know, athletes, they love sort of developmental project players and, you
14:56
know, they have a focus on the offensive line. So it kind of checks all the boxes in that way
15:01
And then I know he said we're going to talk basketball, but one other thing that I remembered
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so five star, well, it's kind of weird because Douglas suit to his rankings are really weird
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but at any rate, he is a five star according to rivals in ESPN
15:13
He's not a five star according to the 24 seven composite rankings. It's like ESPN doesn't count, but it's really interesting though, but rivals and ESPN both
15:21
have them ranked like top of like rivals. He's the number eight overall player and ESPN is the number 11 overall player
15:28
And then 24 seven sports has him ranked like one Oh three. And then on three has him ranked like two 20
15:33
So that's why his, his, his rankings are so all over the place. I'm just following up with that. Yeah
15:39
And it's, and it's really interesting because you know, you're looking, like you said, just
15:43
for the, just for the exact numbers on three has them at two 80, 24 seven sports as a mat
15:49
one Oh one ESPN has him at 11 and rivals has him at eight
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And with those rankings on three has him as the 19th overall interior offensive lineman
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ESPN has him as a third overall. And then 24 seven sports has him fourth and rival second
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The only really consistency with his rankings is his overall standing in the state of Nevada
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24 seven sports has him the lowest at third while on three has him at two and ESPN also
16:21
has him at two and rivals has him as the top player in the state of Nevada. So he really is all over the place in terms of rankings. Yeah
16:28
And it's interesting. And you know, they say some of them say an interior offensive lineman, some say offensive tackle
16:33
So, you know, I'm not sure exactly where the fit would be. I think most more teams see him as a tackle
16:37
I mean, six, five, 300 pounds, really great athlete, but you know, I think most teams
16:42
would prefer, you know, trying to play you a tackle, but if not, it's always good to have a guy who could play multiple positions, but at any rate, he is going to be visiting
16:48
I think his visit started yesterday or at least starting today. So a midweek visit for Douglas Utu
16:54
He just was at Michigan. That was a visit there. I feel like Michigan and Nebraska are kind of in this top mix
17:00
I want to say like Washington and Alabama are in the mix too, but for such a high profile
17:06
guy, he kind of does, you know, he just like posted on X or Twitter that he was taking
17:10
this midweek visit. So he's kind of an under the radar guy in terms of, you know, doesn't do a ton of interviews
17:15
and stuff. His mom did say that Michigan set the bar high at their visit, but I never know what
17:20
that means when, you know, they set the bar high. Well, cool. I mean, I don't, you know, that doesn't, you know, he didn't commit there
17:26
So I don't, I feel like he, Michigan did a good job, but again, they, they sell things
17:32
a little bit differently, especially with NIL. So I don't know. It'll be interesting to see how that works out
17:36
But you know, I do feel like it's a Michigan or at least the Michigan and Nebraska are
17:41
kind of the top two teams battling it out. So keep an eye on Douglas Utu because that would be another, you know, big time commitment there
17:48
I'm looking for, you know, David Sanders a little bit there on the exterior, Broderick Schull, their co-leader
17:53
If they could find a way to get Broderick Schull and Douglas Utu, I mean, as much as
17:57
I would love David Sanders, I still think that would be a tremendous haul for this class. Absolutely
18:01
And I feel like Sanders is more of a, you know, not a, not necessarily a pipe dream
18:06
but you know, like you guys said on the outside, looking in kind of wishful thinking, whereas
18:10
Schull and Utu, I feel like we have a better chance with, you know, and Utu's from Bishop
18:15
Gorman and they have a lot of good linemen coming up. A lot of good linemen coming up in the pro in the, in, you know, the, in the program
18:23
And you know, I believe if I'm not mistaken, he visited for the spring game back in April
18:29
So you know, he has some experience in Nebraska already. And I'll tell you what, if they can get an offensive lineman pipeline from Bishop Gorman
18:38
that would make me very happy. Yeah, that would definitely make me very happy
18:43
There's some other good guys in there as well. And they had the guy Ruggeroli that they got from Bishop Gorman last year
18:49
So but yeah, another interesting visit to watch there. The big visit weekends for Nebraska are the 14th and the 21st
18:55
So they're kind of doing their camp thing this weekend, but but still an important visit there
19:00
So now Nebraska finally adds to their roster. The Berkey Buikotunsel Buzz was out there for like a month
19:06
They were involved a little bit with Trevion Brazil, I think is his name from Arkansas
