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.
Since Scott Frost took over the Nebraska program it has been fascinating to watch the team push more into Iowa. The effort is led by Iowa native and Hawkeye alum, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. His connections within the state have helped get the Huskers’ foot in the door of many high schools in the state.
Defensive end Mosai Newsom inked with Nebraska in the 2019 cycle. Nebraska then signed outside linebacker Blaise Gunnerson in the 2020 class. The Huskers have continued the run in the 2021 cycle. They hold commitments from Iowa natives Henry Lutovsky, Seth Malcom and Thomas Fidone.
There are 11 Iowa natives that hold offers from Nebraska in the 2021 class. Nine Iowans have offers from both Nebraska and Iowa.
- TE Thomas Fidone (Nebraska)
- OL Henry Lutovsky (Nebraska)
- WR Brody Brecht (Iowa)
- OL Connor Colby (Iowa)
- DE Jeff Bowie (Iowa)
- DE Max Llewellyn (Iowa)
- DT Griffin Liddle (Iowa)
- LB Jaden Harrell (Iowa)
- LB TJ Bollers (Wisconsin)
It’s worth noting that Nebraska native Keagan Johnson also holds an offer from both schools. He is committed to Iowa. That type of crossover on the recruiting trail is bound to increase the intensity with the rivalry. A lot of the players that hold offers from both schools have visited Nebraska. Last season, when he was still uncommitted, Griffin Liddle thought it was interesting that the Huskers were making a push into Iowa.
“I think that’s awesome,” Liddle said. “I think Iowa guys are great. Especially because it’s next door. They are good guys to recruit. All the Iowa guys are good to recruit. They just get after it. So, do the Nebraska guys. So, do all the Midwest guys really. It’s just a different type of football in the Midwest.”
The fan bases already don’t like each other. The two states have a natural rivalry being border states. The rivalry is relatively young. There have been several close games to fuel the rivalry. The battles on the trail will keep it building for years to come.
Recruit Watch
>> Huskers defensive end target Mandela Tobin will be committing on Friday.
I will be committing this Friday at 8 a.m. P.T. on KUSI PPR!
— Mandela Tobin🇳🇬 WeMatter (@MandelaTobin) November 24, 2020
>> Bellevue West 2022 tight end Kaden Helms was offered by Michigan on Wednesday shortly after being offered by Michigan State.
Extremely blessed to have received a scholarship offer from The University of Michigan! 〽️ @Coach_SMoore pic.twitter.com/K8yeNJg3c7
— Kaden Helms (@KadenJHelms) November 25, 2020
>> Former Husker 2021 target Marcus Mbow was offered by Kansas on Tuesday night.
Blessed to have receive an offered from @KU_Football Thank you @CoachMorookian @JoshuaEargle!#RockChalk🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/aRzrzFEcNL
— Marcus Mbow (@MarcusMbow) November 25, 2020
ICYMI
>> The new look Huskers dazzled in the season opener against McNeese State.
>> Scott Frost provided updates on quarterback, Dedrick Mills, Cam Jurgens and more ahead of Nebraska’s Black Friday game.
>> Kirk Ferentz expects another tight matchup in the rivalry game this week.
>> The Hail Varsity staff is back to answer your questions in the mailbag including Nebraska quarterbacks, receivers and the answer to why.
>> In the latest episode of the Mind Your Own podcast Erin and Sausha tackle the subject of fleeting motivation and spark.
>> Nebraska basketball is wearing a ‘no more hashtags’ patch on the uniforms this season.
>> Nebraska forward Derrick Walker is serving a 16-game suspension to begin the 2020 season.
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.
