It's been a wild week for Nebraska on the recruiting trail. It was extremely productive for Nebraska on the recruiting trail, having picked up three commitments from three important targets. Sure, the Huskers lost out on 4-star athlete Wandale Robinson, but it’s good to keep in mind that Nebraska’s class is still in fantastic position heading into the final stretch leading to the early signing period.
There’s also that huge football game this weekend in Columbus, so let’s get to the Recon.
Class Breakdown
Husker Commits
Matthew Anderson, offensive lineman, Leesville, Lousiana
Bryce Benhart, offensive lineman, Lakeville, Minnesota
Desmond Bland, offensive lineman, Yuma, Arizona
Darien Chase, wide receiver, Vancouver, Washington
Tony Fair, defensive tackle, Pima, Arizona
Jackson Hannah, linebacker, Nashville, Tennesee
Nick Henrich, linebacker, Omaha, Nebraska
Chris Hickman, tight end, Omaha, Nebraska
Rahmir Johnson, running back, Oradell, New Jersey
Michael Lynn, offensive lineman, Greenwood Village, Colorado
Luke McCaffrey, quarterback, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Dedrick Mills, running back, Garden City, Kansas
Jamie Nance, wide receiver, Blanchard, Oklahoma
Garrett Nelson, defensive end, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Mosai Newsom, defensive end, Waverly, Iowa
Quinton Newsome, defensive back, Suwanee, Georgia
Ethan Piper, defensive tackle, Norfolk, Nebraska
Garrett Snodgrass, athlete, York, Nebraska
Ronald Thompkins, running back, Loganville, Georgia
Javin Wright, defensive back, Chandler, Arizona
2019 Needs
| QB | 0 | DL | 2 |
| RB | 0 | MLB | 0 |
| WR | 1 | OLB | 1 |
| TE | 0 | DB | 2 |
| OL | 1 | K/P | 0 |
Additional Recon
>> It’s interesting when multiple players are being recruiting by the same school. Whether it’s Chris Hickman and Nick Henrich or any other situation where Nebraska is recruiting multiple players at the same school, I often wonder how that works. So I asked running back coach Ryan Held about it this week.
“I think each kid is different even though there could be multiple kids are a school," Held said. "If it’s a junior college situation, the selling point is depending on the position, opportunity. We’re recruiting you to come fill a need. So, I think every kid sees that. It can be a real advantage to you to because if they are buddies they may want to come play together. If there are multiple kids at a high school or junior college we are going to recruit them.”
>> Keep an eye on 2020 athlete Malik Berry from Lawrence Free State in Lawrence, Kansas. If that school sounds familiar, it’s because that is where 2020 4-star offensive tackle prospect Turner Corcoran goes. Berry was in attendance for the Bethune-Cookman game and received a lot of attention from the Huskers' staff. Berry plays quarterback and linebacker right now. The Huskers are recruiting him as an inside linebacker. When I saw his team play last month, I was impressed with Berry.
>> Losing Robinson will hurt for awhile. Fans still talk about Josh Freeman even though that happened years ago. In Robinson's case, he was the perfect fit in the offense and was also silently committed for weeks. Add this one to the wild story of Javonte Jean-Baptiste committing to the staff, a snowstorm keeping him from sending in his letter of intent which allowed Urban Meyer to talk to him one last time and convincing him to flip.
>> One name on the team that keeps popping up in a good way is Kade Warner. The wide receiver has obviously worked his way into the rotation but the staff really loves his football IQ and he works hard to understand all aspects of the offense, which gives him increased position flexibility.
>> There are two priority 2020 targets for the Huskers that will be in Columbus this weekend unofficially visiting the Buckeyes. Aidan Keanaaina, a 3-star defensive lineman from Denver, Colorado, will be taking in the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a 3-star WR from Texas will also be at the game in Columbus too. Smith-Njigba visited Lincoln over the summer and the Huskers are very high on him.
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.
