Originally published Feb. 5, 2009 in the Omaha World-Herald
• Did you know? Pensick was the first player to commit for the class of 2009, accepting the Huskers' offer in January 2008. He later turned down requests for film from Southern Cal and Alabama.
• Coachspeak: "He absolutely lives and breathes to be a Husker. There's nothing, mentally, that's going to deter him." - Northeast coach Dave Svehla
• The gurus say: He was twice a first-team All-Nebraska pick. Rivals.com ranks Pensick as a three-star prospect and the 80th-best defensive tackle. Scout.com lists him at center, No. 5 nationally.
• B>About Pensick: The son of ex-Husker defensive lineman Dan Pensick, Cole started three games for the Rockets as a freshman and began to dominate by his junior season. He improved until the end, according to Svehla, and has maintained his 4.8-second speed over 40 yards while improving his bench press to 400 pounds. Nebraska coaches want Pensick to begin his college career as a defensive lineman, a good fit, Svehla said, but the coach said he believes Pensick would make a nice center, too.
• Our take: The intangibles are in place. Pensick just needs time, probably at least two years, to grow and adjust. It's a good bet he'll stick it out, considering his pedigree and the long wait already endured to join the Nebraska program.