Two juco receivers plan to join Huskers

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BYSTEVEN M. SIPPLE

Nebraska evidently has succeeded in its late bid to add receivers to its 2004 football recruiting class.

Assuming they pass required junior college course work, Shamus McKoy of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College and John Lockett of Chabot (Calif.) College will join the Huskers this summer and compete for playing time in 2004.

"I'm surprised Nebraska came after me - it's kind of late," said the 6-foot-1, 205-pound McKoy. "I definitely like the school and its history of winning and the change in the coaching staff."

McKoy said he needs only to finish a geography class next week to become eligible to play for the Huskers. He plans to arrive in Lincoln early next month in time for NU's informal summer workouts.

The 6-3, 210-pound Lockett said he needs to complete 16 credit hours of summer school before gaining eligibility. He said he should arrive in Lincoln by the end of July.

McKoy's recruitment has been handled by Nebraska outside linebackers coach Bill Busch, and Lockett's by offensive line coach Dennis Wagner.

"Coach Wagner told me they're looking for receivers," Lockett said. "I told him I can play the game. If the other receivers continue to struggle, and I do well, I think I'll play next semester."

Nebraska last month listed 14 receivers, including seven scholarship players, on its spring game roster. The Huskers return their top four receivers from 2003 - tight end Matt Herian and receivers Ross Pilkington, Mark LeFlore and Isaiah Fluellen.

In addition, Nebraska's 2004 scholarship recruiting class - announced in February - features wideouts Terrence Nunn and Nathan Swift.

However, Danny Calcagno, head coach at Chabot College, said a letter he received a couple of weeks ago from the Nebraska staff indicated the Huskers were searching hard for playmaking receivers.

"It said they were looking for a receiver if anybody had anyone left," Calcagno said.

New Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan this spring installed the West Coast offense, a significant change from the run-oriented attack favored by former Husker head coach Frank Solich.

McKoy and Lockett, based on their junior college experience, appear suited for a West Coast style, as both thrived in spread formations.

Playing the "Z" receiver this past season, McKoy caught about 30 passes for more than 400 yards and a touchdown for 3-7 Scottsdale Community College, according to Artichokes offensive coordinator Mike Giovando.

If McKoy's statistics don't dazzle, it's because Scottsdale typically completed passes to nine receivers per game, Giovando said.

"Shamus is a good route runner with good hands,"Giovando said. "He's not a blazer, but he's shifty. He's also not afraid to go across the middle."

McKoy will have three years to play two seasons at Nebraska, meaning he has a redshirt season remaining. He said most of his recruiting attention has come from NCAA Division II schools.

"The biggest schools that came on for me - and then fell off - were North Carolina State, Utah, New Mexico State and East Carolina," he said. "I really think I can compete anywhere. I'm a mature receiver and I understand the game."

Lockett, meanwhile, has two seasons of eligibility. Coming out of Hayward (Calif.)High School, Lockett tried to make the San Jose State roster as a walk-on. After things failed to work out with the Spartans, Lockett headed to Chabot.

In two seasons with the Gladiators, Lockett caught 72 passes for 1,106 yards and 12 touchdowns. Chabot was 2-8 this past season.

According to Calcagno, Lockett runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds.

Before Nebraska entered the picture, Lockett said, he was likely bound for NCAA Division I-AA Portland State.

"They weren't going to give me a scholarship right away, but I think I would've eventually earned one,"Lockett said.

Lockett, of course, now has turned his attention toward Lincoln, although he first must complete his work in the classroom.

"I'm going to get it done and get out there,"he said. "It's all on me."

Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@;journalstar.com.