Thursday, August 30, 2007
Huskers vs. LSU for the national title?
While there are many folks out there in Husker Nation holding some very lofty expectations of the season ahead, it might be difficult to find any prediction more optimistic for Nebraska than the one posted by Peter Schrager of www.foxsports.com.
Preplaying the entire 2007 season on his EA Sports' NCAA 2008 Football game, Schrager's simulation found the Cornhuskers playing in the national championship game against LSU. Although Nebraska came up short in Schrager's cyber BCS title game, that result would certainly make any Big Red fan happy -- if it were to come true in real life.
Preplaying the entire 2007 season on his EA Sports' NCAA 2008 Football game, Schrager's simulation found the Cornhuskers playing in the national championship game against LSU. Although Nebraska came up short in Schrager's cyber BCS title game, that result would certainly make any Big Red fan happy -- if it were to come true in real life.
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Sunday, August 26, 2007
NU game special for Mizzou's Rucker
For many reasons, Missouri senior tight end Martin Rucker says the Nebraska game is very special to him. Not only because the Tigers-Huskers matchup could go a long way toward deciding the Big 12 North, but also because Rucker's older brother, Mike, played defensive end for NU.
"For me, it's always a big game," Martin Rucker said. "I love to play that game and last year was the first game that my brother actually got to see me play in college, so there's always a lot of emotion running through me whenever I play that game.
"I just try to convey that to my team so they feel the exact same way."
Although Martin didn't follow in his brother's footsteps and go to Nebraska, he said the influence of the Cornhusker program was very large in his household.
"I was around guys like Ahman Green and Grant Wistrom was at the house now and then, and guys like Jay Foreman and Tommie Frazier," Rucker said. "I saw all these stars and could think that that's what I wanted to be. That was probably one of the greatest influences on me."
"For me, it's always a big game," Martin Rucker said. "I love to play that game and last year was the first game that my brother actually got to see me play in college, so there's always a lot of emotion running through me whenever I play that game.
"I just try to convey that to my team so they feel the exact same way."
Although Martin didn't follow in his brother's footsteps and go to Nebraska, he said the influence of the Cornhusker program was very large in his household.
"I was around guys like Ahman Green and Grant Wistrom was at the house now and then, and guys like Jay Foreman and Tommie Frazier," Rucker said. "I saw all these stars and could think that that's what I wanted to be. That was probably one of the greatest influences on me."
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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Breakout year for Lydon Murtha?
Although Lydon Murtha came to Nebraska regarded as one of the best offensive line prospects in the country, he admittedly struggled early on in his college career. However, offensive line coach Dennis Wagner said that midway through last season, something clicked for Murtha and he began making rapid improvement.
Apparently, Wagner said, it just took Murtha a little time.
"I don't think Lydon understood his talents and didn't challenge himself as much as he should have," Wagner said. "I thought the light bulb really came on for him midway through last year.
“He had a tremendous spring and I think he's right where he should be. I think people forget that he's only a junior. He's a very good football player."
Fellow Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Slauson -- Murtha's good friend -- said he expects big things this season from Murtha, who is expected to start at right tackle.
"I think this has been a really unique year for him," Slauson said. "He's always been athletic and strong, but this year I've just seen huge gains from him strength-wise and speed-wise. This is going to be a huge year for him."
Apparently, Wagner said, it just took Murtha a little time.
"I don't think Lydon understood his talents and didn't challenge himself as much as he should have," Wagner said. "I thought the light bulb really came on for him midway through last year.
“He had a tremendous spring and I think he's right where he should be. I think people forget that he's only a junior. He's a very good football player."
Fellow Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Slauson -- Murtha's good friend -- said he expects big things this season from Murtha, who is expected to start at right tackle.
"I think this has been a really unique year for him," Slauson said. "He's always been athletic and strong, but this year I've just seen huge gains from him strength-wise and speed-wise. This is going to be a huge year for him."
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Monday, August 20, 2007
Keller wins starting QB job
The announcement that most folks who follow the Nebraska football program had anticipated all along became official Monday when coach Bill Callahan announced that Arizona State transfer Sam Keller will begin the season as the Cornhuskers' starting quarterback.
