Fremont-Mills standout Seth Malcom became the newest member of Nebraska’s 2021 recruiting class over the weekend. The 3-star linebacker chose the Huskers over Kansas State, Iowa State, Minnesota and others. It was another key regional battle victory for the team as they continue rebuilding the roster.
From a little Husker to now a big Husker!! Here we go!! 🏈🔴⚪️@SMalcom8 #GBR pic.twitter.com/uTzU61RfCP
— Tracy Malcom (@tjmalcom4) June 6, 2020
Here are my five thoughts on the commitment.
Another Iowan
The Huskers have put a big—yet still growing—emphasis on recruiting the state of Iowa under Coach Scott Frost. From the 2019 cycle on, Nebraska has landed an Iowan in every class. That plan to swarm Iowa—led by defensive coordinator Erik Chinander—has been years in the making. The 2021 class has several talented prospects getting national attention. It’s not a coincidence that Nebraska has been in the hunt with so many prospects from the border state.
Malcom joins offensive lineman Henry Lutovsky in this class. Nebraska still has its sights set on 4-star tight end Thomas Fidone to join the group.
ILB Overhaul
Since the 2019 recruiting class—which was Frost’s first full class at Nebraska—the Huskers have had a laser focus on revamping the inside linebacker position. There have been several players added to the position group lately.
2019
- Nick Henrich
- Jackson Hannah
- Garrett Snodgrass
- Walk-on Luke Reimer
- Walk-on transfer Zach Schlager
2020
- Keyshawn Greene
- Eteva Mauga-Clements
2021
- Randolph Kpai
- Chris Paul Jr
- Seth Malcom
There is an increasing amount of athleticism being added to the group year after year. Malcom fits the mold of the taller, leaner inside linebackers that Frost and inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud have identified that they need on the roster.
High Potential
Malcom is a pretty unique prospect. He comes from eight-man football at Fremont-Mills High School. He plays a little bit of everything for that team, including returning punts and kicks. As a four-sport athlete he could blossom after focusing solely on football. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Malcom has a great frame for strength and conditioning coach Zach Duval to build on. We might not see Malcom for a couple seasons but he’s a terrific long-term prospect.
Long-Time Target Landed
Nebraska was on Malcom early on during the recruiting process. They offered him a scholarship back on April 3, 2019 as he was heading into his junior year of high school. He had one offer at that point from in-state school Iowa State. Nebraska does well with targets they identify early and stay on with Malcom being the latest example.
Sideline-to-Sideline
Malcom has a lot of traits for the Huskers to build on. His leadership and willingness to do whatever it takes for the team attitude will make him a good addition to the roster. But his athletic potential stands out to me on film.
He has a quick first step allowing him to make plays in the backfield. He’s credited with almost 200 tackles over the last two seasons. He’s a rangy, athletic linebacker that can make plays all over the field.
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.
