We are days away from Nebraska kicking off the 2021 football season. It feels like a good time to check in on the 2022 recruiting class so far. The Huskers are edging closer to more “normal” recruiting activities and will be hosting visitors for the home opener against Fordam Sept. 4.
Overview
Nebraska has nine commitments and is ranked last in the Big Ten in the recruiting rankings. This comes as a surprise given Nebraska’s success on the recruiting under coach Scott Frost. There is a big reason that the team’s recruiting rank is so low though and that is the number of commitments. The team is tied with Iowa for the fewest commitments in the conference and the class may only add four more players. Expect the ranking to stay low as a result.
Highest Ranked
Florida defensive lineman Hayden Schwartz took an official visit to Nebraska on June 11. It took him a little over a month after that to give his verbal commitment to the Huskers. The Bolles School standout (6-4, 244) committed to the Huskers over Michigan and Missouri. He totaled 68 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks during the 2020 season.
Best Recruiting Win
Florida wide receiver Victor Jones Jr. will be a name to know this cycle. He burst on to the scene when he committed to the Huskers back in April. All he’s done is impress since then. He’s performed well at camps this summer which helped raise his stock.
Jones also played well in a scrimmage for Olympia High School last week. He scored two touchdowns including the game-winning score. Look for Jones to take his official visit to Nebraska early in the season as he continues to rise up the rankings.
Sleeper
There is so much attention paid to quarterback recruiting that it is tough to have a sleeper from that position. This cycle is an exception for Nebraska. Texas native Richard Torres has been under the radar during his recruitment. Not being able to attend camps heading into his junior year held back his ability to be seen. He’s been a multi-sport athlete in high school so he hasn’t been on a consistent weight lifting program. Torres has a huge arm and good athleticism. He could be a steal this class for the Huskers.
Needs to Fill
There might only be four spots to fill to complete the 2022 recruiting class. I’d expect the Huskers to potentially add an offensive lineman, two defensive backs and a best player available. The biggest need heading into the 2021 football season is at defensive back. The Huskers missed on several targets that they hosted for visits in June. Jaden Mangham, James Monds III, Markeith Williams and Nathan Vail all took official visits but committed elsewhere.
Nebraska will also likely lean on the transfer portal again this offseason. It will become more clear after the season where the team needs to fill holes with older players. The Huskers need to balance a roster that features so many freshmen.