Callahan had previously said that he wouldn't name a starter until the week before the Sept. 1 season opener against Nevada, but said Monday that he felt it was the right time. Callahan added that the Huskers have had more plays to evaluate than they normally have by this time in fall camp and saw no need to wait any longer.
Callahan said the battle between Keller and Joe Ganz was "competitive," but added that he couldn't put a figure on how close it was. Callahan said that Ganz handled the annoucement with class and will open the year as the backup quarterback.
Keller said he's both excited and humbled to be named the starter, but doesn't think it's time to celebrate just yet. Winning the job was just the first step for the senior. Now, his goal is to lead the Huskers to a succesful season.
Callahan had previously said that he wouldn't name a starter until the week before the Sept. 1 season opener against Nevada, but said Monday that he felt it was the right time. Callahan added that the Huskers have had more plays to evaluate than they normally have by this time in fall camp and saw no need to wait any longer.
Callahan said the battle between Keller and Joe Ganz was "competitive," but added that he couldn't put a figure on how close it was. Callahan said that Ganz handled the annoucement with class and will open the year as the backup quarterback.
Keller said he's both excited and humbled to be named the starter, but doesn't think it's time to celebrate just yet. Winning the job was just the first step for the senior. Now, his goal is to lead the Huskers to a succesful season.
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Friday, August 17, 2007
Sporting News pegs Huskers at No. 23
The Sporting News is the latest magazine to kick out its college football preview edition. The publication has Nebraska ranked No. 23 in its preseason top 25.
TSN does project the Cornhuskers to finish first in the Big 12 Conference's North Division ahead of Missouri. However, it makes a curious mention of Nebraska's defense having to replace its front seven -- obviously they meant front four. After all the linebacking corps, with experienced seniors like Bo Ruud, Corey McKeon Steve Octavien and Lance Brandenburgh, is expected to be the strength of the defense in 2007.
The Associated Press media poll will be released Saturday.
TSN does project the Cornhuskers to finish first in the Big 12 Conference's North Division ahead of Missouri. However, it makes a curious mention of Nebraska's defense having to replace its front seven -- obviously they meant front four. After all the linebacking corps, with experienced seniors like Bo Ruud, Corey McKeon Steve Octavien and Lance Brandenburgh, is expected to be the strength of the defense in 2007.
The Associated Press media poll will be released Saturday.
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Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sports Illustrated ranks Nebraska No. 18
Got an e-mail from Sports Illustrated's promo department today, noting that the magazine has Nebraska ranked No. 18 nationally in its 2007 college football preview edition. That seems to be right in line with most of the other publications, as well as the USA Today coaches' preseason poll, which has the Huskers at No. 19.
Sam Keller -- surprise, surprise -- is the focus of the brief preview article by SI's Ted Keith. However, local Husker Todd Peterson, a junior wide receiver from Grand Island Central Catholic, also got some ink. "We’ve been taking small steps," Peterson told SI of Nebraska's progress. "It's time to make that big leap."
Sam Keller -- surprise, surprise -- is the focus of the brief preview article by SI's Ted Keith. However, local Husker Todd Peterson, a junior wide receiver from Grand Island Central Catholic, also got some ink. "We’ve been taking small steps," Peterson told SI of Nebraska's progress. "It's time to make that big leap."
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Saturday, August 11, 2007
Lucky, Glenn miss practice because of injuries
Stuck working in the office today, but here's Saturday's practice update from the Associated Press:
LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska I-backs Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn missed the second of Saturday's two practices because of injuries.
Lucky left the morning workout early because of a possible concussion. Glenn, who has a hamstring injury, also sat out in the afternoon.
Wide receiver Todd Peterson (shoulder) and guard Andy Christenen (hamstring) were back on the field.
The Huskers practiced on situations inside the 20-yard line and on third downs in the morning. They also went through a 20-play scrimmage.
