Big time programs have players who don’t see themselves getting on the field early enough leave all the time. Having a glut of playmakers at a position as important as tailback is a sign that Bo Pelini is raising the talent level in Lincoln. Don’t think coaches in the Lone Star State competing with Nebraska for Texas recruits won’t mention Green’s situation to those kids.īut it’s also not catastrophically bad news. Of all the freshman tailbacks from last year, I thought Green had the best chance to develop into something special, so it’s disappointing to see he won’t be making that leap for NU.Īnd given that Nebraska will no longer be regularly playing in Texas, it’s never a good thing for recruiting to see a prized Texas recruit jump ship after one season. So, yes, Green’s decision to transfer is not good news for Nebraska. If Burkhead gets the amount of touches next year he did last year, perhaps he could be in line to produce a Heisman-contending season, regardless of what some clown said previously. Green’s departure may also provide the excuse-I’m sorry, the rationale-for offensive coordinator Tim Beck to backtrack a little on his position that Burkhead will not get as much work in 2012 as he did in 2011. Green’s departure may provide Cross with an opportunity to see the field in his first season in Lincoln. True freshman Imani Cross, another bruising back, would likely have redshirted this season as the tailback logjam worked itself out. Junior transfer Mike Marrow is listed at fullback, but given his size and ability, Green’s departure may provide Marrow with an opportunity to work his way onto the field as a primary ball carrier. Nebraska also has two big running backs on the roster in 2012 that were not available last year. While the coaches said Heard was transitioning well to defense, he also displayed the ability to move the ball in limited opportunities on the field in 2011. The simplest option might be to return Braylon Heard to running back after converting him to cornerback in the offseason. Abdullah, at 5'9' and 185 pounds, might struggle on his own to carry the load as NU’s primary tailback, so Green’s departure creates a potential depth issue even if he were to remain behind Abdullah on the depth chart.īut Nebraska has options to address the depth issue. While Burkhead will clearly be the focal point of the offense next season, in 2013 and beyond Nebraska was looking at Abdullah and Green as the primary running backs. Nebraska’s running back depth, especially looking past 2012, also gets called into question. Green was the offensive centerpiece of NU’s 2011 recruiting class, and losing a playmaker of his ability certainly hurts. On the surface, Green’s departure is not good news for Nebraska.

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