Marques Buford, the No. 1 prep school prospect in the country, became the newest member of the Nebraska 2021 recruiting class on Saturday. The 3-star (HV Rating: 83.5) defensive back chose the Huskers over Texas A&M, Washington State, Cal and others. He became the second defensive back in the class for defensive backs coach Travis Fisher.
Here are five thoughts on the commitment.
Versatile Football Player
Buford was recruited as a true athlete by many colleges. In high school he starred on both sides of the ball. As a senior Buford was quite productive, racking up 40 tackles with five for loss and picking off three passes. Buford also returned kicks and punts for his team, while playing running back and wide receiver. He accounted for 670 all-purpose yards.
Done at Defensive Back?
Numbers are getting tight for Nebraska in the 2021 recruiting class now. With Buford joining Lardarius Webb as the second defensive back in the 2021 class, are the Huskers done at defensive back? Based on the projected class size, the answer could be yes. But because a pair of defensive backs have left from the 2020 class, it could open the door for an extra prospect to join Fisher’s room this cycle.
More Prep School Power
It’s becoming a trend for Nebraska to nab a player each cycle from the prep school ranks. It started in the 2018 class when defensive end Casey Rogers came to the Huskers from Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Last cycle the team brought in wide receiver Avante Brown from St. Thomas More, which is the same school that Buford attends. There is an advantage going this route for talent. The guys are a year older than traditional high school prospects and they also still have all four years of eligibility.
Another Texan
Buford is heading to Connecticut for prep school but finished high school in Texas. Cedar Hill Trinity Christian is where he finished his final two years of his high school career. It was there that he helped his team win back-to back state championships. The Huskers continue to hit the pavement in Texas and their work is paying off in the Lone Star State. The next step is having some of the recent Texans joining the team to show out on the field.
Very Unofficial Visit
The NCAA-mandated dead period—which banned on-campus visits for prospects—has gone longer than most expected. Prospects are taking matters into their own hands. We have seen more families deciding to take visits on their own to colleges. They want to see them in person with their own eyes and Zoom can only do so much. Buford is the latest to do that for Nebraska, having visited with his parents the weekend on July 11. It also helps that he already knew Brown, who could also give him the information he needed.
