The CheckerBoard

17-23 guys for just 5 positions isn't good, but I guess we did a pretty good job at adding depth in almost every other position with this class and the last

A lot of departure is coming this year. I winning season is much needed to showcase recruits. Jones seems to be a quick evaluator and even quicker to offer. He seems to have a good plan on what he wants and that is needed after DD changing schemes in his make or break year. It would be hard to imagine a worse game manager than Dooley. I believe more in Jones than DD or LK. He has shown it on the field, unlike the previously two whom made it because of their daddy's accomplishments. Thanks Mike Hamilton.
It seems the energy is back in this program and I am excited to see what this staff does over the next year!

With our stacked OL, it is not surprising JuCo players weren't interested with limited playing time for their jr. year but this coming year should be very attractive for JuCos. I bet p.t. was why Kondolo became a husker.

I would guess Tiny is a top-15 pick next year. Hopefully AJ and Curt don't decide to leave early if the opportunity presents itself.

Ryan - how many viable prospects/JUCO's do you think are still available for the 2013 class that could potentially address some of these needs.

Plus, how aggressive do you think this staff will be at signing any additional 2013 players at this stage? I know that scholarship limitations become a factor.

Well done Ryan regarding what we need for 2014. I think the biggest issue now is that we win some games in the Fall, and I think that is certainly possible given our current level of talent and the new guys coming in. I think the offense can be good to really good, all depending on how the QB position shakes out. I have a feeling Peterman will take it and run with it, but no certainty there. On D, if we can just return to the level we were playing with Wilcox in a 4-3 I think we'll be all right and will have a chance to win some games against teams better than us. I don't know if this staff can make that happen, but the optimist in me feels like they can given their experience and track record. We'll have to wait and see on that one. I think they were just so LOST last year in Sal's 3-4 that there is a WHOLE lot of room for improvement this year. And, who knows, maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised with the D this year as they're more suited to a 4-3.

Nice article Ryan. I posted a thread on signing day with my thoughts on this subject also listing these 5 areas of need. LB needs was #1 on my list.

Why do you think we came up short at this position? I understand it was going to take a lot to flip guys like Levenberry or Johnson who were long time commits elsewhere. But why wouldn't prospects like Cunningham and Moore jump at our opportunity? Any ideas? And who besides Bates would be our targets for LBs in the '14 class.