"I thought the tempo was good," coach Bill Callahan said. "They competed hard for 20 plays. We're just trying to get back into condition for scrimmage tempo, and the execution was good for a normal-down situation scrimmage."
No blitzes were allowed in the scrimmage.
"It was a good opportunity to see some guys we hadn't and put them into some pressure situations," Callahan said. "Overall, there’s good progress to report. The players are working hard and I’m really excited about our first day with the scrimmage atmosphere. It was really productive."
LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska I-backs Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn missed the second of Saturday's two practices because of injuries.
Lucky left the morning workout early because of a possible concussion. Glenn, who has a hamstring injury, also sat out in the afternoon.
Wide receiver Todd Peterson (shoulder) and guard Andy Christenen (hamstring) were back on the field.
The Huskers practiced on situations inside the 20-yard line and on third downs in the morning. They also went through a 20-play scrimmage.
"I thought the tempo was good," coach Bill Callahan said. "They competed hard for 20 plays. We're just trying to get back into condition for scrimmage tempo, and the execution was good for a normal-down situation scrimmage."
No blitzes were allowed in the scrimmage.
"It was a good opportunity to see some guys we hadn't and put them into some pressure situations," Callahan said. "Overall, there’s good progress to report. The players are working hard and I’m really excited about our first day with the scrimmage atmosphere. It was really productive."
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Friday, August 03, 2007
Nebraska ranked No. 19 in coaches' poll
The Nebraska football team will begin the season ranked No. 19 in the USA Today coaches' poll.
The preseason sampling of 60 NCAA Division I-A coaches made Southern California its overall choice for the top spot with 45 first-place votes. No. 2 LSU earned four first-place votes, No. 3 Florida received nine first-place votes and No. 5 Michigan earned two first-place nods.
The Cornhuskers, coming off a 9-5 season and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl, are one of four Big 12 Conference teams ranked in the top 25. No. 4 Texas leads the way, followed by No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 19 Nebraska and No. 25 Texas A&M.
Missouri, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Kansas State were Big 12 teams listed as receiving votes.
Three of Nebraska's 2007 opponents are ranked in the top 25, led by top-ranked USC. The Trojans, who open the season on Sept. 1 against Idaho, will likely still be the country’s No. 1 team when they play the Cornhuskers in Lincoln on Sept. 15 following a bye week.
The last No. 1-ranked team to play against Nebraska at Lincoln was Oklahoma in 1978. The Sooners were upset by the Huskers 17-14 in that contest.
Nebraska must also race No. 4-ranked Texas on Oct. 27 at Austin, Texas. No. 25 Texas A&M travels to Memorial Stadium to play the Huskers on Oct. 20.
Other Nebraska opponents who received votes in the coaches' poll include Wake Forest, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Kansas State. The Southeastern Conference has the most teams ranked in the top 25 with six: LSU, Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee and Arkansas.
The Big Ten Conference has the most teams ranked in the top 10 with three with Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State.
The first Associated Press media poll will be released on Aug. 18.
Nebraska is scheduled to open its season on Sept. 1 at home against Nevada. The Cornhuskers open preseason practice on Monday.
USA Today Top 25
By The Associated Press
The Top 25 teams in the preseason USA Today college football coaches poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, 2006 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and final 2006 ranking:
Record Pts Pvs
1. Southern Cal (45) 11-2 1,481 4
2. LSU (4) 11-2 1,372 3
3. Florida (9) 13-1 1,278 1
4. Texas 10-3 1,231 13
5. Michigan (2) 11-2 1,218 9
6. West Virginia 11-2 1,205 10
7. Wisconsin 12-1 1,114 5
8. Oklahoma 11-3 1,026 11
9. Virginia Tech 10-3 1,005 18
10. Ohio State 12-1 919 2
11. Louisville 12-1 836 7
12. California 10-3 763 14
13. Georgia 9-4 604 —
14. Auburn 11-2 595 8
15. Tennessee 9-4 583 23
16. Rutgers 11-2 466 12
17. UCLA 7-6 454 —
18. Penn State 9-4 440 25
19. Nebraska 9-5 388 —
20. Arkansas 10-4 360 16
21. Florida State 7-6 301 —
22. TCU 11-2 233 21
23. Boise State 13-0 222 6
24. Hawaii 11-3 214 24
25. Texas A&M 9-4 209 —
Others receiving votes: Boston College 150, Georgia Tech 150, Miami 91, Notre Dame 90, South Carolina 90, Wake Forest 71, Missouri 58, Oregon State 52, BYU 47, Clemson 30, Oregon 30, South Florida 26, Texas Tech 20, Alabama 16, Oklahoma State 15, Southern Mississippi 14, Iowa 12, Kansas State 8, Memphis 5, Houston 4, Arizona 1, Duke 1, Kentucky 1, Washington State 1.
