The Huskers have added another defensive player to the commit list.
On Friday night, 3-star (HV Rating: 85.8) linebacker Mikai Gbayor committed to the Huskers. He announced his decision on his Instagram account and Twitter.
Committed🌽❤️‼️ pic.twitter.com/KKUJRqIUyh
— Mikai Gbayor🗡 (@MGbayor) September 5, 2020
The New Jersey native (6-2,220) is being recruited by the Huskers to play inside linebacker but he does have position flexibility. Gbayor had been in frequent contact with the Huskers throughout the recruiting process. His lead recruiter is outside linebackers coach Mike Dawson. Both Dawson and inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud told him the history of New Jersey players coming to Lincoln is strong.
“Ruud told me that the Jersey connection is strong there at Nebraska,” Gbayor said. “You know he played there and there are plenty of linebackers that came out of Nebraska. Guys like Lavonte David. He showed me those guys. Our relationship is great. He calls me just to check up. Me and Coach Ruud’s relationship is great.”
When Hail Varsity spoke to the Huskers’ latest commitment in late August, he described what he was looking for in his future home.
“I have to be comfortable there,” Gbayor said. “I’m looking for great coaches that are going to lead me in the right direction. Not only care for me as a football player but as man in life that’s going to do the right things once I leave that school. The team’s chemistry, the bonding of the team is important.
“I want to see the campus of school where I’d be at most of the time other than football. I think that’s very important with what my social life will be like.”
Official visits have been put pause during the NCAA-mandated dead period. Yet, Gbayor was able to take a trip on his own to Lincoln so he could see the campus. The defender picked the Huskers over the other schools in his top five that included Michigan State, Ole Miss, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Gbayor is the 18th known commitment for the 2021 recruiting class. He’s the fourth linebacker in the class joining Randolph Kpai, Seth Malcom and Patrick Payton.
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.
