LINCOLN — Nebraska signed four offensive linemen in 2009, three this winter and already has commitments from two more for its 2011 recruiting class.

Judging both by numbers and the caliber of players targeted, restocking and overhauling the offensive line clearly has been a priority since head coach Bo Pelini took over the Husker program.

“I just look at our overall depth chart now and it looks mighty different than when I got here,'' Pelini said. “I'm real happy about that, especially if the guys develop and become the types of players we can help them become. I like the way the roster looks right now.''

Nebraska on Wednesday added big-bodies Andrew Rodriguez and Mike Moudy to its signing of junior-college star Jermarcus Hardrick in December. The NU staff sees Hardrick as a player who might be an immediate help in what has been a two-year work in progress up front.

The reasons it's been a slow process?

Nebraska signed seven offensive linemen between 2005 and 2008 who never started or have yet to start a game. Two JC signees in 2006 ran out of eligibility as Pelini replaced Bill Callahan. And the promising career of 2007 signee Jaivorio Burkes was interrupted, and likely ended, by health issues.

“We were very thin at the offensive line position when I first got here,'' Pelini said. “I believe right now we've added depth.''

Assuming the updated roster remains intact, Nebraska will go to preseason camp with 17 scholarship offensive linemen in August, counting Cole Pensick, who is moving from defensive line to center. NU had 12 scholarship linemen when Pelini took over in 2008 — and the number would be sliced to eight when two players redshirted (Ricky Henry, Brandon Thompson), one was sidelined (Burkes) and one did not appear in a game (Cruz Barrett).

“I was actually fairly fortunate because I inherited a pretty experienced group,'' said NU line coach Barney Cotton, who had Lydon Murtha, Matt Slauson, Mike Huff and Jacob Hickman. “And they responded pretty well to the transition.

“We're just at a point now where we're at a more acceptable range. We have a very good amount of scholarship guys, and we've got some talented walk-on guys in the room. When we put up the depth chart going into spring football, we're going to be four-deep.''

Nebraska signed Jeremiah Sirles, Nick Ash, Brent Qvale and Jesse Coffey in 2009. Although all four redshirted, Qvale and Sirles climbed to No. 2 on the depth chart at different times and might have been used if they hadn't suffered injuries.

Cotton found the four to be competitors who loved the game and the preparation. Pelini said those elements are more important than looking for a “prototype'' in size or style.

“We want good football players — kids who really love football and play with passion and great effort,'' Pelini said. “And that comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes. You look at our guys across the board, and not any one guy is the same.''

Pelini said the 6-foot-7, 315-pound Hardrick can have a “big impact on us.'' He's already getting his chance as he goes through winter conditioning and prepares for spring practice.

“He's got a lot to learn,'' Pelini said, “but he's a big, physical, talented football player.''

Rodriguez (6-6, 300) comes highly ranked out of Aurora High School and played in the Army All-American Bowl. Moudy (6-7, 291) was a starter in the USA vs. The World game in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“I see the same things in both,'' Cotton said. “Andrew can't wait to get here, can't wait to get started. Mike Moudy committed without (taking) any other visits. They're both enthusiastic.''

Nebraska already has commitments for next year from touted linemen Tyler Moore of Clearwater, Fla., and Ryne Reeves of Crete, Neb. The 6-6, 290-pound Moore has a long list of offers that includes Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee.

NU likely will add more, considering five Husker linemen are set to be seniors next fall.

“I don't know what the exact number is, but you usually look to have 16 to 18 scholarship guys so it gives you the proper depth,'' Cotton said. “But the other thing we're looking for is guys who thrive in the culture we're developing here. Guys who love the game, are disciplined and accountable, and willing to compete every day in what we do.''

Contact the writer:

444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com

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