Nebraska’s recruiting for the 2020 recruiting class took off late. There aren’t many—if any—needs left for the 2020 class that will be filled with signees on National Signing Day in Feburary. Because of that, the Huskers staff is focusing on the 2021 recruiting while they are out on the road this month.
The class is already off to a good start and features four commits right now. There are two high four-star players in class. Offensive tackle Teddy Prochazka and linebacker Randolph Kpai. Iowa offensive guard Henry Lutovsky is a very good prospect. The first player in the class—Florida defensive end RJ Sorensen—also has a high ceiling. What better time than now make some bold predictions for the 2021 recruiting class?
Half the class will come from the 500-mile radius
Three of the four current commits are from the 500-mile radius. The 2021 group in loaded in the region.
Let’s take a look at some of the known uncommitted targets for the Huskers in the region right now:
- RB Javion Hunt (OK)
- RB Devin Neal (KS)
- WR Brody Brecht (IA)
- WR Keagan Johnson (NE)
- WR Jaylin Noel (KS)
- TE Thomas Fidone (IA)
- OT Riley Malhman (MN)
- DE Tobechi Okoli (MO)
- DE Ryan Keeler (IL)
- DE Jeff Bowie (IA)
- OLB TJ Bollers (IA)
- OLB Travion Ford (MO)
- OLB Collin Oliver (OK)
- ILB Seth Malcom (OK)
- CB Avante Dickerson (NE)
- ATH AJ Rollins (NE)
More targets will emerge from the radius as well. There is plenty of talent in the area for Nebraska to mine as they look to stock the roster. Georgia and Florida recruiting will still be important this cycle and Texas will get a renewed focus. But Nebraska can make a lot of waves in the radius this cycle.
Nebraska will land a recruit from Illinois or Michigan
Since 2015 Nebraska has only signed one player from Illinois but the program has only offered 29 Illinois natives in that period. The Land of Lincoln just hasn’t been a priority for the Huskers. Michigan has largely been the same story. The Huskers last landed a player from Michigan in 2017. That was Andrew Ward who didn’t finish his career at Nebraska.
For the 2021 cycle the Huskers have eight offers out in Illinois. There is high interest from two of them: defensive end Ryan Keeler and linebacker Tyler McLaurin. Michigan also has eight offers right now with a pair of prospects with high interest. Wide receiver Jace Williams and defensive end Ru’Quan Buckley are high on Nebraska. All four prospects mentioned are scheduled to be in Lincoln for Junior Day on Jan. 25.
There will be one 5-star in the class
In modern-era Nebraska recruiting history, there have only been two 5-stars to commit to the school. In 2000, tight end Chris Septak was the first. Running back Marlon Lucky, who is the highest-rated commit in school history, was the other in 2005. I’m calling for the next one to happen in the 2021 class. It could even be someone who isn’t a current 5-star.
The Huskers are in contention with some players that could push for 5-star status:
- LB Terrence Lewis
- CB Avante Dickerson
- TE Thomas Fidone
- OLB TJ Bollers
- OLB Travion Ford
- RB Evan Pryor
Don’t forget Teddy Prochazka who would likely be rated even higher if he went to more camps. I expect his ranking to rise as he is evaluated closer.
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.
