Potential QB Recruit turns down the Huskers

Nebraska fans will have to show some patience in recruiting quarterbacks. After signing no QB recruits last year, the new recruiting year hasn't brought any new quarterback recruits yet either. The latest quarterback recruit to turn Nebraska down is Philip Bates from Omaha. Bates, the son of a former Husker player, had a Nebraska scholarship offer in hand but picked Iowa State. Click here to read the article in the Omaha World Herald (free registration required).

It's always somewhat sad to see an instate recruit and especially the son of a former Husker pick a rival team over the Big Red. However, I believe it probably was the best decision for all parties. Bates is talented but he is more of a run/pass quarterback than Bill Callahan's offense is looking for. Bates' passing completion percentage, for example, is well below the 60% that Callahan and Jay Norvell say is necessary for their offense. Nebraska offered Bates a scholarship but wouldn't guarantee him yet that it would only be for the quarterback position. They wanted to see Bates perform in this summer's Elite Quarterback camp before they would make that guarantee. Bates wants to be a quarterback in college though and he realized his talents were a much better fit for the Iowa State team. So rather than dragging out an inevitable decision, he made his choice early. Now everyone can move on.

Husker fans should wish Philip Bates the best of luck, except of course when Iowa State plays Nebraska. It's Bates right and responsibility to pick the school that best fits his career plans. Nebraska needs a different type of quarterback and the Huskers will find the right man eventually.