As we move through the stretch run to the December signing period, one need that the Huskers have is for one more defensive lineman. It would be nice for that player to be in the mix next season to contribute. One player that certainly fits that mold was on campus this weekend for an official visit. East Mississippi Community College defensive end Julius Coates (6-6, 270) took an official visit to check out the Huskers. Overall, he enjoyed his experience.
Had a Great Official Visit at The University of Nebraska this weekend 🔥🏈🌽 #GBR pic.twitter.com/IKL5VNo9YY
— Julius Coates (@_JuliusCoates3) December 1, 2019
“It was great,” Coates told Hail Varsity. “Everything was good. It was smooth. I really liked the coaches. Seeing the culture and being at the game, it was a real good time.”
Coates got in with his parents on Thanksgiving in the afternoon and had a full schedule. They met with coaches and he got to meet the entire staff. Friday was focused on academics checking out majors and meeting with support staff. Coates met with Scott Frost on Saturday and came away impressed.
“It was good talking to Coach Frost,” Coates said. “It’s nice getting that personal time. It’s real important to me to see someone eye to eye and talk to them. You could tell how sincere they were about what they were saying. He’s straightforward and that’s how I am. I’m straightforward about things too.”
Frost wasn’t the only coach that left an impression on Coates. His future position coach—if he flips from Colorado to Nebraska—was a big part of the weekend.
“It was real nice hanging out with Coach [Tony] Tuioti this weekend,” he said. “I got a real good feel for him. He’s a real good coach that will put you in the best position to be successful. They are like a big family that cares about their guys on and off the field.”
Like most recruits, Coates liked what he heard from head strength coach Zach Duval. The individual emphasis on how the Huskers train stood out.
Nebraska’s location is a plus for Coates and his family.
“They [mom and dad] really enjoyed it,” Coates said. “Obviously, they are from the Midwest so it’d be nice to be in the Midwest to give them an opportunity to go to a bunch of games. Being in the Big Ten. They really enjoyed it. They could tell how sincere the coaches are. The same way they [the coaches] were this weekend is how they’ll be when I get there. So, I really liked that part of it.”
The Huskers put their best foot forward to flip Coates from his Colorado commitment. He will be signing in December and enrolling at his school of choice in January.
After the visit, Coates remarked that he could tell the team is hungry to win and get things turned around quickly. But there was something else that Coates mentioned as the most memorable thing about his time in Lincoln: Husker fans.
“Being at the game was really big. You hear about it,” Coates said. “The sellout record and how passionate the fans are. It’s raining and cold out but they are still passionate and pumped. You don’t get that everywhere. Especially a sold-out stadium. You don’t get that everywhere especially in the rain. That speaks to the culture and how bad the fans want to win. They are really passionate about Nebraska football.”
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.
