Nebraska continued remaking the defensive back room. The team got a big high school commitment on Tuesday.
Nebraska dipped into New Jersey to pick up 4-star star defensive back Jaeden Gould. The defender announced his commitment on Twitter.
Time to be legendary💆🏾‍♂️ #GBR pic.twitter.com/EvH6osG143
— Jaeden Gould (@JaedenGould5) December 14, 2021
Gould (6-2, 200) had close to 40 scholarship offers. He was part of USC’s recruiting class until new coach Lincoln Riley took over the program. When Gould initially committed to USC he picked the Trojans over Penn State. He took a summer official visit to check out the Nittany Lions.
The Huskers made the defender a priority after he left the USC class. They got him on campus for an official visit the weekend of Dec. 3. I caught up with his coach at Bergen Catholic high school Vito Campanile to find out what makes him such a special prospect.
“I think first off, his skill set,” Campanile said. “His length is incredible. He’s a 6-foot plus kid and he’s over 200 pounds. I know he’s listed at 195 but he is a little bit bigger than that. I kind of feel like at the next level he’s really a hybrid guy that could cover like a corner, play safety and then he could definitely play like the nickel Sam position, too. That’s kind of prevalent with all the spread offenses. I think that’s why he’s such a high demand kid.”
Campanile has had a great relationship with the Nebraska staff over the years. Rahmir Johnson—the Huskers’ starting running back for most of the season—played for him. Outside linebackers coach Mike Dawson was college roommates with Campanile. Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander has been a great resource for him over the years.
“You always want to make sure your kids are going to be in the right spot as far as being around good people,” Campanile said. “I’m certain that they’re in great hands with all those guys.”
Gould started his senior season playing cornerback. A switch to safety ignited the team’s defense when Campanile needed an extra safety. After Gould moved to that spot the team only gave up three touchdowns in eight games. Campanile believes that Husker fans are going to love what they see from the defender.
“He just has a business approach to football,” Campanile said. “He never doesn’t practice. He’s always on time. He does everything the right way. He’s a great kid to coach in every way. He has like a professional approach to football. I can’t say how much respect and admiration I have for the way that he approaches the game and the type of person and he is.”
Gould is joining a defensive back group that is in transition. The team added Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill on Monday. Junior college defensive back DeShon Singleton joined the fold on Tuesday. The team needs to replace three starters. Cam Taylor-Britt, Marquel Dismuke and Deontai Williams not returning. Myles Farmer, Quinton Newsome and a host of other players will be battling for playing time.
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.
