Starling commits to Nebraska for football, baseball
Posted on Jun. 23rd, 2010
Bubba Starling on the mound - photo courtesy of Angie Plank
Somehow, Bubba Starling knew. He knew Nebraska was the right choice for him to continue his illustrious athletic career which could arguably be considered the best career in Trailblazer history. A career which has seen 2432 rushing yards, 2641 passing yards, and 59 total touchdowns—and he’s just now coming up on his senior year.
Bubba knew that the University of Nebraska is the right place to carry on his talent and legacy.
“My mom kind of poked me in the foot and said ‘You can do it if you want to’ and I said ‘alright’ and told [head coach Bo] Pelini that I’m ready to be a part of the Nebraska family,” Starling said.
This was on Saturday, June 19, when Starling made his commitment to Nebraska.
“I had all these teams that I was looking at going to and narrowed it down to Notre Dame and Nebraska,” he said, “In the end Nebraska was closer, I feel like there’s kids up there I get along with better, more my types of kids. Kids who like to hunt and fish, that’s all me. It’s just fun. I can’t wait to be up there.”
Along with looking forward to the teammates and fellow students, Starling is excited to be working with the coaching staff.
“I think the coaching staff…I get along with great,” he said, “The quarterback coach [and offensive coordinator], Shawn Watson, I just really like him. I’m really comfortable with him and everything.”
Watson was contacted but is unable to comment due to NCAA regulations, preventing all coaches from commenting on recruits until signing day in February.
Starling is also planning on playing baseball for the Cornhuskers, a team which has made trips to the College World Series in 2001, 2002, and 2005.
With Nebraska football on a turnaround, Starling looks forward to a career at Nebraska with potentially endless opportunities.
“Just continuing to be a leader,” he said when asked about what his goals will be. “Taking it up to the next level. Just compete with all of the great players around me and it’d be sweet to win a National Championship.”
When asked about individual accolades, including possibly winning a Heisman, Starling smiled.
“I just laugh,” he said, “[Athletic director and former football coach] Tom Osborne wrote me a letter and said I could be a Heisman Trophy winner. I just started laughing.”
Starling will be part of a new age in Husker sports, as his freshman year will be Nebraska’s first season in the Big Ten.
“It’s gonna be fun. Great competition playing in Michigan, you know, all the big stadiums. That’ll be awesome,” he said with a smile, “It’s gonna be cold. But getting to play against Ohio State, all of those teams [will be fun.]”
Starling did mention that there is still some unfinished business to complete in a Trailblazer uniform.
“Right now I’m just trying to concentrate on the high school season and hopefully winning a state championship,” he said.
One final season, one final opportunity for Starling to help his team complete that goal. One last time before he trades in Big Blue for Big Red and the chance to showcase his talents at the national level.
Bubba Starling on the mound - photo courtesy of Angie Plank 
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Chris Shaw wrote on 6/29/2010 2:42 pm
Bubba,
Congrats on getting your decision out of the way. What an accomplishment! I've been following your career all the way out here in Charlotte, NC and it makes me proud that I'm from Kansas.
You are now making me feel old as I remember you way back when at the youth basketball camps with Coach B.
Your family should be really proud and I'm look forward to see you bring back a State Championship or Championships in Football, Basketball, and or Baseball back to GEHS next year. Good Luck with your career and I most certainly will be following it.
Chris Shaw
Scotty88 wrote on 6/26/2010 7:44 am
Irish fan here wishing Bubba and Huskers the best...you picked up a winner and a great kid by all accounts!
Oddy wrote on 6/25/2010 4:43 pm
As a Notre Dame fan, I'm sorry that he won't be coming to South Bend, but the way he puts it I can't fault his choice. Sounds like the definition of a "good kid". All the best to him. I'm sure I'll be hearing his name again, sooner rather than later.
John Rose wrote on 6/24/2010 8:09 pm
Bubba,
Congratulations on your decision to be a part of an excellent athletic program and school. Our family moved to Gardner from Lincoln six years ago. We liked the sense of community as well as the excellent schools Gardner had to offer. I think you will see much of the same in Lincoln. Welcome to the Big Red!
AZ Husker wrote on 6/24/2010 6:36 pm
Bubba, welcome to the Promise Land. Can't wait to see you wearing the Nebraska uniform. It will be great to be able to watch you on ABC, ESPN, and BIG TEN network.
Arizona Husker fans will be rooting for you.
GO BIG RED!
Don E.
Tucson, Arizona
Joel wrote on 6/24/2010 4:22 pm
Bubba your name is already a part of the lore that is the huskers! I can tell you one thing and that is you joined a family of millions that would be more than happy to welcome you at our Thanksgiving table if you couldn't make it to yours. Keep working and we'll see you soon
GBR
MS Husker wrote on 6/24/2010 2:41 pm
Be smart and hit the books and STAY OUT of trouble! You are going to be playing for the greatest tradition known in college football! We are excited to have you as a part of our Big Red family. Find strength through Christ and God bless you and your family. GO BIG RED!
Sila
McComb, MS
MitchD wrote on 6/24/2010 11:16 am
Welcome to the Big Red! A brothership like no other. Being a Husker means joining a family for life. We are looking forward to seeing you in a Husker uniform.
Go Big Red.
Dallas, TX
Jim Schlaman wrote on 6/24/2010 10:10 am
Bubba,
Welcome to the Husker Nation family!! I live right up the road from you and am looking forward to watching you play in a Huskers uniform on the Big 10 Network!! You'll love Nebraska, the people, the atmosphere, and the sportsmanship. Thereâs just nothing like a game day in Lincoln! Have a great senior year!
Jim Schlaman
Olathe, KS
Amy wrote on 6/24/2010 10:04 am
Glad to have you, Bubba! You're going to love it in Lincoln!
okej01 wrote on 6/24/2010 8:50 am
Welcome to UNL!
It sounds like Bubba Starling will be an outstanding addition to the Cornhuskers!
Brad Loseke wrote on 6/24/2010 8:44 am
You fit the Nebraska mold, Bubba! What you are feeling deep down inside is the Husker BURN to win and the heart and soul to win in the right way. I join all of Husker Nation in welcoming you and your class to Big Red! You and your teammates are going to have a great future!
Go Huskers!
Brad Loseke
Beaverton, Oregon
Oregonians for Nebraska
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