With the recruiting dead period over, the Nebraska coaching staff isn’t wasting any time hitting the road. While the Huskers are without a defensive coordinator for the time being, that hasn’t stopped defensive backs coach Donte Williams and defensive line coach John Parrella from getting out on the recruiting trail as quickly as possible.
It’s typically been more clear in the past where Nebraska’s coaches are headed but with no official confirmation, we were left to track Twitter for traces and signs of where the coaches may have ended up. While more visits will likely come to light, we were able to note a couple of stops on Williams’ and Parrella’s paths.
Donte Williams
https://twitter.com/coachD_GBR/status/819457137520672768
Williams was up late (or early, depending on who you ask) at 2:13 a.m. with energy drinks, music and snacks. At the time, it wasn’t clear where Williams might be headed but it became a bit clearer as the day went on when ATH Michal Onyemaobi tweeted a photo ‘throwing the bones’ with Williams Thursday morning.
https://twitter.com/M_Onyemaobi/status/819584048196567046
Onyemaobi is currently committed to Cal and does not hold a Nebraska offer, but it looks like that could be changing. Would he flip if the Huskers make an offer? That has yet to be determined, but the photo and visit are a step in the right direction.
Since Williams is out in California, another stop might be to see Jordan Genmark-Heath, who is a 3-star DB currently also committed to Cal. The reason this name stands out is because Williams recently followed Genmark-Heath on Twitter. The San Diego native does not currently hold a Nebraska offer, but there’s something to be said about Williams taking note of him via Twitter.
Even if a visit doesn’t happen right now, it’s a name worth keeping an eye on.
John Parrella
— John Parrella (@Coach_Parrella) January 12, 2017
While Williams’ traveling plans were made clear pretty quickly on Thursday, Parrella’s were a mystery for quite awhile. As the day went on, it looks like he went to Mustang, Oklahoma, to see 3-star DT Deontre Thomas.
I'm excited about tonight, tonight cant come fast enough @Coach_Parrella ☠️
— Cameal Thompson (@camealt) January 12, 2017
Cameal Thompson is Thomas’ mom and appears to be very supportive of her son’s commitment to Nebraska.
I need to go online and order me some Husker gear for my trip ☠️🌽🏈🙅🏽♂️
— Cameal Thompson (@camealt) January 12, 2017
Thomas has a visit planned to Nebraska on Jan. 20.
There will be more visits and offers in the coming days, as the Huskers are hoping to secure quite a few commitments before the end of the weekend. We’ll be updating the threads over on Hail Varsity Premium as more information becomes available.

Erin is the Deputy Editor and Digital Marketing Strategist for Hail Varsity. She has covered Nebraska athletics since 2012, which has included stops at Bleacher Report, Cox Media Group’s Land of 10, and even Hail Varsity (previously from 2012-2017). She has also been featured on the Big Ten Network, NET’s Big Red Wrap-Up, and a varsity of radio shows nationwide. When not covering the Huskers, Erin is probably at Chipotle.