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.
Strong time management is needed for the Huskers this week.
After the game on Saturday, the Huskers had no idea who they’d play this week. Or if they’d get to play at all. Then on Sunday, Scott Frost’s program found out they’d have a Friday afternoon matchup with Rutgers at 3 p.m. CT. So in a year full of twists and turns, Nebraska will have to dust itself off and be ready to play without the normal prep time.
That won’t be the only thing straining the time for Nebraska’s staff. We are just two days away from the opening of the early signing period. The Huskers are hoping the put together another solid class, especially when factoring in how it had to be done in 2020.
Frost noted the time balance needed on Monday.
“We’re busy, we’ve been busy since March or April, really,” Frost said. “So you know guys have been at this a long time, but we did a good job getting the majority of the people we want to get signed, committed and feel great about the group that we think we’re going to sign on Wednesday.
“With all the other pieces we’ve added and the overall improvement of talent, this group has a chance to make us even better and make us special. We’ll focus a lot of time this week on two different things.”
There is actually a third component to this week. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the transfer portal has been active lately. We tend to only look at who Nebraska is losing and the Huskers have lost a handful of guys already this year. But the trend around the country is alarming. I noticed at least a dozen new players entering the portal on Monday. Frost also spoke about keeping a couple spots open for to add players and the dangers of guys leaving.
“We factor that in and we’re starting to get the feeling inside the locker room and on the field and within the team that we want,” Frost said. “Without dissenters and without guys not being 100% bought in and all-in and so you have to be careful about who you bring in and add to that as it’s getting close to where we want it to be.
“Somebody told me that over 10 days last week there’s been 120 or something guys going to the portal. There’s not going to be spots for all those guys, so we’ll probably like we always do keep a couple spots in our back pocket, and if we find the right guy, we might think about it. Otherwise, there are walk-ons on this team that deserve to be on scholarship as well.”
There will be a lot of midnight oil being burned this week for Nebraska. Luckily the program doesn’t have a lot of spots left to fill for the 2021 class. The program is expecting a smooth drama-free signing day. There is the potential for a couple additions. Drama free will be a welcome site around the football offices.
Recruit Watch
>> Michigan State commit Audric Estime has a late offer to consider after Notre Dame offered him on Monday.
Thankful to receive an offer from the University of Notre Dame!! #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/xopfxvsGey
— Audric Estime ² (@AudricEstime) December 14, 2020
>> Huskers outside linebacker target Deonte Anderson picked up an offer from Vanderbilt on Monday.
Blessed to receive an offer from Vanderbilt University ❕@VUFBRecruiting @VandyFootball pic.twitter.com/qxhAA05Tmn
— Deonte Anderson (@DeonteAnderso10) December 14, 2020
>> Former Nebraska target Terrence Lewis has a final two of Maryland and Tennessee.
“A Major Life Decision Is Never a Choice
But Rather a Realization That The Decision Has ALREADY BEEN MADE”#GoTerps🐢#GoVols🐶January 2nd⏳… pic.twitter.com/c0x4xLRNWR
— TerrEnce Not TerrAnce🦦 (@Notoriou2__) December 14, 2020
>> Nebraska defensive line target Michael Mokofisi elected to stay home and picked Utah over the weekend.
Committed to the University Utah‼️⚫️🔴 #GoUtes 🙌🏽 👌🏾🐔 pic.twitter.com/zql25rXsAU
— Michael Mokofisi (@Moke_801) December 14, 2020
>> Nebraska quarterback commit Heinrich Haarberg is excited to sign his letter of intent on Wednesday.
I will be signing my LOI Wednesday at 12 at Kearney Catholic #GBR pic.twitter.com/oeTIWZiiCf
— Heinrich Haarberg (@HKHaarberg10) December 13, 2020
ICYMI
>> The Huskers had a Monday that was more like a Tuesday as they got ready to face Rutgers on a short week.
>> You can watch Erin Sorensen and I preview the early signing period for Nebraska just two days ahead of the faxes rolling in.
>> Derek Peterson explored the question of if Nebraska’s loss against Minnesota was bad or just ugly from their point of view.
>> Nebraska basketball moved back the Big Ten opener and it is working to add nonconference opponent.
>> Noah Vedral’s status is wait and see but the Huskers hope to see the former teammate.