Recruiting never stops and it's easy to miss the top stories day-to-day. Recruiting analyst Greg Smith recaps all things Nebraska recruiting news, analysis and more so you never miss a thing.
Over the weekend, Nebraska hosted a lot of prospects for the spring game. One of the intriguing names that came to town was 2022 running back Gavin Sawchuk from Valor Christian High School in Colorado. Sawchuk is just a freshman in high school but he already holds offers from Penn State, Oregon, Michigan and now Nebraska.
Blessed to say I have received an offer to play football at the University of Nebraska. Huge thanks to @coach_frost and @CoachRHeld and the rest of the staff for this opportunity. Thanks to the entire coaching staff at valor #GBR #weaponx @GoValorFootball @valorsportsnet pic.twitter.com/DpgaU0cEPg
— Gavin Sawchuk (@G28football) April 14, 2019
I caught up with the former teammate of freshman quarterback Luke McCaffrey to get his thoughts on how he felt when he got the offer from Nebraska, his fit in the offense and more.
Here is the full Q&A from Sunday:
HV: What did you think about picking up an on offer and how did it happen?
GS: I was talking to Coach Held and it was just really surprising. I didn’t think he was going to offer me right there. I was really excited. I got to see how the running back group works in the office with him. I was really excited and humbled. I was just glad to receive the offer.
HV: Did you get to sit in on meetings and see how the running backs work?
GS: Yes, I sat in the running back meeting. I thought it was really cool listening to their pre-game. I got to listen to what their cues were before the game. It was another thing to focus on and get better at.
HV: What are your thoughts on the offense?
GS: I really liked the offense. It was cool watching the game, seeing how everything was spread out and fast-paced. It was really cool to see that.
HV: What it was like seeing Luke [McCaffrey] out there?
GS: It was really cool to see Luke play. I was really proud of him, he did really well. It’s cool to have a quarterback that I just played with and go watch him kill it at the college level. It was just really cool for me to see that.
HV: What are your thoughts on the Huskers recruiting Valor and Colorado in general?
GS: I think we have a lot of talent in Colorado. Not just in my school but at all schools. You get a lot of people that have good skills in Colorado. Sometimes they find them. I think it’s really important that colleges come to Colorado to find athletes.
HV: How has your relationship been with running backs coach Ryan Held?
GS: I really like him. He’s a cool dude. He’s funny. It’s really cool talking to him.
HV: What do you run in track and what are your best times?
GS: I run the 100m and the 200m. I run the relays 4×100 and 4×200, too. In the 100 I’ve run 10.76 and my fastest in the 200m is 21.79.
HV: What are some early things you are looking for in a school?
GS: Some of things I’m looking for are a good education. Not just a good football program. I know I’ll spend four years there so I want to have a good environment for the student-athletes. I want everyone to be able to get together and be a family at the school. Like I said, the education is a big part for me.
HV: Do you plan to come back for a game in the fall?
GS: I hope so, that would be cool.
Sawchuk will certainly be a prospect to watch for years to come.
Recruit Watch
>> Priority 2020 WR target Quin Bright took notice of the sold-out spring game.
imagine this every home game 😳 https://t.co/j5iIWYiZSz
— Quin Bright ™️ (@QuinBright) April 14, 2019
>> Huskers offensive line target Hayden Pauls committed to Iowa State over the weekend.
Next chapter..🌪🌪🌪 pic.twitter.com/YrMYTtUY0T
— Hayden Pauls (@HPballer16) April 13, 2019
>> Nebraska was early on Missouri corner Dontae Manning. His stock blew up and over the weekend he committed to Oklahoma.
This is HOME⭕️🤘🏾⬇️ #20Deep pic.twitter.com/CIN8G8OCBx
— ².⁰ 𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 (@dontaemanning_8) April 14, 2019
>> Huskers offensive line signee Matthew Anderson got to meet Huskers alum and Buffalo Bill Jeremiah Sirles.
Awesome to meet such a great player! #GBR pic.twitter.com/gca8V97Vbn
— Matthew Anderson #72 (@mateoanderson37) April 13, 2019
>> Bellevue West running back Jay Ducker put up some impressive numbers at Nike’s The Opening this weekend.
The Opening ✔️ #GETOPEN pic.twitter.com/lmqG8Gtxem
— Jay Ducker (@DuckerJevyon) April 14, 2019
ICYMI
>> As Brandon Vogel explains, Nebraska has a green team now and that’s a good thing.
>> Jervay Green is sticking with his commitment to Nebraska basketball.
>> The story of how Turner Corcoran committed to Nebraska football is a must read.
>> Jamar Sekona, a 4-star defensive tackle from California, says it’s just different at Nebraska. (Premium)
>> Nebraska’s defense is confident and Darrion Daniels is a big reason why, writes Derek Peterson.
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.
