The Huskers received some good news over the weekend when Michigan defensive lineman Ru’Quan Buckley committed to the team. The versatile lineman picked Nebraska over Michigan State, Florida State, Cincinnati and Minnesota.
Committed to the University of Nebraska thank you sooo much too all coaches who recruited me pic.twitter.com/RbiMfx0QIC
— Ru'Quan Buckley (@Darealruquan) December 5, 2020
Buckley (6-6, 280) always had it in his mind that he wanted to experience something new for his college experience.
“I wanted to move out of Michigan,” Buckley told Hail Varsity. “I didn’t want to stay here for another four years. Also, I saw Nebraska’s family and education piece. I love their defense and how [defensive line] Coach [Tuioti] teaches. He teaches very well and I think he can make me an NFL prospect.”
Before he announced his commitment publicly, Buckley was able to watch the Huskers’ latest win against Purdue on TV. He was impressed by what he saw from the entire team.
“Oh, I watched the game,” Buckley said. “I thought they played very well. Defensively and offensively they played very well. I believe when they put the two pieces together, they can be unstoppable.”
Buckley is the second defensive lineman to commit to Nebraska for the 2021 recruiting cycle. He joins California native Jailen Weaver in the class. It’s wasn’t a surprise to the Nebraska coaches when Buckley picked the Huskers at a ceremony at his high school on Saturday. He informed them a week prior.
“They were very excited,” Buckley said. “I actually did a FaceTime call with the whole staff. I don’t even know how many staff was on the call but probably over 10. We joined on a big FaceTime call and celebrated. Then when they got done with the game Coach T told me that everybody was excited. They had just played and everybody was pumped up for me.”
Buckley said he felt “amazing.” Even after a game, everyone at Nebraska was still thinking about his big moment. It reinforced again the family feeling that he gets from the Nebraska players and staff.
The defender made another announcement at his ceremony. He will be enrolling early at Nebraska.
“I want to start my career fast and see what it’s like,” Buckley said. “If I didn’t early enroll it would take me more time to develop. I want to develop fast by watching the guys ahead of me so I can learn from them and be the best.”
The Michigan man will certainly have some good players to learn from in Lincoln. He can hit the ground running when he arrives in Lincoln next month.
