On Sunday, 4-star (HV Rating: 91.5) OT Bryce Benhart became the 19th known commitment of Nebraska’s 2019 recruiting class. Benhart is the fourth offensive lineman to join the class alongside Desmond Bland, Matthew Anderson and Michael Lynn.
Here are five thoughts on the commitment.
No. 1 target at top position of need
I haven't been the only one thinking that offensive line is the biggest need in this class, so it’s always significant when you land a player at the biggest position of need. What makes Benhart’s pledge an even bigger deal is that he was the staff’s No. 1 target left on the board when he joined the class. I’d say he was right in the mix for top overall player regardless of position, right alongside linebacker Nick Henrich and uncommitted 4-star athlete Wandale Robinson.
Another recruiting win over B1G foes
Scott Frost has quietly collected some nice wins on the trail going back to last cycle of Big Ten foes. Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have all been finalists with recruits that have ended up in Lincoln in the Frost Era so far. Benhart strongly considered Wisconsin and almost took an official visit to Michigan before pledging to the Huskers. The more Nebraska’s staff wins on the recruiting trail against teams they will end up playing, the more likely it is they’ll win on the field too.
Line Anchor
Benhart is the type of player that you can build an offensive line around. He stands at 6-foot-8, 303 pounds and doesn’t have any bad weight. Watching his film, you can see that he is athletic and plays with leverage. That can be attributed to his wrestling background. He’s good in pass protection and as a run blocker. He’s truly a special offensive line prospect.
Culture builder
If there was going to be a player to embody the type of no-nonsense, do your job culture that Greg Austin hopes to build on his offensive line, it’s Benhart. He doesn’t really like talking about his recruitment and would rather focus on helping his team win a state title. By all accounts, Benhart is a hard worker and a tough competitor. He’s exactly the type of “fit” that you want to rebuild the pipeline with.
Huge week ahead?
The fun got started for Nebraska recruiting last Thursday when 4-star athlete Darien Chase committed. On Sunday, Benhart joined the class. On Wednesday, 3-star (HV Rating: 85.0) defensive back Javin Wright will make his decision. On Thursday, 4-star (HV Rating: 91.7) ATH Wandale Robinson will announce his college choice. We could see a huge run in recruiting as Frost and his staff are on a serious roll right now.
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.
