We are coming to the end of camp season and it’s the week of Nebraska’s next big events: the second Friday Night Lights camp and the Big Red BBQ. What better time to update the Greg’s Guys list, right? Since we last updated everything, a couple of players high on the list have come off the board. Quandarrius Robinson, a 4-star outside linebacker, committed to Alabama, and Roger Rosengarten, a 3-star offensive tackle from Colorado, committed to Washington.
There has also been some shake-up on the list after recent visits. Considering all the visits the prospects on this list have planned, we could see a number of them commit to a school over the next month.
If you aren’t familiar with the Greg’s Guys list, it’s my top 10 players in the class based on Nebraska’s needs, how a player fits in the scheme and talent. The player also needs to be interested in the Huskers.
The list is always fluid and that’s what makes it fun.
1. DT Nash Hutmacher (Chamberlain, South Dakota)
The talented defensive lineman remains the No. 1 Greg’s Guy. Hutmacher is in decision-mode right now after completing his official visits to Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin. I continue to feel good about Nebraska’s position here. In his interview with Hail Varsity after his official visit, he said that he’s seeing more growth in the program each time he visits. I would be surprised if his decision date went past July.
2. LB Cody Simon (Jersey City, New Jersey)
The dynamic linebacker plays for St. Peter’s Prep, an elite program in New Jersey. He has an older brother at Notre Dame but the Irish seem to no longer be a factor. He visited Lincoln for Junior Day and took his official visit to Nebraska earlier this month. He really enjoyed that visit and the Huskers are selling him on sliding into their defense to be a big playmaker. Penn State and Ohio State are the main competition here.
3. OLB Blaise Gunnerson (Carroll, Iowa)
The Iowa defender has been a mainstay on Nebraska’s campus this spring and summer, culminating with his official visit just this past weekend. Gunnerson also participated in the first Friday Night Lights camp and left everyone impressed with his pass-rush moves and motor. He is building a bond with new Huskers commit Turner Corcoran and priority target Xavier Watts and the Huskers hope all three will be calling Lincoln home soon.
4. WR Xavier Watts (Omaha, Nebraska)
There seems to be some momentum brewing between Nebraska and the Omaha Burke standout. The Huskers have gotten him on campus multiple times recently and are consistently building the relationship that he is seeking in a future school. Now the question still remains if the Huskers have done enough to hold off other schools, in particular Notre Dam and Michigan. Watts has great options on the table and will be in South Bend the weekend of June 21 for an official visit.
5. JUCO WR Omar Manning (Kilgore, Texas)
The Kilgore Community College wideout is the bigger-body type of pass catcher that many fans covet. He was originally committed to TCU before landing at Kilgore but at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has the size to go up and get the ball in the redzone. He has some quality offers but there is interest in the Huskers who hope to separate themselves from the pack with an official visit the weekend of June 21.
6. LB Kaden Johnson (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The playmaking defender attends Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. Johnson was part of a large group that took in a Huskers practice this spring and he came away wanting to get back around the program with his family. Johnson is looking to build a close relationship with the head coach at the school he eventually chooses so Coach Scott Frost will play a key role here. Johnson was unable to make a summer official work in his schedule but plans to officially visit Lincoln in the fall.
7. DL Jamar Sekona (Greenbrae, California)
Sekona, a 4-star defensive tackle from Marin Catholic High School in California, was an unofficial spring game visitor. He had a great time on his trip getting to reunite with defensive line coach Tony Tuioti. Sekona enjoyed the fans and culture at Nebraska saying “it’s just different out there” when Hail Varsity spoke with him. The Huskers were by his school multiple times during the evaluation period and should be in position to host him early in the season for an official visit.
8. RB Sevion Morrison (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Morrison was highly productive his junior season with 2,761 rushing yards and 38 total touchdowns. Hail Varsity spoke with him recently and he plans to attend the event in Lincoln on June 21 for an official visit. The Huskers would love to continue grabbing players from the state of Oklahoma and Morrison represents the best shot at that this cycle.
9. OL Alex Conn (Derby, Kansas)
Nebraska has quietly emerged as the favorite to land the big offensive lineman out of Kansas. He was in Lincoln for the spring game which really helped to push Nebraska to the front of his list. He has high upside, a mean streak and offensive line coach Greg Austin would love to work with him. Conn will be back in Lincoln on June 21.
10. LB Malik Reed (Chandler, Arizona)
The Chandler, Arizona, native is being recruited by inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud to play inside linebacker. The Huskers have had good success in Arizona recently and would like to continue that. Reed visited for the spring game and told Hail Varsity that he was “definitely considering” the Huskers. To show that further, the Huskers are getting what should be his final official visit on June 21 ahead of his college decision. Nebraska is in a battle with UCLA and Wisconsin for Reed.
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.