19:11
So Berkey commits. Brazil goes back to Arkansas and Nebraska. I don't think is going to fill that last spot
19:17
You know, they played with it open last year. So I don't know if they just want to have it open for recruiting purposes or whatever
19:23
But I'm fairly certain that the roster is set. Berkey, if you're not that familiar with him, a 6'9", 245 pound guy played at UCLA last
19:33
season, 26 games with eight starts. Average 4.5 points per game shot, 38% from the field, 29% from three, 62% from the free
19:44
throw line. So pretty raw player, but he's a guy that he's been projected as a potential second
19:49
round pick in the 2025 NBA draft. So I mean, he's has big time upside
19:54
He has three years of eligibility remaining. So yeah, what are some what are your thoughts on Berkey Buikotunsel going to Nebraska
20:01
Hopefully I'm saying that right. If not, then I'm I've lost all hope. Annunciations
20:06
I think you might be. I think you might be. I don't think you're too far off
20:11
What I can say is it's it's going to be a name. I think we're going to have to learn. I mean, because you look at what he brings to the table and he's not, you know, a perimeter player
20:20
He's not just a post player. He can be a little bit of both. And I think that's really interesting because for me, you know, when you look at this, you
20:31
know, transfer transfer class, I know Braxton May is a senior, I believe
20:37
But is he a senior or junior? I think he's a senior
20:41
So if you're talking about this year, like or just in general, Buikotunsel can help space
20:47
the floor if need be. He can play on the perimeter while the big guys take care of the work inside
20:53
He can also drive to the hoop. He has very nice touch around the rim
20:57
And one of the things that really stood out to me was his ability and success in international play
21:06
I've always said that I feel like international players are a bit more polished through the
21:10
level of competition that they face. And he played in the U18 championship in 2022, where he averaged, you know, 12.3 points
21:22
7.4 rebounds per game. And he also played last year in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup
21:31
And he was one of the five standout players named to the All-Star Five, which is a team
21:39
comprised after the tournament. So that international experience, I think, helped him develop his game and is a big plus
21:49
And so I think this is big because, again, and then I'll let you talk, Nebraska has gotten
21:56
another transfer with multiple years of eligibility. They have a guy that they can put in at the very least after Bryce Williams leaves at
22:06
the starting forward spot. And quite honestly, I think he could even make a push now
22:11
I mean, he's a dynamic scorer. He can, you know, kind of provide that, you know, athleticism and scoring touch
22:23
And so this is another case where this is a transfer that's not only going to help right
22:28
now but also for the future. And I think that's absolutely huge
22:32
Yeah, he's a guy that I think has a lot of potential
22:36
Him and Gavin Griffiths are two guys that I could see as future NBA draft picks, you
22:41
know, if Fred Hoiberg can develop them and get the most out of them
22:45
Because Griffiths was a top 50 recruit and, you know, Berkey definitely has that ability
22:50
I mean, you look at him shoot and, I mean, he's everything that you want in that stretch
22:54
four, kind of three-four wing that can attack the basket, can play inside, can shoot the three
23:00
He's got, you know, a ton of skill. Just needs to be more productive this year. But he did get eight starts last year
23:05
And I don't ever get too worried about, you know, the freshman numbers because guys, you
23:10
know, for one, it's their first introduction into college basketball, which is, it's a
23:13
big difference from even international play. It's just a much more physical game
23:17
And so there's always going to be that rough spot. You know, it's like with Gavin Griffiths, your freshman numbers are not going to be
23:24
the same as your sophomore numbers for, you know, those guys can take big leaps
23:27
And the thing about Fred Hoiberg is he really is a great tactician offensively
23:31
So I think he's going to get the most out of like Berkey and, you know, Connor Resigian
23:36
and Gavin Griffiths and all these guys. And I really like Nebraska's lineup potential
23:42
I mean, yeah, you could, I could definitely see Berkey starting, you know, off the top
23:46
of my head, I feel like Braxton Mean and Andrew Morgan are going to be the two guys in there
23:50
but that's not for sure. The reason I go with Andrew Morgan, you know, I just think back to last year and they, you
23:57
know, they kind of settled in with rank mass and Josiah leak as their starters
24:00
And to me, I think that Andrew Morgan is the best low post score this team has
24:06
And Braxton Maine, you know, has had some, you know, he's he's more of like a dunker
24:11
finish that I got. I don't really see Nebraska, you know, dumping the ball into him and being like, OK, go
24:16
go put a post move on somebody. And you know what I mean? Like they
24:19
So I just am not sure if they and they do like to run those guys through the post, whether
24:23
