Downing says fans' support key for recruits

Nebraska recruiting coordinator Scott Downing, speaking at Friday's weekly Extra Point Club luncheon, stressed the importance of fan support on game days, not only for the players in the game, but for recruits in the stands.

"The big thing that we have, the big advantage we have over anybody in the country, is our fans," Downing said. "I've been asked many, many times this year: ‘Why are we using so many in-season visits to get young men to come?' Because you, as the fans, our fan base here in Nebraska, is the biggest ‘Wow' that we have."

Downing said it's impossible to replicate that enthusiasm on a cold day in January.

"It's great (for) those kids, as recruits, to come on to the field, and to hear their name, as a recruit, being cheered out of the stands by you," Downing said.

Likewise, Downing said, an enthusiastic crowd for today's game against Missouri would be very helpful to the current batch of Huskers.

"Our players feed off you," he said. "If you can't get fired up to play in Memorial Stadium, you better go to the hospital, because your heart's not working. Our kids love that atmosphere, and it will be a big-game atmosphere (today.)"

DEEP POSITION: Downing, who also coaches the tight ends, said players such as Matt Herian, who leads the Huskers in receptions with 23, make him look like a great coach. But Downing said the Huskers possess "a good stock" of tight ends behind Herian. He said senior Dusty Keiser, a former walk-on, has served a versatile role. "We have used so many two- and three-tight end sets, that he's allowed us the flexibility to change positions with Matt," Downing said. Two redshirt freshmen are also making progress. Downing said J.B. Phillips has been a sound blocking addition, particularly on the goal line. "I call him our road grader, because he'll get in there," Downing said, "and he gets you locked up on his horns, and you're not going to get off that guy." And Columbus native Josh Mueller, Downing said, is "developing nicely" and provides talented depth. Downing said Clayton Sievers is redshirting.

ETC.: Nebraska saw its 24-game winning streak in the series end last season with a 41-24 loss to Missouri in Columbia. … However, the Huskers have captured 13 straight games against the Tigers in Lincoln since a 35-31 loss in 1978. … NU will be looking for its 36th straight Homecoming triumph since a 1968 loss to Kansas State.

— Steven M. Sipple