Nebraska Football: 10 Former Stars Who Couldn't Start Today

From the beginning, let me say that I despise these kinds of articles. Comparing players from different eras is an almost-impossible task, given the wildly different states of the game and of training regimens.

Players who dominated in a 5-2 defensive scheme would struggle in a more speed-oriented 4-3 or peso-style defense. Offensive linemen raised and trained as straight-ahead blockers would have difficulties in a zone-blocking scheme.

And, unless you are The Doctor who could sneak a player from the '40s into his TARDIS and bring him forward in time, there’s no way to know how players from past eras would have flourished with contemporary training and nutritional regimens.

Still, an assignment is an assignment. So let’s take a look at some of Nebraska’s past legends who might struggle to crack the starting lineup in 2011. And, please, if you disagree with some (or all) of these selections, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section.

Jerry Tagge (QB)

The man who led Nebraska’s offense to its first two national championships in 1970 and 1971 will always have a place of high honor in Cornhusker lore. But Tagge, while a proficient passer, was not the type of dual-threat weapon that Nebraska’s offense now contemplates. No one would doubt the leadership Tagge would bring, but the Tagge mold of quarterback no longer fits at NU.

Tom Novak (LB)

Novak is one of only two Nebraska players to have his number permanently retired, and was one of the most dominant linebackers of his time. But his time was 1946-1949, and the size and speed of the game is so markedly different from the post-war era that it is impossible to say with certainty that Novak’s ability would have translated to the modern game.

Ed Weir (T)

A man who was captain of the Nebraska football team when Memorial Stadium was opened in 1923 deserves a place amongst the legends. A man who was part of the team that beat Knute Rockne’s “Four Horsemen” of Notre Dame further cements Weir’s place amongst the greats of Nebraska lore.

But, of course, 1923 isn’t 2011. The game is dramatically different than it was when it was played with leather helmets. So without engaging in the rankest of speculations, Weir’s name, legendary as it is, can safely be placed on this list.

Kenny Walker (DT)

Make no mistake, Walker was a legitimate star as a football player. His pass-rushing ability earned him a place as a Nebraska legend regardless of any external issues.

But Walker, who is deaf, also created one of the most memorable moments in Nebraska football history. On Senior Day, as Walker was announced, the crowd rose and gave him a standing ovation using sign language. It’s still one of the most goose-bump-raising moments you’ll ever see.

Still, the fact remains that defensive line is Nebraska’s area of greatest strength and depth this year, and Walker could struggle to earn a starting role.

Jason Peter (DT)

Of all the selections, this one might have been the hardest. Not only is it hard to think of a talent like Peter as someone who couldn’t make the starting lineup, but he’s a big guy who can be very scary when he wants to be. Check out his book and you’ll know.

Still, the premise behind the article is whether a past great would start today, and there’s no place Nebraska is deeper than at defensive tackle. Saying that Peter wouldn’t start is probably a stretch, but the talent level at the position in 2011 means that there would at least be serious competition.

Please, Mr. Peter, just don’t hurt me.

Jerry Murtaugh (LB)

Another great Nebraska defender, Murtaugh held the record for most tackles when he graduated in 1970, and that record stood until broken by Barrett Ruud. There’s no question that Murtaugh was one of Nebraska’s true greats. But the difference in eras makes comparisons so difficult, which raises questions about Murtaugh’s ability to start in a modern environment.

Jeff Kinney (RB)

For those of you under the age of 30, this is not the guy who writes the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series of books.

Kinney was an instrumental part of Nebraska’s back-to-back national titles in 1970 and 1971. While Johnny Rogers tore ‘em loose from their shoes in Norman, it was Kinney’s 171 yards and four touchdowns that helped Nebraska win the “Game of the Century” against Oklahoma.

Still, given the depth of young talent at running back, it’s hard to see if Kinney was on campus in 2011 that he would walk into a starter’s role.

Matt Herian (TE)

Herian was one of Nebraska’s first tight ends to see the field primarily as a receiving threat as opposed to an offensive lineman who was eligible to catch passes. A horrific leg injury curtailed what could have been a promising career, both at Nebraska and in the NFL. And players like Herian paved the way for players like Mike McNeil and current Husker Kyler Reed.

Herian’s injury makes it very difficult to assess his standing comparatively with other players. As a result, it’s hard to make a case for Herian being able to start in 2011 for Nebraska.

Brook Berringer (QB)

Berringer is one of the sainted personalities in Nebraska history. His contributions to the community and his willingness to help his fellow man are the stuff of legend. His tragic death in a plane crash just after his senior season cemented his place as a Nebraska legend and an inspiration for generations to come.

Oh, yeah, and he could play a little football. Berringer was instrumental not only in the 1994 season when Tommie Frazier was injured, but also in the Orange Bowl against Miami. When Frazier struggled in the first quarter, it was Berringer that came in and steadied the ship, leaving Nebraska in range for a fourth-quarter comeback led by Frazier.

Still, Berringer was not the kind of dual-threat weapon that Nebraska quarterbacks now must be. 

Turner Gill (QB)

What’s a list like this without a little controversy? Gill led the 1983 scoring explosion, which was arguably Nebraska’s best offensive team. His name is all over Nebraska’s record books. His efficiency as a passer and his unquestioned leadership ability earn him a place as a Nebraska legend.

So how in the world could it be argued that Gill couldn’t start at Nebraska? Well, keep in mind that Gill’s success came when he was playing alongside some of Nebraska’s truly great offensive talents in Roger Craig, Mike Rozier and Irving Fryar. Certainly, Gill’s intelligence and efficiency were part of their success as well, but the threat posed by those other talents also served to make Gill more dangerous when he handled the ball.

But Gill was never asked to handle the offensive load on his own. As we saw in 2010, unless some of the young talent breaks out, Nebraska’s quarterback will be pulling a lot of the offensive sled on his own. And Gill, great as he was, never was in a position where he was asked to do that.

Plus, a little controversy is good for the soul (and the attention to a website), right? Taylor Martinez over Turner Gill. REACT!

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