Steven M. Sipple: Why it’s OK to say NU still developing under Frost; and Crawford’s a finisher | Column

In that regard, it might’ve been his biggest win at Nebraska. He’s now 10-17 overall, including 7-14 in league play. 

Yeah, it’s been a rocky ride. But if you’re of the mind that Frost’s program is in a development mode — as I am — his record is both easier to accept and understand.

Granted, this is Frost’s program now. These are his players at this point. And, yes, all programs are developing to a certain extent. But keep in mind, he has only three full recruiting classes at Nebraska. Also, keep in mind that the 2018 class — a transition class in that he was hired in December of 2017 — has been depleted significantly by departures. A total of 14 players in the 25-member class of 2018 no longer are in the program. In transitional classes, you expect attrition. Fourteen players out of 25? That’s a big hit.

On the other hand, Frost expresses ample confidence in the Class of 2019. He hopes it will be the class that provides the foundation for a bright future. Think about the list of players in the class already in key roles: Luke Reimer, Garrett Nelson, Ty Robinson, Wan’Dale Robinson, Myles Farmer, Bryce Benhart, Dedrick Mills, Quinton Newsome, Nick Henrich, Ronald Thompkins and Ethan Piper. 

Oh, yeah, and there’s also the Colorado Kid, Luke McCaffrey. 

By the way, you’re seeing immediate promise from the Class of 2020, including several true freshmen: Alante Brown, Marcus Fleming, Zavier Betts, Marvin Scott, Turner Corcoran and Isaac Gifford, to name a few. Quarterback Logan Smothers also is in that group.