Nebraska had over 80 prospects on hand for this weekend’s annual Red-White Spring Game. One of the biggest (literally and figuratively) targets in attendance was 4-star (HV Rating: 91.0) defensive tackle Jamar Sekona. The defender from Greenbrae, California, made the trip with his high school coach, Mazi Moayed.
I caught up with Sekona Sunday morning to get his thoughts on Nebraska fans, his relationship with defensive line coach Tony Tuioti and much more.
Here is the full Q&A:
What were your overall thoughts on the visit?
“It was a truly incredible visit. I had a really great time not only getting to know the staff, the coaches and the players but I really got to feel the vibe of the fans which was really great.”
What was it like being around Tuioti again in his new place?
“It was really good to have a good relationship with him before that. I know him and he knows me. He says I fit well in the scheme that they have at Nebraska. That really helps a lot too. Him changing was obviously a big change from Cal to Nebraska but he thought it was the best move for him which was great. He really loves it out there. He loves everything about it. The culture, the football and how much pride people have in it. That was really great to hear too.”
What did you think about your fit in the defense after talking to the coaches about it?
“During our time I got to talk to Coach T and how I could fit in their nose tackle, left stack or four-high in the base defense or for the change up defense which was really great to hear. He said I could be very diverse in the defense. That would obviously mean more playing time which was great to hear.”
Did you get to meet with Coach Scott Frost and defensive coordinator Erik Chinander? How did it go?
“Yeah, I had a meeting with Coach Frost. I did get to talking to Coach Chinander a little bit too. It was great [Frost] meeting with him. I talked to him with my coach and we had a really good time. We got to hear information on Nebraska from his standpoint, his background at Nebraska and his overall goals on what he can do to change the program and bring them back to the top. That was great to hear.”
What did you think of the fans selling out the spring game?
“I thought the fans were truly amazing. There were a few instances when they pulled me aside to ask if I was the guy from California. That was rare and surprising. It shows how much they love football whether you are on the team or not. They have a lot of pride in being genuinely nice people. They truly care for the sport and care for the people. That’s truly amazing. I had heard they sell out every game, which is a big thing but being able to be in the actual stadium to see it was just truly amazing. Just different. The atmosphere is amazing. The fans were amazing, the players were joyful and the coaches had a great time too. It was great. The culture, the people were truly amazing. It’s just different out there.”
Where does Nebraska fit within your top group of schools?
“Right now, I have very high interest in Nebraska. Football is very important at Nebraska. They are definitely a school I’ll look at taking an official to.”
When do you want to take your officials?
“As of right now, I’m not exactly sure. I do know that I’ll be taking a lot of my officials early summer just to focus on my season for the year. Definitely summer time.”
Do you have a timeline for when you’d like to make a college choice?
“As far as a timeline, I’m not exactly sure. It’ll be decided between me, my coach and my mom. We will definitely consider before the season. That would be an ideal move. We won’t know for sure until we make our officials.”
What are the things you are most looking for in a school?
“I have three main criteria. First one is the relationship between coaches, players and staff. I need to be able to know the coaches won’t just be there for a year and will be there for the time I’m there. Second thing is culture. The football history, culture and fans that have pride in the program. Football is something I truly love. Having that type of culture and fans that make it worth playing. Third thing is academics. Football doesn’t last forever. Everyone knows that so to have a degree that will help me with my life after football, that’s the goal.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9530128/5c13f1fb041e1407c4e9213f
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.
