On Wednesday, 4-star (HV Rating: 93.3) wide receiver Zavier Betts committed to the Huskers while on an unofficial visit. The Bellevue West standout became the second known member of the 2020 recruiting class, joining quarterback Logan Smothers. Betts also had offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Minnesota.
Here are five thoughts on the commitment.
Position of need
When thinking about the top needs for Nebraska’s 2020 recruiting class, wide receiver will be in the conversation all cycle. The Huskers have had an interesting mix of pass catchers on campus currently but need to secure a few of their top targets at the position this cycle to continue making the overall group better.
Keeping homegrown talent
Every year it’s important to keep the top talent in your state home. In recent years, it’s become more important as Nebraska high school football has gotten more exposure causing more out of state programs to recruit here. Betts is a national-level recruit as a high 4-star prospect. It feels even better to land another play from the Omaha metro as the staff works to rebuild the relationship between the program and that part of the state.
Size-and-speed combo
Back in September, Betts told Hail Varsity that he saw himself fitting into Nebraska’s offense as a deep threat. He believed he could help provide a missing element to the offense with his speed. Betts is fast but at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, he has the ability to go up and get the ball as well. He is very good receiver prospect that can do a variety of things in an offense.
Unique year in-state
This cycle in the state of Nebraska is unique. There may not be the overall collection of surefire scholarship talent like the 2019 class, however, the state is home to a pair of high-profile wide receivers. Betts is not a verbal commit and all eyes will turn to Omaha Burke wide receiver Xavier Watts and he works through his decision. Watts has been on campus this spring and will be back for the spring game on April 13.
Ruud strikes again
Inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud is in charge of in-state recruiting and is making quite a name for himself on the recruiting trail. After going five-for-five with scholarship players in the class of 2019, he joked that all he has to do now is repeat that. On Wednesday, he got off to a great start by helping to land the state’s highest-rated player.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7921581/5c29258dab938d0f4ca198e3
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.
