Nebraska appears to be inching toward a scenario this recruiting season where it signs more players on Wednesday than it’s expected to be losing.
So with that in mind, I checked in with Chad Hawley — Big Ten associate commissioner for compliance — to clarify the league’s over-signing rules. A few noteworthy items from our conversation are below…
>> Before signing day, the conference requires programs to make a “good faith” assessment of how many scholarship slots will be available next year, Hawley said. This could be turning pro, exhausting eligibility, quitting, transferring, etc.
>> Once a team has that number of scholarships available, Hawley said, it’s allowed to add three. That’s how many recruits it can bring in.
>> Said Hawley: “We ask our institutions to let us know what that (number) is, to give us that assessment before signing day, understanding that it changes.”
>> So basically, if the schools intend to over-sign, the conference is asking to be notified beforehand.
>> Nebraska is losing 14 scholarship seniors. J.T. Kerr (15) is no longer with the Huskers. Collins Okafor (16) and Lester Ward (17) will leave the team after graduating in May. I believe NU had one extra scholarship (18) available last year.
>> At this point, Nebraska’s number is 18 — per league rules, can sign up to 21 prospects).
RSS Feeds
Great info. 18 is what I have always come up with. Also from my understanding, any of the +3 need to be legit reasons that have to be documented and sent to the Big 10 offices. No pushing an underachiever out the door. I love being in the B1G.
You “love being in the Big 10″? Why would anyone “love” being put at a competitive disadvantage against teams that are already getting a running start? Oh yeah, “integrity” “class” blah blah blah. You might as well just say “I love being a 2nd tier team” because that’s what’s happening.
Yes, to me having integrity and character trumps wins on a football field. When those things happen together, that to me is what it’s all about.
I don’t by into the SEC mentality that you have to cheat to compete. Easier? Sure, but not what I want from my team.
It’s not even close to “cheating”. When kids are constantly injured, or struggling in the classroom, or are too worried about picking up chicks, or just aren’t close to seeing the field… I see no harm in letting them know that they might be better off pursuing other avenues in life.
Scholarships are not guaranteed for four years. They’re renewable every season. And just as a kid can quite easily decide that he’s not getting enough burn, and ditch out on his team for another school, I think it should be absolutely acceptable for coaches to show a player the door if they’re not cutting it.
For some reason, it’s just not “acceptable” for a coach to come right out and say “We made a mistake. This kid will never see the field. Therefore we’re ending our association with him, and will seek out other players in his place.” That’s essentially what Alabama and other SEC schools are doing. They’re trimming the fat and improving their teams.
I really don’t expect other Husker fans to understand this concept or accept it. These are the same people that think AAU basketball is some sort of sleazy, basketball underbelly that leads to recruiting violations. All in the name of “character” and “integrity” I guess, right?
Pffft. Please.
Guess you weren’t paying attention. We pledged 4 year scholarships this year, as did a number of BIG schools.
With Josh Williams leaving the team it’s not 19 – 22.
Not like Alabama signing 112 kids the last 4 years is it.