The preseason sampling of 60 NCAA Division I-A coaches made Southern California its overall choice for the top spot with 45 first-place votes. No. 2 LSU earned four first-place votes, No. 3 Florida received nine first-place votes and No. 5 Michigan earned two first-place nods.
The Cornhuskers, coming off a 9-5 season and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl, are one of four Big 12 Conference teams ranked in the top 25. No. 4 Texas leads the way, followed by No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 19 Nebraska and No. 25 Texas A&M.
Missouri, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Kansas State were Big 12 teams listed as receiving votes.
Three of Nebraska's 2007 opponents are ranked in the top 25, led by top-ranked USC. The Trojans, who open the season on Sept. 1 against Idaho, will likely still be the country’s No. 1 team when they play the Cornhuskers in Lincoln on Sept. 15 following a bye week.
The last No. 1-ranked team to play against Nebraska at Lincoln was Oklahoma in 1978. The Sooners were upset by the Huskers 17-14 in that contest.
Nebraska must also race No. 4-ranked Texas on Oct. 27 at Austin, Texas. No. 25 Texas A&M travels to Memorial Stadium to play the Huskers on Oct. 20.
Other Nebraska opponents who received votes in the coaches' poll include Wake Forest, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Kansas State. The Southeastern Conference has the most teams ranked in the top 25 with six: LSU, Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee and Arkansas.
The Big Ten Conference has the most teams ranked in the top 10 with three with Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State.
The first Associated Press media poll will be released on Aug. 18.
Nebraska is scheduled to open its season on Sept. 1 at home against Nevada. The Cornhuskers open preseason practice on Monday.
USA Today Top 25
By The Associated Press
The Top 25 teams in the preseason USA Today college football coaches poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, 2006 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and final 2006 ranking:
Record Pts Pvs
1. Southern Cal (45) 11-2 1,481 4
2. LSU (4) 11-2 1,372 3
3. Florida (9) 13-1 1,278 1
4. Texas 10-3 1,231 13
5. Michigan (2) 11-2 1,218 9
6. West Virginia 11-2 1,205 10
7. Wisconsin 12-1 1,114 5
8. Oklahoma 11-3 1,026 11
9. Virginia Tech 10-3 1,005 18
10. Ohio State 12-1 919 2
11. Louisville 12-1 836 7
12. California 10-3 763 14
13. Georgia 9-4 604 —
14. Auburn 11-2 595 8
15. Tennessee 9-4 583 23
16. Rutgers 11-2 466 12
17. UCLA 7-6 454 —
18. Penn State 9-4 440 25
19. Nebraska 9-5 388 —
20. Arkansas 10-4 360 16
21. Florida State 7-6 301 —
22. TCU 11-2 233 21
23. Boise State 13-0 222 6
24. Hawaii 11-3 214 24
25. Texas A&M 9-4 209 —
Others receiving votes: Boston College 150, Georgia Tech 150, Miami 91, Notre Dame 90, South Carolina 90, Wake Forest 71, Missouri 58, Oregon State 52, BYU 47, Clemson 30, Oregon 30, South Florida 26, Texas Tech 20, Alabama 16, Oklahoma State 15, Southern Mississippi 14, Iowa 12, Kansas State 8, Memphis 5, Houston 4, Arizona 1, Duke 1, Kentucky 1, Washington State 1.
