It’s time for the November edition of Greg’s Guys.
There has been a lot of movement since last month’s list. We have a new top player as Hawaii linebacker Wynden Ho’ohuli has taken over that spot. We also saw a handful of players from the last list commit to schools. Tight end James Carnie and defensive lineman Jailen Weaver committed to Nebraska. Running back Cam’Ron Valdez selected Texas Tech and Dametrius Crownover is going to Texas A&M.
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 list is always fluid and that’s what makes it fun.
1) LB Wynden Ho’ohuli (Mililani, Hawaii)
Last Rank: 3
The Huskers have put a lot of time into recruiting the No. 1 player in Hawaii. The latest player to take over the top spot on the Greg’s Guys list has been a man of mystery throughout the recruiting process. He doesn’t do many interviews and isn’t all that concerned with social media. Being from Hawaii, it has been tough on him having to consider schools without being able to visit them. If the Huskers can the hard-hitting linebacker (6-3, 215) to pick them without coming to Lincoln it would be a major win.
2) DE Tiaoalii Savea (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Last Rank: 4
The 4-star defensive lineman out of Vegas has been closely linked to the Huskers for over a month now. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Savea is physically developed and ready to hit the ground running at the college level. To me, he has the look of a player that should be rated higher even though he is currently a 4-star prospect.
Savea intends to make his decision public at the Under Armour game. There is talk that he has informed the schools recruiting him of his decision already.
3) DL Josh Simmons (La Mesa, California)
Last Rank: Unranked
The former Oregon commit is another West Coast defensive lineman that the Huskers like this cycle. Standing at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, he would make for a class 3-4 base end in defensive coordinator Erik Chinander’s scheme. Simmons has played a lot of offensive line but feels more comfortable playing along the defensive front. The big question with him is how long will he wait to make a decision? The Huskers are among several schools chasing him.
4) DB Ceyair Wright (Los Angeles, California)
Last Rank: Unranked
The versatile defensive back (6-1, 175) is one of the top uncommitted players on the West Coast. He’s the type of long athletic player that defensive backs coach Travis Fisher covets in his room. He’s also got a verified track time of 10.84 in the 100m dash.
Unfortunately for Nebraska, he hasn’t been able to visit Lincoln. Also, the hometown USC Trojans are turning up the heat in his recruitment.
5) DE Mandela Tobin (San Diego, California)
Last Rank: 5
Tobin is one of the prospects out West that I think is most hurt by the extended dead period for recruiting. Without camps, he was unable to raise his recruiting profile the way he may have hoped. The lack of visits kept him from getting out of the region to check out the schools he is considering. Tobin has been content to let the process play out but after the Huskers picked up their first defensive line commitment could he be on the outside looking in?
6) DE Ru’Quan Buckley (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Last Rank: 1
The Michigan defender has a been a major target for the Huskers for the majority of this cycle. He is one of the few out of region prospects who got to visit Lincoln for an unofficial visit back in January pre-COVID. Buckley had an Oct. 14 decision date in mind but pushed that date back with no new stated date. Michigan State is a strong contender for his signature as Mel Tucker looks to keep him close to home.
7) WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (Ewa Beach, Hawaii)
Last Rank: Unranked
The Hawaii native makes for an intriguing prospect on the board for Nebraska. It’s not likely that the Huskers take another offensive player this cycle but could an exception be made for the 6-foot-1, 175-pound pass catcher? Mokiao-Atimalala was the leading receiver in the state of Hawaii last fall, hauling in 62 receptions for 1,133 yards and 17 touchdowns. His senior season will begin in January. Notre Dame is heavily involved with him but Huskers continue to stay in the race.
8) DE/OLB Kason Boston (Birmingham, Alabama)
Last Rank: Unranked
Boston is a newer name that is making some recruiting noise down South. The Alabama native (6-4, 245) has a good frame and is a terrific athlete. He’s seen his recruitment take off during his senior season and now has offers from Nebraska, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State among others. In his first three games of the season, he racked up nine sacks. Boston is likely not done adding offers as he continues his big senior year.
9) DL Michael Mokofisi (Woods Cross, Utah)
Last Rank: 9
The stout lineman (6-3, 300) is one of the top uncommitted players in the state of Utah. He visited Nebraska last season in November to see the Huskers take on Wisconsin. Mokofisi also visited Nebraska for Junior Day back in January. That visit he was able to see get a more in-depth tour of the facilities. Utah is a strong player in his recruitment. He may feel comfortable staying home after everything that has happened in 2020.
10) DL/OL Tyler Maro (Assumption, Iowa)
Last Rank: 10
The Iowa native is a fascinating prospect to watch in the 2021 cycle. He’s racked up 30 offers after being largely off the radar for his junior season. The large (6-7, 260) lineman could play on either side of the ball giving him some flexibility in college. He has family ties to Iowa State but Stanford is in the mix. The Huskers are too, if they see Maro as a defensive lineman in college.