We are in an interesting time in the offseason. This is typically one of the few times in the year that things are pretty slow. We are still less than a month removed from the late signing period and the team is deep into winter conditioning. We don’t usually get a ton of public updates out of that. It doesn’t always feel slow currently since there are plenty of other Husker sports to take in at the moment.
Still, there are some things to dive into behind the scenes with Nebraska football.
Let’s get to the Recon.
Husker Commits
None for the 2022 cycle yet.
2021 Needs
| QB | 1 | DL | 2 |
| RB | 1 | MLB | 2 |
| WR | 2 | OLB | 2 |
| TE | 1 | DB | 3 |
| OL | 3 | K/P | 0 |
The Recon:
>> Things have gone fairly quiet on the special teams situation with Nebraska. Right now, I expect the solution to come from within the current staff. It wouldn’t surprise me if Mike Dawson handles special teams duties with help from an analyst. Dawson has experience coaching the unit. He has also previously spoken about the importance of players understanding how important special teams is.
“My question is the guys that are the other way. If they think, no, I don’t want to play, I’m too good for them,” Dawson said. “After spending time (coaching) in the NFL and three years prior to that, you better play on special teams if you want to play or keep your career going. To me, you have to have that culture, ‘Not only do I want to be on them, I’m going to get after somebody’s backside.'”
If it turns out that way, we’ll see if a different piecemeal approach yields different results for Scott Frost.
>> I wrote earlier this week about how the 2023 class in the state of Nebraska is off to a hot start with offers. The next in-state offer I expect to see is Gunnar Gottula, a 2023 lineman from Lincoln Southeast. The 6-6, 250 pounder already has a great frame with plenty of room to fill out. He holds an offer from Iowa State. I could see Nebraska coming in soon with an offer.
>> There was a lot of talk this week about Omaha natives Devon Jackson and Deshawn Woods not including the Huskers in their top five. Within that a lot of people wonder if Nebraska will stay in the hunt with them even though they were not included. I try to never say never in recruiting, but I would be stunned if Jackson considers letting Nebraska back into the mix.
I think they’ll keep trying with Woods. His relationship was better with the program but it would still be an uphill climb to get back into the conversation with the Omaha Central star.
>> It was reported that the Nebraska is bringing back a couple of ’90s greats to volunteer with the program. Jay Foreman and Jason Peter have been around the team for a couple weeks during winter conditioning. The pair go over to the facility a couple times a week and talk to players and coaches while observing weight lifting sessions. It’s not really about Foreman and Peter telling the players how things were back in the day. The duo is really around to help reinforce the work ethic needed to elevate the team over the hump to playing winning football again. Sometimes a different voice other than coaches is needed. Whenever we talk to players again it will be interesting to get their thoughts on the situation.
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.
