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.
Nebraska picked up a scholarship graduate transfer linebacker on Friday night. That’s when former Northern Iowa defender Chris Kolarevic announced his commitment. He shared the news on Twitter.
Grateful #GBR pic.twitter.com/SNrQS0RcYO
— Chris Kolarevic (@cjkolarevic) October 30, 2020
“I decided to go on the portal about 10 or 11 days ago,” Kolarevic told Hail Varsity. “I wanted to go to the portal because I graduate in December. I’ve got two years of eligibility left. I want to go try and play at a higher level of competition for my last two years and get a master’s degree. The day after I went the portal, Coach [Erik] Chinander called me and they offered me. They were my first offer after I went the portal. I was really excited about it. It felt like the right fit for me, so that’s why I decided to go to Lincoln.”
Chinander, Nebraska’s defensive coordinator, was the lead recruiter for Kolarevic. He was the coach that the graduate transfer spoke with the most during the process. There were also conversations with inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud and Coach Scott Frost. Kolarevic enjoyed his time talking with the head coach especially.
“It was awesome,” Kolarevic said. “He has a really good understanding of the tradition and history of Nebraska. It’s a good place. I think he’s doing a really good job with the program. I loved my conversation with him. I’m excited to go play for him.”
Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, his knowledge of Nebraska wasn’t big previously. He’s never been to Nebraska before and said it was weird making the decision without getting to visit. He instead relied on those relationships and what he could find out online.
Over the last two years, he’s racked up 144 tackles despite missing part of two seasons. A lingering foot injury was the cause of the time missed. In 2019, he had 79 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Despite missing a few games to start that season he was still second-team all-conference. When talking about the strong points of his game. Kolarevic sounds like a player that will fit in at Nebraska.
“I think No. 1 is I love football and I want to work hard every day,” Kolarevic said. “The second thing is I can fly around. I can fly sideline to sideline. I think that’s the most important part about playing linebacker in today’s football. Being able to fly from sideline to sideline and make plays in coverage and in the run game. I’ve also played in different coverages and fronts at UNI. Different positions too so I understand football pretty well. I’m obviously going to continue to work to improve my football IQ but I think it’s at a good level right now.”
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker will start his Husker career next season playing inside. The Huskers now have a few players in the 2021 class that can play inside. Kolarevic joins Randolph Kpai, Seth Malcom, Mikai Gbayor and Patrick Payton as linebackers heading to Lincoln this cycle.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers added walk-on defensive back AJ Collins from Creighton Prep over the weekend.
#AllN #AGTG 🎈 pic.twitter.com/XoapqeYAXG
— Anthony (AJ) Collins (@acollins6_) October 31, 2020
>> Former 2021 running back target Amari Daniels committed to Texas A&M this weekend.
COMMITTED! #GIGEM👍🏾 pic.twitter.com/mPTy7CJVo4
— AMARI DANIELS⁴ (@_NoLimitMari) October 31, 2020
>> Check out Husker commit Lardarius Webb taking back a kickoff return to the house on Friday.
Jus Watch Me pic.twitter.com/UGEniTQgZ1
— 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕦𝕤 𝕎𝕖𝕓𝕓 𝕁𝕣. (@LardariusJr) October 31, 2020
>> Andre Greene Jr., a 2022 wide receiver (6-3, 180) from Virginia, was offered by Nebraska on Friday.
Thankful to receive an offer from The University of Nebraska!!🔴⚪️ #GBR🌽 @HuskerFBNation @LClelland @CoachLubick pic.twitter.com/l7FrRpqtYp
— Andre Greene Jr (@DreGreeneJr) October 30, 2020
ICYMI
>> The Huskers got their first defensive line commitment for the 2021 class when 3-star Jailen Weaver picked the Huskers.
>> As Jacob Padilla wrote, Nebraska basketball has the pieces to look like a Fred Hoiberg team this year.
>> Let Brandon Vogel explain why the Huskers will have a challenge against Northwestern 2.0.
>> Kearney Catholic rolled Chadron 41-0 to open its Nebraska state playoff run.
>> I take you through how the Husker commits fared this weekend in the state playoffs.
