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.
College football gets set to kick off in full swing this weekend. Lots of schools will be hosting recruiting weekends. These home games will be the first opportunity to have prospects and their families on campus for the first time since the 2019 season. A lot of attention will be put on visit weekends around the country as the work to finish off the 2022 recruiting class really starts this weekend.
The Huskers don’t have a lot of room left in the 2022 recruiting class. The first couple visit weekends figure to be light, at least with official visitors. That means that more attention will be put toward future classes. Meanwhile, the calendar has turned to Sept. 1. Colleges can contact class of 2023 prospects directly. It can be done via text message or direct message on social media platforms.
𝕲𝕭𝕽XXIII 🎈
Your time today.#thegoodlife pic.twitter.com/dGzFPV26Vs
— Nebraska FB Recruiting (@NEB_Recruiting) September 1, 2021
The Huskers wasted no time in getting their brand in front of 2023 prospects. Running backs coach Ryan Held was excited to begin contact with those prospects. We spoke with him last week.
“Here in a week or so we’ll be able to get back to communicating with (the class of 2023) which will be nice,” Held said. “We’ll get back to being able to see highlight videos and game film of kids playing. Some kids are playing right now or they’ve already played a game. “We’ll get new JUCO film as well.
“It’ll be a conglomerate of stuff but our recruiting department does a great job. Our coaches do a great job of understanding their area. Then obviously as a position coach they’re like the head coach of their position. You’ve got to own your position.”
Nebraska was one of many schools to contact five-star Iowa offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor. The lineman has actually already been to Nebraska for a visit before becoming a five-star.
— Kadyn Proctor (KP) (@KadynProctor1) September 1, 2021
The Huskers also made sure to send information to Hawaii four-star linebacker Liona Lefau. The Hawaii native is one of the most coveted targets out West in his class. The Huskers have an interesting connection with Lefau. He grew up with defensive line coach Tony Tuioti’s son Teitum. His cousin, Keonilei Akana, is on the Nebraska volleyball team.
Thank you for the Love, Nebraska! pic.twitter.com/F9YiMBf44y
— liona lefau (@LefauLiona) September 1, 2021
The Huskers didn’t forget to show Teitum some love too. He racked up seven tackles plus a sack and a half in his season debut on Friday night. Teitum also figures to be a fixture a Husker home games this fall as an unofficial visitor.
#GBRXXIII pic.twitter.com/9ShIjJ1eRA
— Teitum Tuioti (@TeitumT) September 1, 2021
Plenty more players that were contacted by Nebraska when the calendar flipped. We’ll also be keeping an eye ut for any new offers that come for the 2023 class in the coming days.
Recruit Watch
>> One of the top 2023 running backs in the country Rueben Owens wants everyone to know his recruitment is wide open.
Recruiting process 100% open to all programs 💯
— Rueben Owens ll (@ii_rueben) September 1, 2021
>> Class of 2024 quarterback Dylan Raiola was invited to the 2024 Under Armour All America Game.
Thank you @DemetricDWarren for inviting me to the 2024 @AllAmericaGame. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity. This is made possible by my teammates and every coach that has believed in me! May my talent and treasures always glorify God! #wayfinder #Ao1 @AYGATT_recruits pic.twitter.com/DMDgg71zP6
— Dylan Raiola (@RaiolaDylan) September 1, 2021
>> California 2023 wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. has a big-time start to his junior season.
https://t.co/1y9w22ixxW 3TDS last night one didn’t get recorded💰💰💰
— Rico Flores Jr🕴🏽 (@lil_reek_) August 31, 2021
ICYMI
>> The Mind Your Own Podcast is back to dive into a variety of topics that came up since the last episode.
>> Nebraska wide receiver commit Victor Jones Jr. is excited for his home opener official visit (Premium) this weekend.
>> Opening night with Husker hoops returns for the 2021-22 season.
>> The Hail Varsity staff is back to answer your questions in the mailbag with lots of questions diving into the season-opening loss.
>> Future Husker Bekka Allick did well in her new role for Waverly volleyball.
>> As Steve Marik writes, Oliver Martin was a comfortable, fast and explosive bright spot for Nebraska on Saturday.
>> In Padding the Stats, Jacob Padilla talks questions answered, pro prospects and offseason hoops standouts.
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.
