As the Huskers continue building the 2021 recruiting class, we can see how much of a priority different position groups are. It’s clear that reshaping the linebacker rooms is a top focus for Coach Scott Frost and his staff. What we haven’t had a great handle on is where defensive end falls in the pecking order. Of all the position groups, this one might be most effected by a lack of spring practice.
Had there been a full spring, Nebraska would have a better handle on what they can expect from the host of young but talented defensive linemen on the team. That would inform the staff on how to proceed with pursuing defensive ends this cycle. One player that we know is toward the top of the board for defensive line coach Tony Tuioti is 3-star (HV Rating: 87.0) prospect Ru'Quan Buckley.
The Michigan native (6-5, 270) is starting up football practice with his team soon. He felt like his time spent during quarantine was productive.
“I've been working out,” Buckley said. “I finished my school year and got good credits, they only gave us credit. They didn't give us grades for this semester, so I just worked out and took advantage of that. I felt like not many people would take advantage of the time to work out so when I was doing that, I just weighed myself a lot. I was going up and down on weight. Some days I'd weigh 270 or other days I weight 275.”
Buckley has always had a goal in mind. By the end of his high school career he wants to weigh at least 280 pounds. That way he could hit the ground running physically in college. Between all those workouts and finishing school, he has been in constant contact with Nebraska. That includes his potential position coach Tuioti.
“I'm still in contact with them very often,” Buckley said. “We talk a lot. Coach T texts me every morning or every day. Coach Held too. Me and Coach T link up on Zoom. It's just awesome. Coach Frost talks to me every once in a while too. It's awesome man.”
Buckley hasn’t done a full virtual visit with Nebraska since he’s already visited campus. Instead, he talks a lot about techniques with Tuioti on Zoom. One of things that Buckley connects with Tuioti about is the tips that he gives the defender to improve his game.
Buckley has continued to rack up scholarship offers during the dead period. Minnesota and Michigan State are really trying to recruit him harder these days. He likes those staffs but despite their push one school is still standing out.
“The attention is good but Nebraska is still at the top right now,” Buckley said.
Like a lot of the priority targets, Buckley has a good relationship with the Nebraska’s 2021 commits. He recently talked to offensive lineman Henry Lutovsky. He started following quarterback commit Heinrich Haarberg on Twitter too. Despite having Nebraska as his leader, he is no rush to make a commitment.
“I want to decide in fall,” Buckley said. “During the season or after season. I'll probably put out a top ten in July.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10126976/5dba4c69b3d2af0dd0ad76e0
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.
