Greg’s Guys is back!
If you aren’t familiar with the Greg’s Guys list, it’s my top 10 players in Nebraska’s recruiting class based on needs, how a player fits in the scheme and talent. The player also needs to be interested in the Huskers. The 2021 recruiting class is talented and deep. That is especially true in the always talked about 500-mile radius. This cycle could see half the class filled with players within driving distance of campus.
It wasn’t intentional but everyone on the list—outside of Terrence Lewis Jr.—has already visited Nebraska. That goes to show just how well Nebraska has done getting top targets on campus early and often. Several of the players listed have been to Lincoln many times.
The list is always fluid and that’s what makes it fun.
1) TE Thomas Fidone (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
It is rare that a tight end would hold the No. 1 spot on this list. However, Fidone is the type of game-changing prospect that is deserving. His athleticism and size combination are rare. Fidone has wide receiver speed, soft hands, and is a promising route runner for a tight end. Adding a player like Fidone at tight end opens up an offense in so many ways.
The Huskers have been on him as long as Frost and his staff have been in Lincoln. He’s been to Nebraska several times, most recently last month. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound tight end dominated the All-American Bowl Combine and saw his stock take off. He now holds close to 30 scholarship offers from all over the country. The Huskers will have to hold off some serious competition as Fidone sets his official visits. Still, that is how it typically goes when trying to land a top 100 recruit in the nation.
A summer decision could be coming for the Council Bluffs native.
2) OLB TJ Bollers (Tiffin, Iowa)
The top defensive player on the list, Bollers is an important recruit for the Huskers this cycle. Standing 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Bollers is perfectly suited to play 3-4 outside linebacker in college. He has the size to play the run and is quick twitch enough to rush the passer. Bollers is a hard worker in the weight room and good leader which are intangible qualities any college staff would love. Nebraska has hosted him often, including in January for Junior Day. Bollers plans to take his officials early but doesn’t have a date for the Husker visit yet.
3) CB Avante Dickerson (Omaha, Nebraska)
The Omaha Westside defender is getting attention from around the country that we don’t often see for Nebraska prospects. At 6-foot-1 he has good height and length for a defensive back but his speed is what separates him from the pack. Dickerson has the potential to be a true lockdown corner at the college level. I’ve seen him play a few times and he’s not afraid of contact either. It will be a battle to land him but the fight will be worth it if the Huskers can keep him home.
4) ILB Terrence Lewis (Hollywood, Florida)
Lewis made waves in December when he posted a photo with Husker signees Marcus Fleming and Ronald Delancy. The trio all attended Miami Northwestern together last year. While Lewis has transferred to Chaminade Prep, the Huskers are still in the thick of things with his recruitment. The speedy linebacker was a MaxPreps All-American and it’s easy to see why. As a junior he racked up 105 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks and three interceptions. Watching him on film, he looks a lot like 2020 Husker signee Keyshawn Green with his quick first step and wiry frame that can hold more weight. Getting Lewis on campus this spring is a must for the Huskers.
5) DE Ru'Quan Buckley (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Defensive end could emerge this cycle as one of Nebraska’s top priorities. It’s a good thing they have already hosted standout Michigan defensive end Ru’Quan Buckley for a Junior Day. Buckley made that trip with his mom and enjoyed his time in Lincoln with several things standing out to him.
“It’s a lot of stuff, that’s a hard question,” he said. “The thing that stood out to me the most is the way Coach T [Tuioti] taught me how to get by offensive linemen. He was just cool with me like family. Like another dad.”
He has great length (6-6, 260) and a frame to add more weight to be disruptive in the Big Ten. It’s a very safe bet that Nebraska will get an official visit from the defender as early as this spring.
6) QB Peter Costelli (Mission Viejo, California)
The Huskers quest for a quarterback in the class of 2021 begins with the 6-foot-3, 205-pound signal caller. Listed as a pocket passer, Costelli has good strength and accuracy on his throws. However, don’t sleep on his athletic ability. He has a verified 10.82 in the 100m dash. A spring practice visit to Nebraska looms ahead of his expected spring/summer official visits.
7) ILB Chris Paul (Cordele, Georgia)
Paul is the only player on the initial Greg’s Guys list for 2021 that has set his official visit to Nebraska. He will take his official June 12-14.
Official Visit set for 12-14 June… 🔴⚪️⚫️ 🌽 🌾 🌽 🌾 @BarrettRuud @SeanDillonNU @CoachBeckton @CoachChinander @NEB_Recruiting @coach_frost pic.twitter.com/uKIvFsbiP7
— Christopher “POOH” Paul Jr. (@PoohPaul4) January 31, 2020
The Georgia native came to Lincoln last season. Both he and his dad were blown away by what he found in Lincoln.
“My pop got up there and looked like a little kid,” Paul said. “He thought it was amazing. They showed him a good time as well. They treated him like he was a top prospect. They showed him around while I was on the photoshoot. They took him around campus and the football field. They showed that family environment.”
8) OL Marcus Mbow (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
The Huskers are entering spring football in a great position with 2021 offensive line recruiting. With Teddy Prochazka and Henry Lutovsky in the fold they can focus on adding one more quality lineman. Mbow (6-6, 285) would be a great choice to finish the class. Nebraska is trying to hold off Iowa here but Mbow did delay his intended commitment in part because he didn’t get to visit Lincoln in January. Finding athletic big guys is always nice.
— Marcus Mbow (@MarcusMbow) February 12, 2020
9) ILB Seth Malcom (Tabor, Iowa)
It isn’t often that you’ll find someone who plays eight-man football as heavily recruited as Malcom. The Huskers recognized his potential early and offered him a scholarship last spring. Malcom (6-3, 200) shows good instincts and a nose for the football. He’s an all-around great athlete as he participates in four sports in high school. The defender has been to Lincoln several times in the last year. Nebraska is a major threat to steal a good one out of Iowa.
10) WR Keagan Johnson (Omaha, Nebraska)
Could Johnson be the next Bellevue West Star to play college football at Nebraska? There is no denying the talent of the two-standout from last season’s Class A champion. Johnson (6-1, 180) could excel at either defensive back or wide receiver in college. The Huskers like his potential on the offensive side of the ball. It’s important to lock up the state’s top talent. Especially since Johnson is considering Iowa and Kansas State among other regional schools.
Last year’s initial list for the 2020 recruiting cycle featured eventual Husker signees Turner Corcoran (1), Nash Hutmacher (2), Zavier Betts (8) and Sevion Morrison (9). Linebackers Jackson Bratton (3, Alabama) and Cody Simon (5, Ohio State) were also on the first list as was wideout Xavier Watts (6, Notre Dame).
