Spring football is officially over and we have seen many visitors come through Lincoln. The Huskers staff made it a point to invite recruits to come out with the purpose being to get prospects accustomed to what it’s like to be in a college environment and be able to see the coaches teach.
The post-spring edition of Greg’s Guys will see some big changes from the last list as seven of the 10 players have changed. The top 10 players in the class based on Nebraska’s needs, how a player fits in the scheme and talent is always fluid and that’s what makes it fun!
1. LB Nick Henrich (Omaha, Nebraska)
Henrich is the type of player that you can build a defense around. In fact, that’s exactly what the Huskers would like to do with the Omaha Burke star. He visited a Nebraska practice this spring with his family and they loved what they saw. A summer decision looms but Notre Dame, Iowa and Minnesota are legitimate threats.
2. DE Marcus Hicks (Wichita, Kansas)
The Kansas prospect has been made a huge priority by the new staff at Nebraska just like he was for the old staff. Hicks visited Nebraska for a Junior Day in April with his dad. The staff is tasked with convincing Hicks that 3-4 outside linebacker is the best long-term move for him. He certainly the quick-twitch needed to make the move and excel.
3. OT Bamidele Olaseni (Garden City, Kansas)
The “British Invasion” is one of the top JUCO prospects in the country. The big man (6-8, 320) has racked up offers from Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Tennessee and Nebraska, among others, recently. Nebraska has a great need for impact tackles and would love to host the lineman in the fall.
4. WR Mycah Pittman (Westlake Village, California)
Wide receiver recruiting for 2019 is a bit of a mystery right now as there are several legitimate targets that Nebraska has their eye on. The offense is very pass-catcher friendly so there should never be a shortage of recruits wanting to get to Lincoln. Pittman, a do-everything player, is the latest wideout from Calabasas with interest in the Huskers and is scheduled to be in town May 5th.
5. LB Ge'mon Eaford (Deerfield Beach, Florida)
Eaford is another prospect that plays defensive end in high school that Nebraska has identified as someone who can move to outside linebacker. He’s a plus athlete who would give Nebraska a dynamic pass rushing option if he were to choose the Huskers. Eaford visited Nebraska for the spring game and has a great relationship with outside linebacker coach Jovan Dewitt.
6. TE Chris Hickman (Omaha, Nebraska)
The Omaha Burke standout is just scratching the surface of how good he can be which is scary for opposing teams he will face this year during his senior season. He has a great frame (6-6, 195) to grow into a rush defensive end or be a hybrid tight end in college. He spent a day in Lincoln this spring taking in a practice and meeting with coaches. Look for Nebraska to remain in the thick of things with him.
7. DE Mosai Newsom (Waverly, Iowa)
Coming into the spring, it looked like Nebraska didn’t have much of a chance with the Iowa defensive end with all signs pointing to him ending up in Iowa City. Now after three visits to Lincoln in the span of about 5 weeks, Nebraska looks to be the clear leader. Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander has identified Newsom as a great fit as a 3-4 end in his defense.
8. RB John Bivens (Dayton, Ohio)
During the spring, Nebraska picked up a running back commitment from Oklahoma prospect Thomas Grayson but will still take a least one more in the class of 2019. Right now, Bivens represents the most likely candidate to fill that slot. Bivens can be utilized in both the run and pass game and has the speed this staff covets.
9. DE Ty Robinson (Gilbert, Arizona)
Robinson made two trips to Lincoln this spring including a trip for the spring game. He has deep family ties to Nebraska as both of his parents attended Chadron State. Also, most of his mom’s side of the family still lives in Nebraska. He has really hit it off with defensive line coach Mike Dawson. Nebraska will surely get an official visit from him.
10. QB Luke McCaffrey (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
After things cooled significantly between Nebraska and Max Duggan, there was plenty of intrigue around who the top quarterback target in 2019 would be. After an under the radar visit to Lincoln for Junior Day that went very well, the fit between McCaffrey and the Huskers seems to be there. He will finally get his chance to be the man at quarterback for his high school after being behind two Power-5 QBs the last two seasons.
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.
