Running backs coach Reggie Davis has earned a reputation for finding and stealing talented running back prospects late in the recruiting cycle, as he swiped Devine Ozigbo from Iowa State and Tre Bryant from Kansas State in the last two classes. Davis looks like he is up to his old tricks once again in 2017, as he is zeroing in on Chula Vista, California, running back C.J. Verdell.
Verdell, a 5-9, 190-pound prospect, has been committed to Oregon since May. However, the firing of Mark Helfrich has given Nebraska an opening to steal the talented back away. Verdell has hosted Davis in his home multiple times during the contact period and is planning on officially visiting Nebraska on Jan. 13. Verdell is also planning to visit Utah and UCLA at some point in January.
During Verdell’s senior season, he rushed for 2,040 yards and 31 touchdowns. His contributions helped lead Mater Dei Catholic to a 12-1 record and the California Division 3-AA semifinals. Verdell’s efforts have resulted in earning the Silver Pigskin Award, a trophy presented to the top football player in San Diego County.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3395915/5827cef54ba87714a8657b9a
While Verdell appears to be the top target on Nebraska’s board, Davis also recently visited Fort Myers, Florida, to see running back prospect Darrian Felix. By the end of the visit, he had offered the talented Floridan. Felix now holds 29 FBS offers, with Oregon and North Carolina to be at the top of his list.
Nebraska has some work to do to catch up, but Felix has expressed interest in visiting Nebraska after the dead period ends on Jan. 11. Felix is coming off a senior season in which he rushed for 1,477 yards and 20 touchdowns, while averaging 7.8 yards per carry. His efforts helped lead Fort Myers High School to an 8-5 record and the Florida Class 6A regional semifinals.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/2883755/58406192a680962b0cdc853e
Will Davis be able to snag a commitment from either Verdell or Felix? We should know more in January as visits take place.