On Sunday, 3-star JUCO WR Jaron Woodyard became the second commitment of the Scott Frost era. The Arizona Western CC speedster took an official visit last weekend to Nebraska. Here are five thoughts on the latest addition to the 2018 Nebraska recruiting class.
1. The need for speed
One thing is for certain about the offense that Scott Frost is bringing to Nebraska, it requires a lot of speed to work as effectively as possible. Woodyard is one of the fastest players in JUCO this year and provides an immediate boost to the overall team speed. Let’s set up the race between him and DiCaprio Bootle right now.
2. Wide receiver is a huge position of need
Before Woodyard joined the class, Nebraska was down to just one verbal commitment at wideout, Cameron Brown. No one really believes Brown will end up in the class at this point so a complete rebuild of the WRs in the 2018 class is needed. Woodyard is a great start.
3. Immediate contribution is likely
With Woodyard coming in from the JUCO ranks, my confidence is high that he will be able to compete for playing time right away. He should be in the mix in the return game as well. The potential of having Stanley Morgan, JD Spielman, Tyjon Lindsey and Jaron Woodyard all on the field together should make coach Frost very happy.
4. JUCO recruiting is back
Under Scott Frost, Nebraska will no longer sit on the sidelines and watch good JUCO talent plug holes on rosters for other teams. One of the biggest missteps of the Riley era was not signing any JUCO players and it shows on the field. Ace recruiter Ryan Held will keep Nebraska in many battles for top JUCO players on a yearly basis.
5. More versatility
I’ve said it a few times already but one of the common traits that keeps popping up with Frost recruits at Nebraska is their versatility. There are a lot of guys being recruited that don’t just fit one position. Woodyard is a WR but will also get some carries, work in the return game and could see time on other special teams units. There is a premium being placed on finding versatile football players.
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.