it was rank, you know, doing some things or, you know, with Derek Walker
24:28
But that doesn't mean, you know, it really, I think, depends, you know, on how, you know
24:33
Berkey kind of develops. And if he takes a huge leap from last year and is, you know, showing all of his tools
24:37
off, there's no reason he can't come in and start, too. But I do think those three guys are going to play a lot in the front court
24:43
I could also see, you know, them moving Gary up to the four and starting May, Gary Williams
24:48
Gavin Griffiths or a surgeon and then, you know, Raleigh Wooster. So I feel like they have a lot of different options, but they're starting five
24:54
For me, I would rather put boy, a potential instead of having a Morgan may line up, because
25:02
although it worked last season, having two big guys, especially when it came to Big Ten
25:06
play was problematic at times just due to the athleticism. But like you said, you're not kind of, you know, kind of forced into that lineup, you
25:15
know, full time. Now you have the ability to kind of mix and match according to what you want
25:20
The depth on this team, again, is going to be a strong suit of this program
25:25
And, you know, the transfer portal may be unorthodox, but it's the way you build a program
25:31
a successful program in college basketball these days. And it's been a winning formula for, you know, this coaching staff
25:38
So, you know, I think the ability to play multiple guys in multiple situations at multiple
25:44
positions is definitely a positive. And I also think, you know, having so many younger transfers that you can build around
25:54
instead of, you know, all graduating or all departing is big as well
26:01
Yeah, I think so, too. Yeah, a lot of guys, yeah, because May and Raleigh Wooster are both graduate transfers
26:06
but and Morgan is a graduate transfer, too. But but yeah, the other three, I mean, you get Gavin Griffiths and, you know, Seegin
26:14
and Bleak at Tumsel, all from Big Ten programs, too. I might add these aren't guys coming from, like, you know, the Mid-American Conference
26:21
And I do think that that matters. I'm not saying that, you know. Andrew Morgan is coming in from the Missouri Valley, which is a curtain of the Summit League
26:28
which is a solid league. I mean, that's not to say he can't make a contribution. I mean, Rinkmast came up from the Missouri Valley and, you know, got third team all Big Ten last year
26:37
So it's definitely possible. I feel like they're going to offer the thing about all three big guys is you can run them
26:44
through, you know, the ball screen stuff, because May is the guy that, you know
26:47
he can take the ball screen and go get a lob, you know, and do that type of thing
26:51
Morgan and Bleak at Tumsel can both, you know, pop out and shoot threes. I mean, Morgan didn't shoot a ton of threes, but he is a 34 percent three point shooter
26:59
So I think he's very similar to Rinkmast. You know, it's not like Rinkmast was chucking up a bunch of threes last year
27:04
But, you know, if you give him that shot on the pick and pop, like he can make it on you. So so there's that aspect of it, too
27:11
And it's going to be interesting to me to see what they do with Gary and Williams, because I look at those two guys as who's going to who are going to play the most minutes this year
27:22
You know, they're going to start whether they whether they start at the two and the three or the three and the four, however they play
27:27
Those are going to be your two heavy minutes, guys. I think Raleigh Wooster is going to play a lot
27:31
But I do think that Aaron Ulus could get some opportunities there as the backup
27:35
I mean, he hasn't played in a year, but but he's been a big ten point guard as well
27:39
So it wouldn't shock me if he was in the mix for some minutes
27:43
And then those three front court guys, I think they're going to kind of rotate in and out. I don't know. I feel like I still feel like Andrew Morgan might end up playing the most
27:52
But we'll just it depends how it works out. But if he's if he proves to be the most consistent low post score, I just feel like Fred Hoiberg is going to want that in his lineup
28:01
So I don't know how that's you know, but I feel like that, Morgan, you could play Morgan and Berkey together
28:05
You could play Morgan and Braxton May. I think you could play Braxton May and Bert
28:09
So I think they're all interchangeable and at least gives you three guys that are, you know, six, nine and above
28:16
that can kind of help you get through the Big Ten season, because you definitely need a few big guys. And I still do worry a little bit that they don't have enough depth in the front court
28:23
for the Big Ten conference, because kind of three true big guys still seems a little bit light
28:28
But, you know, Juwan, Gary can play the four if needed. Bryce Williams could even play the four if he had to
28:33
I mean, he's six nine. So, yeah, I feel. And the other part is those guys still have to guard you as well
28:39
So that's why I like them offensively, because they have a ton of weapons
28:43
And just I like the defensive additions to this. You know, Berkey's a guy who can, you know, defend people
28:50
