The Huskers are deep into building the 2021 recruiting class. Defensive back Marques Buford was the most recent commitment, committing to Nebraska on July 18. That brought the Huskers total to 13 commitments. Scott Frost has said that he thinks this class could be a smaller one. Nebraska could end up taking 18-to-22 prospects this cycle. If that holds, there aren’t many spots left in the class.
Let’s take a look at what Nebraska’s remaining needs are and who could fill them on the offensive side of the football.
Quarterback
The Huskers have their quarterback commit for the 2021 class with Kearney Catholic’s Heinrich Haarberg. The dual-threat prospect is very solid in his commitment. So no drama is expected yet again from the quarterback position this cycle. Nebraska is on to 2022 quarterback recruiting.
2021 need: 0
Running back
Georgia native Gabe Ervin is currently the lone running back in the class. The 3-star (HV Rating: 87.3) is more of a balanced running back with good speed and power. There is still room to add one more player at this position in 2021. The two questions are who could that be and what type of back do the Huskers covet? There are a pair of speedsters that make sense for Nebraska. Both Tavierre Dunlap and Cam’Ron Valdez are Texas natives that would fit the Huskers well. New Jersey native Audric Estime is a great prospect but is a Rutgers lean at this point. He’s more of a bruising back.
2021 need: 1
Wide Receiver
The Huskers have recovered nicely at the wide receiver position for 2021. It feels like a distant memory that Keagan Johnson and Jaylin Noel spurned the Huskers for opportunities in Iowa. Nabbing Shawn Hardy (6-3, 190) and Latrell Neville (6-4, 190) helped Husker fans forget quickly. Both players can be versatile playmakers for the team in need of bigger wideouts to round out the group. Nebraska might have the room for one more Duck-R type of player. I could see them being done at wide receiver for this cycle.
2021 need: 0
Tight End
At this point in the cycle the tight end position has the most attention on it. The Huskers don’t have a player committed yet for this cycle but there isn’t any panic setting in. The Huskers are locked in a battle for their top overall target, 4-star (HV Rating: 93.5) Thomas Fidone. The talented hybrid prospect has the luxury of taking his time in the recruiting process. He seems content to do so. Nebraska will take two tight ends this cycle. Right now, all the momentum points to Creighton Prep’s AJ Rollins being in the class. The Huskers would love to have one or both of those recruitments wrapped up sooner than later.
2021 need: 2
Offensive Line
Greg Austin’s group has continued to add quality prospects since he arrived on campus. This cycle is no different. Teddy Prochazka, Henry Lutovsky and Branson Yager all committed to the team. This position might be the most affected by a smaller recruiting class. There are prospects who would like to be the fourth lineman in this class—notably Wisconsin native Marcus Mbow. But, there might not be room to add a fourth. The Huskers have a lot of young scholarship offensive linemen in the program, plus quality walk-ons who will get a look. I believe the Huskers are done at offensive line this cycle unless we get a surprise.
2021 need: 0
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.
