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.
This is what it’s supposed to feel like.
By this I mean the feeling of victory. It had almost been a full calendar year since Nebraska won a football game. You wouldn’t know that based on the way fans continue to support the program or how many recruits keep coming back to experience the atmosphere in Memorial Stadium.
In last Friday’s Big Red Recon, I laid out why this weekend is so important for Nebraska football, not just on the field but also on the recruiting trail. The team answered the dinner bell and is in position to capitalize on some new positive momentum.
After Nebraska’s 53-28 win on Saturday over Minnesota, coaches, prospects and current players couldn’t wait to gush about how great things were in Lincoln for the game.
I’ve Never Seen Fans Like The One’s At Nebraska. Through These Times You Still Have Shown Up With Pride Unmatched. That 1 Was For Y’all #GBR pic.twitter.com/nqkN9gbjuf
— Demeitre Brim (@Coach_Brim) October 21, 2018
Trust the process💪🏾#GBR https://t.co/LT8e277iaL
— Rahmir Johnson⚡️ (@rahmir_johnson) October 20, 2018
Had an amazing time at Nebraska today! Nothing like the environment here. Thank you @GregAustin2717 @coach_frost @SeanDillonNU @CoachRHeld for having me! pic.twitter.com/TwT65Ppkay
— Cade 6️⃣2️⃣🤠 (@cadealanbennett) October 20, 2018
It goes without saying that it’s much easier for the staff to sell recruits on their vision after a win but this all feels especially important given how Nebraska’s season has been going. In addition, the Huskers have recently had a hard time not letting it slip in big moments like this.
Plainly put, Nebraska put their best foot forward in front of its top remaining 2019 target OT Bryce Benhart. Plus, perhaps the Huskers' top overall 2020 target OT Turner Corcoran. That's also not to mention 2019 4-star safety Noa Pola-Gates, 4-star WR Darien Chase and a whole host of other important targets for 2019 and 2020.
Saturday was a great step in the right direction for Nebraska football that went beyond just beating Minnesota.
Recruit Watch
>> Nebraska offered 2020 Omaha Burke WR Xavier Watts on Saturday. After Wisconsin and Northwestern offered last week, there was some concern that it may not happen but the Huskers really showed Watts a lot of love on Saturday.
Watts told me that he was excited about the offer and that it was really cool how they gave him the offer.
Blessed to have received an offer from Nebraska ☠️ pic.twitter.com/fCyjpQQGff
— Xavier Watts (@xavierwatts6) October 21, 2018
>> One of Nebraska’s top targets for 2019 wasn’t in Lincoln for the game and that’s running back Wandale Robinson. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t paying attention to what was happening in Lincoln on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/robinson__era/status/1053758699838337024
If you need a reminder of why he is so sought-after by Nebraska’s staff and many others, here is why:
Wandale Robinson run tonight, I have no idea how he stays on his feet after this hit. His strength & balance are exceptional. pic.twitter.com/7KN7JNWBIt
— Dan Rieffer (@drieffer) October 20, 2018
>> Nebraska’s 4-star running back commit Ronald Thompkins is recovering from knee surgery right now but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to bring more talent to Lincoln.
Bringing the south to Nebraska 🤫🌽‼️#GBR
— Ronald (RT)Thompkins ll (@jrthompkins5) October 19, 2018
ICYMI
>> Prior to the game, Nebraska picked up a commitment from a preferred walk-on kicker from Lincoln Southwest, Dylan Jurgersen.
>> Derek Peterson wrote his Sunday column on Nebraska’s freshman QB who plays like a senior.
>> Brandon Vogel feels like the Frost Era can now fully begin.
>> Erin Sorensen says “the dog days are over” for now.
>> Take a deeper look into Dedrick Young’s fourth quarter interception with Jacob Padilla’s play of the game.
>> There was a very cool moment captured by Ben McLaughlin of the Husker Sports Network after the game of Adrian Martinez playing catch with a young fan. Pretty cool after Martinez had a huge game in his first college win.
Going 25/29 wasn't enough for @MartinezTheQB today. Getting some more reps with a young fan before his media appearance. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/aQcplLAmmy
— Ben McLaughlin (@bmclaughlin4) October 20, 2018
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.
