These days most teams that run an attacking-style 3-4 defense are recruiting athletic defensive ends out of high school and turning them into outside linebackers that can play in space and get after the quarterback. One prospect that Nebraska has identified for that role is 3-star (HV Rating: 86) defensive end Isaac Townsend from Aurora, Colorado.
Last week Townsend took a trip to Washington State that he told me was fun. It was his first college trip and his first time in Washington. Nebraska offered him in January.
“I talked to them for two weeks before the offer," Townsend said. "Coach [Barrett] Ruud came to my school. Barrett has been my main guy. [recruiting me]."
Townsend says that he was already aware of the new Nebraska staff from what it was able to accomplish at UCF.
“I knew they were a new staff and that Scott Frost is legit,” Townsend said.
He classified his interest in Nebraska as high at this point, but also mentioned that Washington State and Oregon are on equal footing right now. As far as a visit to Nebraska, right now he plans on being in Lincoln on April 26, the weekend after the spring game.
Ultimately, what will Townsend be looking for in school that wins his signature?
“The most I’m looking for in a school is can I see myself living there in that town? Plus, that the team is a family,” Townsend said.
Keep an eye on Townsend as he will be exactly the type of athlete that Jovan Dewitt would love to have in the program to develop into a monster outside linebacker.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6925138/59c0a393066ba00a84df2771
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.
