The Huskers have been hot on the recruiting trail lately. Since the dead period started, Nebraska has added three players to the 2020 class and all three players are at positions of need for the Huskers this cycle. As we get into a little slower period of time for college football, it’s a good time for the staff to break away for vacation before resetting the recruiting boards. Then fall camp is right around the corner.
Let’s get to the Recon.
Class Breakdown
Husker Commits
Zavier Betts, wide receiver, Omaha, Nebraska
Alex Conn, offensive lineman, Derby, Kansas
Turner Corcoran, offensive lineman, Lawrence, Kansas
Blaise Gunnerson, outside linebacker, Carroll, Iowa
Nash Hutmacher, defensive tackle, Chamberlain, South Dakota
Tamon Lynum, cornerback, Orlando, Florida
Logan Smothers, quarterback, Athens, Alabama
2020 Needs
| QB | 0 | DL | 3 |
| RB | 1 | MLB | 2 |
| WR | 2 | OLB | 2 |
| TE | 0 | DB | 2 |
| OL | 2 | K/P | 0 |
The Recon:
>> There’s an additional important note about the commitment of Blaise Gunnerson: he gives Nebraska five commits in its 2020 class from inside the 500-mile radius. Nearly half of the Huskers’ 2019 class was made up of prospects inside the 500-mile radius and they are now in position to do that again. As we’ve noted many times over the last few seasons, the talent in the region continues to be on an upswing. If Nebraska can start to dominate the radius, it will prove very beneficial down the road.
>> Since Nash Hutmacher committed to the Huskers, I have fielded more than a few questions about his ranking. It doesn’t matter what the rankings say on this one, he’s got All-Big Ten type potential and maybe has the potential to be even better than that. Hutmacher’s athleticism, size and power could make him a special prospect. He’s a massive piece to the Huskers defense moving forward.
>> Right now, the Huskers are sitting at seven commitments for the class of 2020. They are not actually too far off the pace they were at last cycle even if it feels significantly slower to some. It wouldn’t be surprising if another 1-3 players joined the class this summer that want to make commitments before their senior seasons start. However, one thing to keep in mind is that people will be happy there are more spots to fill if Nebraska gets off to the hot start this season and has the overall season many predict. There will be renewed interest and new interest from players if the season is a big one.
>> There hasn’t been a lot of new information but I am still not hearing anything that leads me to believe Jahkeem Green will be anywhere but Nebraska. The hope is that he will arrive on campus in time for the start of fall practice with is Aug. 2.
>> There is some buzz online that Omaha Burke wide receiver Xavier Watts will be making his college decision today at 3 p.m. CT. While I don’t have 100% confirmation on that, it does mesh with what a source close to the situation told me late last week about his decision timeline. I’m anticipating this one going Notre Dame’s way. If that’s the case, academics, alumni network and the Irish being further along in their development as a program would be the main factors.
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.
