Now that the dust has settled on the early signing period, we are into the dead period where no contact is allowed between schools and student-athletes. There also hasn’t been much happening with the holidays but that doesn’t mean we can’t dive into some recruiting.
Let’s get to the Recon.
Husker Commits
Zavier Betts, wide receiver, Omaha, Nebraska
Marquis Black, defensive lineman, McDonough, Georgia
Alante Brown, wide receiver, Chicago, Illinois
Jimari Butler, outside linebacker, Mobile, Alabama
Alex Conn, offensive lineman, Derby, Kansas
Niko Cooper, outside linebacker, Memphis, Tennessee
Turner Corcoran, offensive lineman, Lawrence, Kansas
Ronald Delancy III, defensive back, Miami, Florida
Henry Gray, defensive back, Hollywood, Florida
Keyshawn Greene, linebacker, Crawfordville, Florida
Blaise Gunnerson, outside linebacker, Carroll, Iowa
Nash Hutmacher, defensive tackle, Chamberlain, South Dakota
Marcus Fleming, wide receiver, Miami, Florida
Jaiden Francois, defensive back, Homestead, Florida
Tamon Lynum, cornerback, Orlando, Florida
Omar Manning, wide receiver, Lancaster, Texas
Eteva Mauga-Clements, inside linebacker, Pleasant Hill, California
Sevion Morrison, running back, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Will Nixon, wide receiver, Waco, Texas
Pheldarius Payne, defensive end, Suffolk, Virginia
Jordon Riley, defensive lineman, Durham, North Carolina
Marvin Scott III, running back, Port Orange, Florida
Logan Smothers, quarterback, Athens, Alabama
2020 Needs
| QB | 0 | DL | 0 |
| RB | 0 | ILB | 0 |
| WR | 0 | OLB | 0 |
| TE | 0 | DB | 0 |
| OL | 0 | K/P | 0 |
The Recon:
>> We have seen the underbelly of recruiting during this recruiting cycle. Junior college inside linebacker Jamoi Hodge was encouraged to look elsewhere. He landed at TCU. Earlier this week we saw a similar situation play out when JUCO outside linebacker Junior Aho left the class. There just wasn’t much room for Aho after Nebraska landed Jimari Butler and Niko Cooper. This staff is doing everything to maximize the roster.
>> I mentioned last week that Nebraska will be hosting a Junior Day in January. I have a date now. The event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18. I’ll be very curious to see the type of turn out Nebraska has. The Huskers have hosted a number of top underclass targets already so continuing to build those relationships will be key. If Nebraska can get top targets from around the country in town for a second or third time before spring official visits it would be a big boost for the class building. It could be a big day for the Huskers.
>> Speaking of 2021 prospects, let’s pump the brakes on some of the doom and gloom I’m hearing about the in-state prospects not wanting to play at Nebraska. It is too early to say that. Remember that two cycles ago Nick Henrich and Chris Hickman were not early Husker leans. Zavier Betts wasn’t either. Let the process play out. Coach Scott Frost and inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud have earned a little benefit of the doubt here.
>> Right now, the Huskers are sitting at 20 official visits left. I don’t expect the team to host many official visitors for the 2020 class in January, so those could mostly roll over to spring for early officials. The Huskers will want visits to use for Friday Night Lights and the Spring Game. You can also use official visits for transfers.
>> I could still see the team being in the market for a graduate transfer kicker. I think everyone recognizes just how much the kicking situation cost the team last season. The Huskers will try hard to upgrade that spot even if it results in some difficult conversations down the road.
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.
