We are almost there, folks. The early signing period will begin in just a few short days. Then we will see how the plan unfolded and ultimately worked for Nebraska as it tries to elevate its 2020 recruiting class.
There are more spots to fill heading into next week than anyone anticipated. That has made for a wild ride leading up to this point. It could also point to a flurry of commitments at the end or the whole thing could be a dud.
Let’s get to the Recon.
Husker Commits
Zavier Betts, wide receiver, Omaha, Nebraska
Marquis Black, defensive lineman, McDonough, Georgia
Alex Conn, offensive lineman, Derby, Kansas
Turner Corcoran, offensive lineman, Lawrence, Kansas
Ronald Delancy III, defensive back, Miami, Florida
Henry Gray, defensive back, Hollywood, Florida
Blaise Gunnerson, outside linebacker, Carroll, Iowa
Nash Hutmacher, defensive tackle, Chamberlain, South Dakota
Tamon Lynum, cornerback, Orlando, Florida
Eteva Mauga-Clements, inside linebacker, Pleasant Hill, California
Sevion Morrison, running back, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Will Nixon, wide receiver, Waco, Texas
Marvin Scott III, running back, Port Orange, Florida
Logan Smothers, quarterback, Athens, Alabama
2020 Needs
| QB | 0 | DL | 2 |
| RB | 0 | ILB | 1 |
| WR | 2 | OLB | 2 |
| TE | 0 | DB | 1 |
| OL | 0 | K/P | 0 |
The Recon:
>> It appears that Coach Scott Frost spent the entire day in South Florida on Thursday. There was plenty for him to do considering commits Henry Gray and Ronald Delancy III reside there. Big-time targets wide receiver Marcus Fleming and defensive back Jaiden Francois do as well. Nebraska really seems locked in on those two prospects and are in good position to nab the pair out of Florida. The one potential hiccup in the plan is that Francois is still scheduled to go on an official visit to Miami this weekend. That’s worth keeping an eye on.
>> Because we know where Frost was yesterday, we also know that he did not make it out to California to visit with 4-star defensive back Darion Green-Warren. The defender told Hail Varsity yesterday that he was expecting only defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. The key question here is why didn’t Frost make the cross-country trip? My feeling is that the Huskers understand their position is stronger with Francois or even Myles Slusher. It’s curious that Frost made a detour to go see Slusher in-home but did not for Green-Warren. I’ve talked a lot about having to manage time and resources during the stretch run. This looks to be the case here. Despite a strong visit with Chinander, I believe Green-Warren ends up with Michigan.
>> Sticking with the theme of where Frost is, expect him to visit longtime top target Omar Manning today. I wouldn’t be surprised if nearly the entire staff is also present. Perhaps the Huskers will convince Manning to sign with them early to remove all risk of other schools coming in late but knowing there will still be academic work that needs to be done. Manning is important enough to take that risk. It will be fascinating to see how it plays out.
>> One of Nebraska’s official visitors this weekend, Keyshawn Greene, has confirmed with me that his mom will be on the official visit with him. That’s always a big deal. However, it’s especially big because Greene told me that his mother did not take the official visit to Miami with him. If the Huskers can convince Greene’s mom that being in Lincoln will be best for his future and he will have the support needed here, it will go a long way to help their cause. Based on the team’s track record with parents, they have a fair shot here.
>> There has been some talk out there that 4-star Minnesota outside linebacker Kaden Johnson is waiting until February to sign because Frost has not gone in-home with him yet. Hail Varsity subscribers know that’s not exactly the case because Johnson told me himself on Monday that he is expecting Frost and company on Saturday. Nebraska wants the last in-home visit with Johnson and want to make it impactful. As for all the LSU talk, that offer isn’t coming for Johnson. LSU can take whoever they want right now and there hasn’t been much talk of Johnson at all according to my sources.
>> One quick housekeeping note: despite a very strong official visit and in-home by Frost, outside linebacker Jimari Butler told me early Friday morning that he is still taking his official visit to TCU. Coach Patterson has an uphill climb to overcome the Huskers here but crazier things have happened.
>> Expect two official visitors this weekend: inside linebacker Keyshawn Greene and JUCO outside linebacker/defensive end Niko Cooper. We’ll have a full visit preview later.
>> Barrett Ruud made the rounds in the Omaha metro on Thursday. It’s confirmed that he was at Omaha Westside, Creighton Prep and Bellevue West. It was obviously great timing to be at Westside since 4-star 2021 cornerback Avante Dickerson released his top three that included Nebraska, Ohio State and LSU. Michigan made the rounds as well on Thursday. There have been a lot of good Power 5 schools coming through the metro to check out the talent which is a great thing for local players hoping to get a shot.
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.
