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.
The questions never stop in the recruiting world. No matter what time of year it is, there is always something to talk about so we have been taking reader and listener suggestions on questions. I then answer the questions in a quick video. This week’s question hit the topic of legacy players and their importance to Husker football.
“After the reports and response about the Huskers backing out of the Oklahoma game how could this effect recruiting?” Jeff Stoll asked.
The impact of what happened last Friday does have the potential to have a lasting impact. It was an embarrassing day for the Huskers who are now viewed by some to be ducking a historic rival. Even if the motives were exploration of adding an extra home game, perception is reality in recruiting. It should be noted there is a reason it was so easy for people to view this negatively for Nebraska. We have been here before recently with schedule talk.
Scott Frost reportedly complained about crossover games and wanted to know why his team couldn’t play teams like Indiana more which fired up the Hoosiers. Bill Moos complained about the difficulty of the schedule last season. So, this wasn’t some giant leap. Also, as I just said, we know that perception is reality in recruiting. A couple of years ago when Frost was not in any danger of losing his job the school extended him. That was in part because recruits in the South were being told he was in danger by opposing coaches.
With that being said, I am not sure how much this will matter to recruits in the 2022 or 2023 class. Nebraska and Oklahoma don’t recruit against each other as much under Frost. The Sooners won’t have much need to bring this incident up on the trail. I also doubt that it’s going to be top of mind for many recruits. There are many other questions about the program to ask of Nebraska’s staff. It might get a bit awkward if Nebraska pitches to recruits that a benefit of coming to Nebraska is playing marquee games in a tough league. Even then it could be said that the team is specifically referencing conference play. The Oklahoma game is a non-conference matchup.
This whole saga may go on the list of things going wrong inside the program under Frost. How much this is remembered by fans, media and recruits will likely depend on one thing. It’s what most situations come down to in sports: winning. If Nebraska shows major improvement this season and wins games, things will work out. It’s time for the Huskers under Frost to be in the news for improved play and wins. That’s what recruits will respond to. It’s what Frost desperately needs to continue bringing talent in to rebuild this program.
Recruit Watch
>> Texas 2022 wide receiver Landon Samson was offered by the Huskers over the weekend.
Blessed to have received an offer to The University Of Nebraska!@CoachLubick @coach_frost @coachrdodge @SLC_Recruiting pic.twitter.com/FW6iGk9vud
— Landon samson (@Landonsamson1) March 14, 2021
>> Major Nebraska wide receiver target Quinton Conley was offered by Air Force on Monday.
After a great call with @Coach_Thiessen I’m blessed to receive an offer from the Air Force Academy! pic.twitter.com/PIzlGsCfVC
— Quinton Conley (@quinton_conley) March 15, 2021
>> Check out Missouri offensive lineman and Husker target Tristan Wilson hitting a new personal record on the squat rack.
Max Week!!! New PR of 515! #JacketStrong pic.twitter.com/AUAL83unsn
— Tristan Wilson (@Tristan73Wilson) March 15, 2021
ICYMI
>> Derek Peterson’s latest column dives into Amy Williams’ brilliance, Kate Cain’s decision and more.
>> Chalk prevailed in Hail Varsity’s QBracket as the Elite Eight is revealed.
>> Nebraska center Yvan Ouedraogo has entered the transfer portal.
>> Husker volleyball dropped one spot in the latest AVCA Coaches Poll.
>> The Nebraska Preps Postgame show is here to put a bow on the high school basketball season.