Happy Birthday, Earth! You've made it very convenient for Tunnel Walk by having your birthday on New Year's Day. It's been a while since we've been able to rockwitchu while watching our Huskers on your big day.

As Tunnel Walk sits at home watching the Best Damn Hooters Swimsuit Pageant, we can't help but feel a nervous feeling arising. And it's not what you think. You see, Tunnel Walk is a bit nervous about the pesky Clemson Tigers. Everything seems a little too perfect for the Cornhuskers. Winning five of six and restoring optimism in the future of the program is nice and all, but...

...a death in the family of not one but two coaches has to cause some distraction no matter how tough those coaches are.
...Clemson still has James Davis and C.J. Spiller on their roster.
...and Aaron Kelly and Cullen Harper. Sure, they've all been a bit disappointed statistically this year, but the talent to hurt the Blackshirts is definitely there.
...Tunnel Walk's New Year's resolution is to stop worrying so much.


The Recruit Files

Since the last time we've talked, the Big Red have picked up some big time recruits. Here's the scoop on a few:

Dijon Washington, S. 6-0, 173. Lawndale (CA) Leuzinger. Washington could stand to bulk up a bit. Nothing that a year at the training table can't fix. Rated with four stars as the number 14 safety by Rivals, Washington will help to bolster the future of the NU secondary. At one of the most recent Big Red Breakfasts, Bo Pelini revealed how surprised he was with how bare the cupboard was in the NU secondary. Mr. Grey Poupon should hopefully help, but don't be surprised if Oregon or another Pac-10 school makes a late run at Dijon.

Brandon Kinnie, WR. 6-3, 215. Fort Scott (KS) Community College. Kinnie will add another big target to a receiving corps that loses Nate Swift and Todd Peterson. Paired with the likes of Menelik Holt, Niles Paul, and Will Henry, Kinnie will make the Husker receivers some of the tallest and most physical in the Big XII. Kinnie will also re-establish a connection to the talent-rich Kansas juco ranks.

Rex Burkhead, RB, 5-10, 190. Plano (TX) Plano. While it's still over a month away from signing day, Burkhead is arguably the key to this recruiting class. NU stole Rex away from most of the Big XII South. Burkhead is a heavily recruited do-everything back with 4.46 speed. From film, Burkhead looks more physical than Marlon Lucky and shiftier than Quentin Castille. In addition to an awesome spy name, Burkhead possesses a good head on his shoulders. He delayed most of his recruitment until after his team's season was complete. Definitely a team player.

Jason Ankrah, DE. 6-4, 248. Gaithersburg (MD) Quince Orchard. Probably the most highly touted DE recruit for NU since Benard Thomas. Let's hope Ankrah becomes more productive than Benard. Ankrah was recruited by John Papuchis and could plant a seed in the fertile recruiting grounds of Northern Virginia/Maryland/D.C. On film, he looks big and strong and fast and mean. I can't wait.