But I really like Raleigh Wooster and Braxton May. I think these guys are going to make really big impacts, you know, on the defensive end as much as on the offensive end
28:58
So now that we have the roster a little bit filled out, you know, just from let's just say on paper
29:04
do you think this roster is better than last year about the same or worse
29:12
It's really hard to say. I think that they I think that this roster has a higher ceiling
29:17
I think that they have a lower floor, I guess I'll say, because some things do have to kind of go, you know, like Berkey and Gavin Griffiths
29:24
kind of need to take that second year leap. And Connor Asijan needs to be more the guy he was two years ago instead of last year
29:30
You know what I mean? And then you need Andrew Morgan to be able to step up and kind of do what Rink Mass did
29:36
which is go up to a power for power, five lead, whatever you want to call it
29:41
and kind of keep that same production. So there are some things that you're still kind of like, you know, those what if type things
29:47
But I think but the thing is, is, you know, Griffiths and Asijan and those guys
29:52
I mean, they've played, you know, in the Big Ten, Braxton May. You know, I would like to see him produce the way he did two years ago when he was healthier
29:59
So I feel like there are still kind of those hit, you know, like they have to
30:04
you know, rely on certain guys to do certain things. But I do feel like that there's more upside with this team if it if it all kind of works out
30:10
you know, if all these pieces come together. But, you know, like if Griffiths and Berkey, we could also just like have breakout seasons
30:17
I mean, you could be looking at two potential NBA prospects there with Gary
30:22
with Bryce Williams, with a Braxton May and then Andrew Morgan. And like Raleigh Wooster is not going to be an NBA draft pick
30:29
But, you know, like I still saw people yesterday commenting and one of the things like, oh, still need a point guard
30:34
No, no, we do not. We have a point guard and he's going to be really good and he actually can defend
30:39
And so I'm really excited about what he brings to the table and just a true pass first point guard
30:44
I mean, like Sam Griesel, I think he's very much going to be remind people of the way that Sam Griesel played
30:51
I mean, he'll score and he can shoot some threes. But for the most part, he's going to be a great defender
30:55
and he's going to set up other guys. So I just I think that this is a more complete team
31:00
But, you know, you miss that kind of superstar aspect of K.C
31:04
Tominaga being able to take over a game. So I don't know
31:07
I'm hoping that, you know, Gavin Griffiths or one of those guys can kind of stick up or step up and kind of take that home this year
31:13
But overall, I would say a higher ceiling, lower floor. But I think this is an NCAA tournament team
31:19
I do, too. And yeah, I don't think we need a point guard
31:23
I you know, we don't need we don't even need a scoring point guard, in my opinion
31:28
We just need somebody that can run the offense and distribute the basketball. We didn't have that last season
31:33
Now we are going to. And yeah, I would say I'd say probably a little bit better than last year, just because of
31:44
you know, the potential of Braxton May. I think having a true seven footer is important
31:51
especially when it comes to the physicality inside and second chance points
31:56
because second chance points were an issue for Nebraska last year. So I love the thought of him being able to rebound and kind of box out
32:03
and, you know, grab grab those rebounds. You know, you were talking about NBA draft picks
32:10
I think I would I could throw a seed in there as well
32:15
if he can kind of rebound to what he was two years ago. You know, his type of play, you know, is what the NBA is kind of catered to nowadays
32:24
So I could see him in there, too. And right now, I'd say probably they're a little bit better than they were last year
32:32
But like you said, a lot of things have to go right. Yeah, I think so
32:36
But, you know, I like the different pieces that you have. And like like I said, with with, you know, Gary, you can move different guys around
32:44
moving him to the four. So I feel like Gary and Bryce Williams are going to kind of be the linchpin
32:49
and he's going to be able to work a lot of other pieces around that. And it's just going to be fun to see how they all develop
32:53
But you've got guys that have started in other places. I mean, they're adding four players who have started games for power five programs
33:01
I think that's a huge deal. And yeah, Braxton Mays, the kind of explosive, you know, rim protector
33:06
and finisher that they just haven't had the past couple of seasons. So I really think that's going to impact their defense
33:12
And yeah, it's going to be an exciting basketball season for the men
33:15
and and for the women's. I think they've got some nice players, too. And yeah, we'll wrap it up there, you guys
33:22
We'll be back on Monday with another episode of our podcast. So make sure you check it out
33:27
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33:31
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33:36
And as always, go big red, go big red
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