This weekend, Nebraska hosted its first Junior Day. While there were some 2021 and 2020 prospects on campus, the event was mostly for the 2020 class to spend time around the coaching staff and to see what Nebraska has to offer. There were quite of few names in Lincoln that are already well known to Husker fans but one that might not be is 3-star (HV Rating: 85.3) defensive end/outside linebacker Nate Matlack.
Had a great visit today at the University of Nebraska! #GBR pic.twitter.com/cng3ZyA4Ho
— Nate Matlack (@nmatlack1) February 2, 2019
Matlack is a Kansas native who attends Olathe East High School. He already has a few scholarship offers to his name from Kansas, Kansas State and Syracuse. Matlack has yet to pick up an offer from the Huskers but they are keeping a close eye on him.
I caught up with the defender to get his thoughts on playing the hybrid outside linebacker role and how familiar he is with the Huskers.
Here is the full Q&A with Matlack:
What were your overall thoughts on Junior Day at Nebraska?
“It was really good. I had some good talks with a couple of the coaches and I met some new people. It was all pretty great.”
Which coaches did you get to a chance to interact with the most?
“I talked to [outside linebacker coach] coach [Jovan] Dewitt and [running backs] coach [Ryan] Held the most. Coach Held is my area recruiter. Those two are the only ones I talked to.”
Since you talked to Dewitt, are they looking at you for that outside linebacker role?
“Yeah, they are saying I’d play the outside linebacker to rush and drop into coverage. Not so much a defensive end. It would be more of a hybrid kind of guy.”
Is that the role you currently play in high school?
“So last season, I played defensive end for three games. Then they moved me to inside linebacker to free me up so I have some experience dropping into coverage. I also was rushing the quarterback pretty well. So it was kind of like that position but not exactly.”
Who came with you?
“My mom, my dad and my brother.”
What did they think about the visit?
“They loved it. My dad likes Nebraska a lot. So does my mom. They both have liked Nebraska for a while now.”
Did you have prior knowledge about Nebraska or these coaches before the trip?
“Oh, yeah. Yes, I did. I’ve heard about Nebraska a bunch. My aunt is a huge fan of Nebraska so she told me all about it.”
Did the coaches talk to you about coming back for a practice or the spring game?
“Yeah, they actually talked to me about going to the Spring Game in April. I would consider that for sure.”
What would you say are some key things you are looking for in a future school?
“I’m looking at a school that fits me, that will help me in football and outside of my football career so I can have a good life after football. Also, the coaching staff is also pretty important to me. Those are probably my two main things that I’d say.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7253389/5bdf51c58cd5b00e58b8e9f5
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
