The Huskers have their 11th commitment of the 2022 recruiting class.
Nebraska received the good news on Monday when Mississippi defensive back Malcolm Hartzog committed to the team. Hartzog made his decision public on Twitter. The commit is the second in two days for the program.
@coach_frost @Callaghan_NEB @CoachTFisher pic.twitter.com/8H8lWXfWzA
— Malcolm Hartzog Jr (@iammalcolmhart1) December 6, 2021
The relationship between Hartzog and Nebraska moved quickly. He was offered a scholarship on Nov. 29 by the Huskers. That’s also when he got an in-home visit from defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. There isn’t a lot of information out there about the newest Husker commit but he was just named Mr. Football in Class 3A for Mississippi.
Hartzog is an under the radar prospect who put together a very good senior season. The defender contributed to his state champion high school team in a variety of ways. On defense he snagged three interceptions, had seven pass breakups and seven tackles for loss. He also returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Where he might contribute earliest to the Huskers is on special teams. He posted 403 yards on 11 kickoff returns. That’s a 36.6 average per return with six return touchdowns. He also chipped in five punt returns for scores. Hartzog was also dynamic on offense this year. He rushed for 1,231 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. Hartzog’s coach Lance Mancuso relayed to Hail Varsity what makes the future Husker a special player.
“Not only is he a gifted player but he carries a very high football IQ and work ethic,” Mancuso said. “His ability to play multiple positions both offensively and defensively at such a high level is remarkable. With that being said as a returner he is just as dangerous. After the first four games most people just punted or kicked it out of bounds against us. Not only is he a great player but an awesome person. He always understands the situation and is prepared for the future.”
The Huskers beat out his other offers from Southern Miss, South Alabama, Marshall and others. Hartzog is the third defensive back in this class for the Huskers. He joins Jalil Martine and Gage Stenger. Remember Stenger is likely going to play the nickel role. It’s the role JoJo Domann played the last two seasons.
The Huskers will look to continue the momentum on the recruiting trail to finish off the 2022 cycle.
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.
