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.
Having program stability can be a big deal in recruiting. It feels like it’s been quite some time in Lincoln since there wasn’t chatter about assistants needing to be replaced or if a head coach was on the hot seat. The Huskers have had three head coaches since 2014 and continuity among the assistant coaches has also been hard to come by.
This offseason, there isn’t much concern about assistants leaving for another job and there certainly is not a hot seat in sight for Scott Frost. So, could the Huskers stand to benefit as the coaching carousel continues to spin?
Coaching changes around the country can cause ripple effects in recruiting. Just recently, the Miami job came open (briefly) when Mark Richt decided to retire after a bowl loss. Manny Diaz quickly replaced him and Diaz is known as a good recruiter. However, any amount of change could throw a monkey wrench into the recruitment of players in the southeast where Nebraska has been gaining traction since Frost and his staff took over.
The other recent change could have a specific ripple effect. Dana Holgorsen reportedly leaving West Virginia to take the Houston job makes things a bit more interesting around Nebraska defensive back targets Tavian Mayo and Jamel Starks. Both players took official visits to Nebraska. Each were considered Husker leans at one point and both took official visits to West Virginia prior to the early signing period.
As the Huskers look to add one or two more potential defensive backs to the 2019 recruiting class, could they turn up the heat on either Mayo or Starks? Time will tell if either of those specific prospects end up with Nebraska. However, for this offseason, it will be nice for Nebraska fans to potentially see benefit from coaching upheaval around the country.
Recruit Watch
>> Huskers 2020 WR target Xavier Watts closed out his 2018 by getting some work in at the gym.
How did @xavierwatts6 and @treyjr12 finish there 2018?!? With a Bang💣‼️ #BigGoals2019 #StayTune ☝️ pic.twitter.com/4i614hq25B
— First Pick Performance☝️ (@FIRSTPICK_NE) January 1, 2019
>> Nebraska offensive line signee Matthew Anderson is eager to start his collegiate career this year.
I’m so excited to start this year‼️ I’m so excited to begin my life as a HUSKER‼️ #GBR
— Matthew Anderson #72 (@mateoanderson37) January 1, 2019
ICYMI
>> Jacob Padilla gave a midseason review for Nebraska basketball, who has an opportunity to strengthen its resume.
>> Derek Peterson took a look at a New Year’s resolution for Nebraska football in 2019.
>> Take a look at the best of 2018 photos from all sports.
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.
