One of the biggest storylines of the 2021 recruiting cycle is going to be Nebraska’s efforts into landing talent from the Hawkeye State. Led by defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, the Huskers have stepped up their efforts in Iowa quite a bit. They have recruited the Iowa kids that they’re interested in hard since arriving in Lincoln. It is a new strategy from prior coaching staffs.
There are several players that Nebraska already offered who have committed elsewhere already. Defensive tackle Griffin Liddle, defensive lineman Jeff Bowie and offensive lineman Connor Colby all committed to Iowa.
It’s the strongest year for talent in Iowa that I can remember. These battles will have a huge impact on Big Ten games in the future.
Iowa Prospects with Offers
- OL Henry Lutovsky (commit)
- TE Thomas Fidone
- OLB TJ Bollers
- ILB Seth Malcom
- WR Brody Brecht
The Huskers have hosted all of these prospects for Junior Day visits in January. Lutovsky is a rock solid commit. He is quite active on Twitter encouraging the rest of these Iowa prospects while peer recruiting. Fidone has been a frequent visitor to Nebraska. That’s good for the Huskers considering he continues to get new offers daily from around the country. Holding off new suitors like Notre Dame and Michigan will be tough. The Council Bluffs tight end could be a game-changer type of prospect in Lincoln. Brecht is an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, he is a terrific athlete that would give the Huskers another bigger option.
There are few prospects on the defensive side of the ball that the Huskers covet more than Bollers. The hybrid edge rusher is well suited for the 3-4 defense. Wisconsin and Iowa State will be tough competition here. Yet the Huskers have hosted him and various family members several times. A summer official visit is being set up with Bollers. Malcom (6-3, 200) is another target that Nebraska was in on very early. He was in Lincoln for spring practices last year and returned for a game then Junior Day. Nebraska is in a good spot with him. The staff must continue to hold off Iowa State and Minnesota.
Iowa Prospects without Offers
- ATH Cooper DeJean
- OL Tyler Maro
Both DeJean and Maro have visited Lincoln several times over the last two years. DeJean is a do-everything athlete for his school and has great athleticism. Maro (6-7, 250) has a great frame for an offensive tackle. Each player is one to watch as they sit right on the line for an offer.
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.
