Nebraska defensive line coach John Blake was among finalists last spring for an award Rivals.com gives to the nation’s top recruiter (the award went to Kevin Steele, a former Husker assistant and current Florida State aide).

The 44-year-old Blake offered a glimpse into his recruiting approach Friday morning at the Big Red Breakfast in Omaha.

“I don’t recruit,” he said. “I create relationships. And relationships are for life.”

Whatever Blake’s doing, it seems to be working. He was directly responsible for the recruitment of eight players in Nebraska’s heralded class of 2005, including I-back Marlon Lucky, defensive end Barry Turner and nose tackle Ola Dagunduro.

Nebraska’s strong football tradition obviously can help in recruiting. However, Blake said, parents and guardians mostly want to get a feel for “who they’re turning their baby over to.”  

His strong faith also plays a crucial role in his recruiting success, Blake said. For instance, he preaches the importance of humility in life when he visits recruits.

He doesn’t necessarily talk a lot about national championships and playing time when he visits a player. Mothers and grandmothers have other concerns, he said.

“They want to know who’s going to discipline her son and make him go the right direction, and who’s going to love him,” Blake said.

ON HOLD: Nebraska has played seven games this season, and opposing offenses have been called for holding once. “That’s tough to swallow,” said Blake, whose line has played a leading role in the Huskers topping the nation in sacks (38) and tackles for loss (81). Junior defensive end Adam Carriker ranks second in the Big 12 with seven sacks. Blake indicated Carriker has overcome some difficult circumstances. “It’s tough when Carriker goes out there with jersey size 2X and finishes the game with 5X,” Blake said, smiling.

SELECTIVE MEMORY: A former All-Big Eight nose guard at Oklahoma, Blake played for Barry Switzer from 1979-82. During that period, the Sooners were 2-2 against the Huskers. Blake served as OU’s head coach from 1996-98, losing twice to NU by scores of 73-21 and 69-7. He was reminded of those beatings this week as Husker head coach Bill Callahan made it a point to show current NU players past games in the rivalry. “I’m thinking, ‘Wow, I didn’t think it was that bad,’” Blake said.

LUCKY TIME? Blake hinted that Lucky — who showed flashes of speed and athleticism as a kickoff return man in the last two games — may be on the verge of increased action. “I think he’ll get more touches this game.”

EXCITEMENT BUILDS: “I feel really good about what’s going to take place (today),” Blake said. “Our players had probably their best week of preparation. It was a situation where we had to tell them to tone it down a little.” Blake said Callahan this week told his players to “relax, don’t be tight. Just relax and play like you did in the back yard. Get after it.”

SERIES NOTES: Oklahoma leads the all-time series 41-37-3 … Since the formation of the Big 12 in 1996, Nebraska has a 3-2 series edge … The Huskers have captured the last six meetings at Memorial Stadium. “I wish it was every year,” Blake said of the series. “I think it’s the ultimate game. It’s a game of respect, a game of great talents, great coaches, and great fans.