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Huskers land highly touted running back
The Nebraska football team has added to what was already shaping up to be an impressive recruiting class by landing a verbal commitment from Detroit-area running back Jonas Gray, according to Rivals.com.
Gray made his annoucement Friday in front of an crowd of about 50 people at Country Day High School. The 5-foot-10, 215-pounder is ranked as the No. 4 running back in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 10 running back by Scout.com.
Gray selected Nebraska over offers from several different schools, including Michigan, Florida, Louisville, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Ranked as Rivals' top player in Michigan, Gray rushed for 1,252 yards and 19 touchdowns last season for Country Day High School.
The commitment expands Nebraska's 2008 recruiting class to 20 players. Omaha Westside running back Collins Okafor is the only other running back recruit in the class.
Nebraska 2008 Commitments
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School/Hometown
Will Compton LB 6-2 214 Bonne Terre, Mo.
Sean Fisher LB 6-5 210 Millard North
Blaine Gabbert QB 6-4 226 Ballwin, Mo.
Bryce Givens OL 6-6 257 Denver
Jonas Gray RB 5-10 215 Detroit
Eric Harper DE 6-4 220 Marrero, La.
Ricky Henry OL 6-4 300 N.D. St. COS/Omaha Burke
Tyson Hetzer TE 6-7 265 Redding, Calif.
Adrian Hilburn WR 6-2 190 San Francisco City College
Dan Hoch OL 6-6 302 Harlan, Iowa
Keelan Johnson DB 6-0 195 Yuma, Ariz.
John Levorson ATH 6-4 185 Crete
Shaun Mohler LB 6-3 225 Costa Mesa, Calif.
Collins Okafor RB 6-1 210 Omaha Westside
Darius Parish DT 6-3 Wichita, Kan.
Doug Rippy LB 6-2 218 Columbus, Ohio
Baker Steinkuhler OL 6-6 290 Lincoln Southwest
David Whitmore DB 6-2 190 Port Arthur, Texas
Josh Williams DE 6-4 220 Denton, Texas
D.J. Woods WR 6-0 169 Strongsville, Ohio
--Source: Rivals.com
Gray made his annoucement Friday in front of an crowd of about 50 people at Country Day High School. The 5-foot-10, 215-pounder is ranked as the No. 4 running back in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 10 running back by Scout.com.
Gray selected Nebraska over offers from several different schools, including Michigan, Florida, Louisville, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Ranked as Rivals' top player in Michigan, Gray rushed for 1,252 yards and 19 touchdowns last season for Country Day High School.
The commitment expands Nebraska's 2008 recruiting class to 20 players. Omaha Westside running back Collins Okafor is the only other running back recruit in the class.
Nebraska 2008 Commitments
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School/Hometown
Will Compton LB 6-2 214 Bonne Terre, Mo.
Sean Fisher LB 6-5 210 Millard North
Blaine Gabbert QB 6-4 226 Ballwin, Mo.
Bryce Givens OL 6-6 257 Denver
Jonas Gray RB 5-10 215 Detroit
Eric Harper DE 6-4 220 Marrero, La.
Ricky Henry OL 6-4 300 N.D. St. COS/Omaha Burke
Tyson Hetzer TE 6-7 265 Redding, Calif.
Adrian Hilburn WR 6-2 190 San Francisco City College
Dan Hoch OL 6-6 302 Harlan, Iowa
Keelan Johnson DB 6-0 195 Yuma, Ariz.
John Levorson ATH 6-4 185 Crete
Shaun Mohler LB 6-3 225 Costa Mesa, Calif.
Collins Okafor RB 6-1 210 Omaha Westside
Darius Parish DT 6-3 Wichita, Kan.
Doug Rippy LB 6-2 218 Columbus, Ohio
Baker Steinkuhler OL 6-6 290 Lincoln Southwest
David Whitmore DB 6-2 190 Port Arthur, Texas
Josh Williams DE 6-4 220 Denton, Texas
D.J. Woods WR 6-0 169 Strongsville, Ohio
--Source: Rivals.com
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Thursday, August 02, 2007
Wichita defensive tackle commits to Nebraska
FOOTBALL
Nebraska picks up DT from Wichita
Wichita North High School's Darius Parish has given his verbal commitment to join Nebraska's 2008 recruiting class, according recruiting Web site Rivals.com.
