Originally published Feb. 8, 2007 in the Omaha World-Herald
Did you know?
His high school coach describes Gilleylen as the most hotly recruited player in school history. He surpasses quarterback Paul Thompson, who picked Oklahoma over Texas and led the Sooners to a Big 12 title as a senior last season.
Coachspeak
"First off with Curenski, you've got to talk about his character. He's a super person. He's straight up with everything. He was a unanimous captain on our team. And athletically, he's just started to blossom." -- Leander coach Steve Gideon
The gurus say
Three-star prospect by rivals.com ranked as the No. 52 player in Texas and 49th-best wide receiver nationally.
About Gilleylen
It says something positive about Nebraska's ability to recruit Texas when it can get a player from Leander, which is situated on the outskirts of Austin in the backyard of the Longhorns. UT didn't recruit the speedy Gilleylen, but he still comes from enemy territory. Tennessee, Missouri and Purdue offered scholarships, and Gilleylen picked NU after a courtship by offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and receivers coach Ted Gilmore. Gilleylen accumulated more than 900 receiving yards and almost 1,500 yards of total offense as a senior.
Our take
Receivers with legitimate 10.5-second speed over 100 meters don't come around often. Speed alone, though, won't earn Gilleylen quick playing time as NU returns seven of its top eight receiving threats.