Now that the 2019 recruiting class is in the books, it’s time to turn the page to the class of 2020. There will be plenty of great storylines during this recruiting cycle, including the amount of talent in the “500-mile radius,” the emphasis on Texas recruiting and the question of whether or not Nebraska can snag a couple of players from Missouri.
If you aren’t familiar, the Greg’s Guys list is 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. Also keep in mind Nebraska has one commit — quarterback Logan Smothers — so he won’t be on this list.
The list is always fluid and that’s what makes it fun.
1. OT Turner Corcoran (Lawrence, Kansas)
There probably wasn’t much mystery about who would hold the No. 1 spot on the initial 2020 list. The Free State lineman isn’t just one of the top players in the region but the entire country. Corcoran has been to Lincoln many times since Coach Scott Frost took over the program with another trip planned for this spring to check out a practice. The opportunity to pair him with 2019 signee Bryce Benhart is very exciting for the staff and Husker fans.
2. DT Nash Hutmacher (Chamberlain, South Dakota)
Nebraska has done well to get Hutmacher on campus multiple times already. He plays both offensive and defensive line for his high school in South Dakota but the Huskers would like him to be a future Blackshirt. The state champion wrestler is a terrific defensive line prospect who works very hard in the weight room. This currently looks like a Big Ten West battle between the Huskers and Wisconsin, but it would not surprise me to see Hutmacher’s stock continue to rise.
3. LB Jackson Bratton (Muscle Shoals, Alabama)
I rarely include committed players on this list but Bratton is that good. He is committed to Alabama but has been open to taking visits elsewhere, including a recent trip to Texas A&M. Nebraska has an ace in the hole here since Bratton is very close with Smothers. Nebraska will likely recruit Bratton very hard the entire cycle.
4. DB Darius Snow (Lewisville, Texas)
The Hebron High School star is well put together at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds. He shows good ball skills in the secondary but he really shines in run support. Snow is a great tackler and likes to compete on the football field. The Texan recently released a group of 13 schools he will be focusing on moving forward with the Huskers making the cut.
5. 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 and the Irish are also a strong contender for him. He did visit Lincoln for the Huskers’ Junior Day and he is intent on letting the process play out.
6. ATH Xavier Watts (Omaha, Nebraska)
The Omaha Burke standout has really made a name for himself. Watts has become a bonafide national recruit who will continue to see his stock rise as more schools see his tape and then come watch him play during his senior season. Personally, I think wide receiver is his best college position but there are some who believe he could be a better defensive back. Either way, he is a great football player.
7. OL Roger Rosengarten (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
Last year when Rosengarten was an unofficial visitor in Lincoln for a game, he was relatively unknown. The Huskers were early on Rosengarten and offered him one of his first scholarships. Since then his stock has skyrocketed and he has over 20 offers including Michigan, Notre Dame and UCLA. The big lineman (6-7, 275) attends the same high school that Luke McCaffrey did.
8. WR Zavier Betts (Omaha, Nebraska)
When you are 6-foot-3 with good speed and leaping ability, that is a very good thing for a wide receiver. The Bellevue West star is rated as one of the top pass catchers in the country by some services and it’s easy to see why. The potential is there for him to be a star at the next level. Still, his recruitment has not fully taken off yet despite some good regional offers. He was recently at Nebraska’s Junior Day event.
9. RB Sevion Morrison (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Deciding which running back to include on the initial list was very difficult. We know that running backs coach Ryan Held will land at least one quality back in this class. Right now I like the Oklahoma runner from Edison High School. Morrison was highly productive his junior season with 2761 rushing yards and 38 total touchdowns. The secret is out on him and he is picking up new offers every day.
10. Quin Bright (Cedar Hill, Texas)
Sometimes you see a player on film and just know that guy fits what the staff is looking for. If you watch Bright’s tape, you will see it too. He is a versatile player who can catch the ball and is a good ball carrier. Bright would fit nicely into the “Duck-R” role in the offense. He recently included the Huskers in his final eight schools.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8673504/5b8ca5ab2aa7ad0b60c538e1
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.