Parish, a 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle, also received scholarship offers from Colorado State and Kansas. He is believed to be the 19th player to commit to the Cornhuskers' 2008 class.
Parish is listed as a two-star prospect by Scout.com and is unranked by Rivals.com.
In other recruiting news, Rivals.com is reporting that running back Jonas Gray is scheduled to announce his verbal commitment at a press conference Friday morning. Gray, ranked by Rivals as the top player in Michigan, lists Nebraska among the top schools in the running.
Nebraska 2008 Commitments
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School/Hometown
Will Compton LB 6-2 214 Bonne Terre, Mo.
Sean Fisher LB 6-5 210 Millard North
Blaine Gabbert QB 6-4 226 Ballwin, Mo.
Bryce Givens OL 6-6 257 Denver
Eric Harper DE 6-4 220 Marrero, La.
Ricky Henry OL 6-4 300 N.D. St. COS/Omaha Burke
Tyson Hetzer TE 6-7 265 Redding, Calif.
Adrian Hilburn WR 6-2 190 San Francisco City College
Dan Hoch OL 6-6 302 Harlan, Iowa
Keelan Johnson DB 6-0 195 Yuma, Ariz.
John Levorson ATH 6-4 185 Crete
Shaun Mohler LB 6-3 225 Costa Mesa, Calif.
Collins Okafor RB 6-1 210 Omaha Westside
Darius Parish DT 6-3 Wichita, Kan.
Doug Rippy LB 6-2 218 Columbus, Ohio
Baker Steinkuhler OL 6-6 290 Lincoln Southwest
David Whitmore DB 6-2 190 Port Arthur, Texas
Josh Williams DE 6-4 220 Denton, Texas
D.J. Woods WR 6-0 169 Strongsville, Ohio
--Source: Rivals.com
Nebraska picks up DT from Wichita
Wichita North High School's Darius Parish has given his verbal commitment to join Nebraska's 2008 recruiting class, according recruiting Web site Rivals.com.
Parish, a 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle, also received scholarship offers from Colorado State and Kansas. He is believed to be the 19th player to commit to the Cornhuskers' 2008 class.
Parish is listed as a two-star prospect by Scout.com and is unranked by Rivals.com.
In other recruiting news, Rivals.com is reporting that running back Jonas Gray is scheduled to announce his verbal commitment at a press conference Friday morning. Gray, ranked by Rivals as the top player in Michigan, lists Nebraska among the top schools in the running.
Nebraska 2008 Commitments
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School/Hometown
Will Compton LB 6-2 214 Bonne Terre, Mo.
Sean Fisher LB 6-5 210 Millard North
Blaine Gabbert QB 6-4 226 Ballwin, Mo.
Bryce Givens OL 6-6 257 Denver
Eric Harper DE 6-4 220 Marrero, La.
Ricky Henry OL 6-4 300 N.D. St. COS/Omaha Burke
Tyson Hetzer TE 6-7 265 Redding, Calif.
Adrian Hilburn WR 6-2 190 San Francisco City College
Dan Hoch OL 6-6 302 Harlan, Iowa
Keelan Johnson DB 6-0 195 Yuma, Ariz.
John Levorson ATH 6-4 185 Crete
Shaun Mohler LB 6-3 225 Costa Mesa, Calif.
Collins Okafor RB 6-1 210 Omaha Westside
Darius Parish DT 6-3 Wichita, Kan.
Doug Rippy LB 6-2 218 Columbus, Ohio
Baker Steinkuhler OL 6-6 290 Lincoln Southwest
David Whitmore DB 6-2 190 Port Arthur, Texas
Josh Williams DE 6-4 220 Denton, Texas
D.J. Woods WR 6-0 169 Strongsville, Ohio
--Source: Rivals.com
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