-
Nebraska: Is the grass greener without Green?
Happy Memorial Day weekend, Huskers. With less than 100 days until the start of Nebraska’s inaugural season in the Big Ten, it seems we have a lot on our minds. A tweet I received this morning from @JBHuskers22 said it best, “Only being a Nebraska fan could we wake up on Memorial Day weekend and be legitimately concerned about ftball. #dedication” If it’s not dedication, I couldn’t tell you what it is.
I was headed to dinner last night when I got word about Cody Green potentially transferring. My initial thoughts were far from complex, revolving mostly around, “No, no, no” and, “Okay, how many QBs do we have on scholarship now?”
(Answer: Two. Taylor Martinez and Brion Carnes)
After allowing myself some time to process, I’ve finally decided that I’m not upset with Green. I completely understand, in fact, why he would want to transfer. He has a red shirt to burn, which makes him desirable. Plus, he most likely would never have the starting job at Nebraska, as long as Martinez stays healthy. Also, if Bubba Starling does decide against the MLB, the job becomes further and further from Green’s grasp. Even then, Nebraska has a few other solid choices beyond Martinez and Starling - Carnes, Ron Kellogg III and Tyson Broekemeier. The only thing that Green has weighing in his favor is his experience - his two years on-field college experience versus all the other players’ on-field college experience, which is one year combined (thanks to Martinez).
So can we blame him? Nebraska isn’t exactly hurting in the QB department. What does surprise me, however, is how Green seemed genuinely interested in staying at Nebraska through Spring practice. He even had said he would be willing to switch positions to help out the team. I just can’t help but wonder what got to him that made him start to consider transferring.
If Green does transfer, Nebraska will be in a unique position with Martinez. During the 2010 season, Green played the “leader” part very well. He was the go-to guy that talked to the media and kept a level-head, while Martinez scuffled around on the sidelines. With Green gone, the need for a strong leader will be more important than ever.
I haven’t been quiet in saying I think Nebraska needs a good QB coach over the last few months. I’ve thought that since Callahan was let go. But I also understand that the NCAA limits the amount of coaches a team can have, and from my understanding, Nebraska is at its’ limit. Still, from my perspective, there has to be a way to help provide a strong leader for the QBs to look up to. Maybe it’s as simple as using Joe Ganz, as a Grad Assistant, to help develop the QBs. Keep the main responsibility on Beck, while allowing Ganz to lead by example. Whatever it was, Ganz did it well. If we can’t have a QB coach, maybe it’s that simple. Then again, maybe it isn’t.
Needless to say, the QB situation at Nebraska has been an interesting one in recent years. It’s been hard not to think about players like Zac Taylor and Ganz in a time like this. Two guys who were not particularly outstanding at first, but ultimately became strong players (thanks, in my opinion, to good coaching) with admirable leadership abilities. Since Ganz left, Nebraska has watched Zac Lee, Cody Green, and Taylor Martinez all succeed. Yet for all of their successes, we’ve watched them struggle. This isn’t about the entire offense not working anymore, this is about the QBs. And we need to figure out fast what it is these players need to develop.
With Starling currently projected to to be selected second in the MLB draft (from a mock draft released Friday) to the Mariners, counting on him as QB is a big gamble. From where I see it, Martinez is our guy. So if Green leaves, what does that mean for Nebraska? It probably doesn’t mean too much, but it’s important to think about. Football season is closer than it sometimes feels, and the summer will be a crucial time for Beck. It will also be very poignant. I can’t say whether he will or will not handle the QB situation well, but we will know come September. Until then, Husker Nation can continue doing what it does best: speculate.
As for Green, if he does transfer, I wish him the absolute best in his future. He is an incredible young man who is well-spoken, well-mannered, and an all around good leader. Any team would be lucky to have him. He will be missed.
So what are you thoughts, Husker fans? How are you feeling about the news of Cody Green transferring? Feel free to email me at ESoSports1@gmail.com. You can also reach me on twitter at @helloerinmarie.
