On Signing Day, 4-star wide receiver Demariyon Houston became the 27th member of Nebraska’s 2019 recruiting class. Houston is the fourth wide out to join the class alongside Jamie Nance, Darien Chase and Wandale Robinson.
Here are five thoughts on the commitment.
Speed Kills
The addition of Houston means that Nebraska has added another speedy playmaker who can stretch the field. He'll bring his 10.71 electronic speed to Lincoln, joining Jamie Nance (10.66) and Rahmir Johnson (10.75) in this year's class, who all have verified track speed as well. The tempo of Coach Scott Frost’s offense and this type of speed makes for a dangerous combination.
Oklahoma Connection
Nebraska brought in two players from the Sooner State this recruiting cycle. Running backs coach and junior college recruiting coordinator Ryan Held is the lead recruiter in the state and has made good progress there. Next year’s cycle will prove to be a test as the Huskers already have four offers out in the state including big-time running back Sevion Morrison.
Good WR haul
During the 2018 season Nebraska did not get a lot of production from wide receivers (not named Stanley Morgan Jr. and JD Spielman, of course). There were questions all season long about depth that were only going to get louder once Morgan left the program. The need was clearly there to bring in multiple wide receivers and the staff brought in quality ones. Nance, Chase, Houston and Robinson boost the overall talent level of offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Troy Walters’ room.
Versatile playmaker
In a video produced by the Huskers, Walters said some great things about “Peanut” (as Houston’s known).
"He’s an explosive playmaker," Walters said.
Nickname: Peanut 🥜
100-meter dash: 10.6 💥@SharpeGreg + @CoachWalters1 » @demariyon5 🎥 pic.twitter.com/GbzXjkJLyi— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) February 6, 2019
"He can help us in the return game and can also help us as a receiver,” Walters continued. “He’s fast, he has tremendous ball skills. That’s one thing you’ll notice early on is he has tremendous ball skills."
Being able to help on offense and special teams will make Houston more valuable moving forward. He also shows a willingness to be a blocker on film which Walters surely likes.
Potential Steal
It’s rare to feel like you got a steal with a 4-star prospect but it almost feels that way with Houston. Oklahoma wide receiver recruiting was unique this season as the Sooners landed three 5-star pass catchers this cycle prompting talented players like Houston to look elsewhere. Houston isn’t the biggest wideout but high points the ball well and could develop into an impact player with good strength and conditioning.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6063050/5bd649fada5b420e24dc24f7
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.
