As the 2019 recruiting cycle winds down, let’s continue to dream a little. Here’s a look at how things could shake out for Nebraska if everything breaks the Huskers’ way on the trail on the defensive side of the football.
Last week, we took a look at the dream finish for the offensive side of the ball.
Defensive Line: Nebraska currently has commitments from defensive end Mosai Newsom, junior college defensive tackle Tony Fair and defensive tackle Ethan Piper. There is still a chance that Piper could slide over to the offensive line but for now, let’s keep on defense for this discussion.
The obvious big fish here is 4-star defensive end Ty Robinson who has visited Nebraska multiple times and has family ties to the state. Landing Robinson would be a major victory for the Huskers. Brant Banks, who stands at 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, is also still a good possibility at defensive end independent of what happens with Robinson. The other prospect Nebraska would love to have in the fold is 3-star defensive end Smith Vilbert from New Jersey. Defensive line coach Mike Dawson visited him in home last week and the Huskers would love to host him for a visit to make a big impression.
Linebacker: The Huskers have a really interesting mix of players committed at linebacker. Jackson Hannah, Nick Henrich and Garrett Snodgrass are all slotted to play inside linebacker. Garrett Nelson and newly committed Jamin Graham are slated for outside linebacker. The number one remaining target that would slide in nicely with this group would be 4-star Lloyd Summerall. The hybrid outside linebacker will be a tough pull out of Florida but would be a tremendous fit in defensive coordinator Erik Chinander’s defense.
With or without Summerall in the class, Nebraska will likely still add a junior college linebacker. The number one choice there may now be Amare Barno from Butler Community College. Butler is visiting Lincoln on Dec. 7.
Secondary: Nebraska has three players currently committed that will start their careers in Lincoln with defensive backs coach Travis Fisher. Myles Farmer, Javin Wright and Quinton Newsome are all rangy athletes who will bring versatility to the room. The big target remaining on the board here is 4-star defensive back Noa Pola-Gates. Nebraska hosted him for an official visit, he has a cousin coming to Lincoln to play softball and the staff has already visited him once in Arizona last week.
From what I hear, the staff really likes Tony Wallace, the junior college defensive back from Butler Community College, who officially visited this past weekend. There is also the potential for Nebraska to continue trying to flip a couple of defensive backs from the South. In addition, Tavian Mayo and Jamel Starks both visited Nebraska during the season and are still considering the Huskers.