What a season! I see we are rated #9 for next year already. Hopefully that won't be the kiss of death.
The most valuable players to the 2009 team in this writer's eyes are as follows:
1. Ndamukong Suh
Suh received the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Trophy, Bednarik Trophy, Nagurski Trophy, Willis Trophy, the AP National Player of the Year, the Big 12 Player of the Year, was an Unanimous All-American and was a finalist for the Heisman. He was just a thrill to watch and deserved them all. How often did you find yourself isolated on Suh to see what he was going to do? I know I did. Not since Rich Glover and Warren Sapp have I seen a defensive lineman dominate a game like he did. Suh is better than both of those guys. Glover was amazing with his quickness. Suh is much more physical. Sapp was similar to Suh but he would run out of gas by the 4th quarter.
2. Alex Henery
Henery was amazing this year as a kicker and a punter. He can kick from 50 yards out and be automatic. His punts inside the ten yard line were almost funny with his knuckle ball that seemed to know where to go. Henery is capable to hit from 63 or 64 yards and with a little wind behind him, who knows. There is no doubt that he is better than half the NFL kickers and would do well at punting also. He was worth a couple of turnovers most every game with his ability to kick balls deep in enemy territory.
3. Phillip Dillard
What a hitter! He seemed to be all over the field. Shelved early in the year for unknown reasons, he responded real well. Dillard is very intense! He set by example. He also played pass defense late in the season very well. At times he was even matched up with a receiver and stayed on them so that they could not receive the pass. He was a leader and led Nebraska in tackles many of the games in the second half of the season. He will be missed. You'll see Dillard playing on Sundays if he stays healthy.
4. Matt O' Hanlon
A true walkon who had to try out to get on the team, what a story this kid is. After getting beat against Virginia Tech, he played his heart out and was a huge impact on Nebraska's ten win season. O'Hanlon led the team in interceptions. He is smart and he can hit. He has a chance to play in the NFL. O'Hanlon is a great example of a Nebraska football player that worked hard every day and played with the heart when he represented Nebraska on the field.
5. James Dobson
Ok, James Dobson is not a player but he is such a big part of Nebraska's success this year, I had to mention him. At the past two years of Football 202, he has talked to our group. Dobson is Nebraska's strength and conditioning coach. Never have I seen such enthusiasm with somebody about their job than James Dobson. It is easy to see why the players work hard for him. He has emphasized burst. They work on 10-30 yard bursts. It is working and Nebraska is the strongest team on the field in the fourth quarter. I hope all of you can get a chance to hear him speak because it is something you will remember. What a catch from the Iowa Hawkeyes.
6. Jared Crick
He had a great season and at times, statistically, was ahead of Suh. If he improves just a little, he will be very good next year. He won't repeat Suh's accomplishments, but he will be very good. The Cozad product is bound to improve with our strength coach and his position coaches. But this year he was a tremendous surprise. The defense's success was largely due to Jared Crick.
Who did you think was Nebraska's most valuable players this year. Suh is a lock. Henery is hard to argue with but who is next? Make your comments.
No comments:
Post a Comment