The Huskers have had their sights set on nabbing a pair of tight ends during this recruiting cycle. It’s a position of growing importance in the offense. One of Nebraska’s top targets at the position this cycle is Creighton Prep 3-star (HV Rating: 85.3) tight end AJ Rollins.
Nebraska was one of the first to offer Rollins (6-6, 220) after an impressive showing at a camp just over a year ago. Since then, he’s been putting in the work to improve his game. During quarantine, the Junior Jay has mostly been working out. The big thing he has wanted to do was improve his vertical jump to win 50-50 balls.
Rollins has also spent time taking virtual visits during the NCAA-mandated dead period. He has previously visit Nebraska, Iowa State, West Virginia and Oklahoma State over the last year. Those four programs are currently the main players in his recruitment.
And Rollins does speak with Nebraska often. He said that he speaks with area recruiter Barrett Ruud daily and is close with him. He is also close with tight ends coach Sean Beckton.
“I talk to [Beckton] a lot,” Rollins said. “He’s a pretty cool dude. We went over their plays and it was just focusing on me. Showing me the scheme and showing me what I would do if I went there. It looked good. I’d say we are pretty tight too.”
Rollins is also in contact with Coach Scott Frost often as well. He most recently talked with him on Sunday and said they text at least once or twice a week. The role that the Huskers are pitching to the tight end is resonating too.
“They really see me playing everywhere,” Rollins said. “H-Back, slot, everywhere. That type of position. It’s cool with me. I like doing those type of things and not just staying in one position. I like that type of stuff.”
The Omaha native did say that he has a timeline in mind for his commitment. If there is a season, he’d like to wait until the middle or end of his senior year to commit. If there isn’t a season, he will commit in August or early September. He also knows what he is looking for in a future school.
“A place that needs me,” Rollins said. “A place that fits me. Somewhere that can help me with after school. I want to do something in journalism.”
For now, Rollins is focused on practice and improving his game. Creighton Prep started working out again a couple of weeks ago and the Junior Jays have started 7-on-7 games with matchups against Papillion and Omaha Burke.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9773027/5dc0d9f5d45ed70d001111ac
