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.
Running back has been a tricky topic of discussion this spring. Devine Ozigbo graduated. Sophomore Maurice Washington—who was expected to be a starter this season—has not been a full participant in spring football as he faces legal troubles in California. That’s left some question marks at depth for the running backs.
Jaylin Bradley and Wyatt Mazour have been expected to make the most of their opportunities this spring, especially if they want to be factors on the field this fall. Walk-on redshirt freshman Brody Belt appears to be making the most of his reps this spring and has received consistent praise from the coaching staff.
And then there’s the trio of running backs that are set to arrive on campus this summer. Running backs coach Ryan Held said on Monday that he speaks with junior college stand-out Dedrick Mills on a daily basis. Prep stars Rahmir Johnson and Ronald Thompkins are also set to join the mix.
“All three of these guys [Mills, Johnson, Thompkins] I think really fit what we do,” Held said on Monday. “Everybody in the room knows those guys are coming in. It is ‘may the best man win.’ We are starting over. I’m going to play the guys that are consistent, know what they are doing, take care of the football and make plays.
“That’s what we have to be able to do. They will all start over when our first practice hits. I’m excited for that opportunity to see what those guys can do.”
Held coaches his room hard and has consistently high expectations for his group. He has said numerous times that it’s special to be a running back at Nebraska. Things don’t figure to get any less competitive either as he searches for the next couple of running backs to add in the class of 2020.
We will have a clearer picture of the running back room this summer but we do know already that competition will be fierce.
Recruit Watch
>> Highland Community College cornerback target Brian George showed some of the letters he’s received for the Huskers and Utah on social media.
To blessed to be stressed 🔥🔥💪🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾@Utah_Football @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/F3HdxJr1T8
— BrianGeorge (@briangeorge1100) April 8, 2019
>> Atlanta running back Jo’Quavious Marks included the Huskers in his top 10 that he released on Monday.
Thanks to all the coaches that gave me a opportunity!! 🙏🏾 @ChadSimmons_ @MattDeBary @Rivals pic.twitter.com/LBYecV9mGZ
— Joquavious marks (@JoquaviousMarks) April 8, 2019
>> Don’t forget about 4-star wide receiver target Brenden Rice. He also got a cool edit from the Huskers that he put on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/BrendenRice/status/1115343402638368768
ICYMI
>> Nebraska’s offense is continuing to prep for Saturday’s Red-White Spring Game.
>> Derek Peterson explains how Jack Stoll’s eyes can help him in Nebraska’s passing attack in 2019.
>> Nebraska baseball’s Cam Chick picked up Big Ten honors this week.
>> With additional depth needed, Moses Bryant is now a running back at Nebraska.
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.
