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.
Each recruiting class has its own unique story of how it comes together. One common thread between the classes is that peer recruiting plays a large role. The 2019 class had their group chat and Garrett Nelson going to Colorado to see a pair of future teammates square off in the state championship. The 2020 class had a lot of time together on campus during official and unofficial visits to bond. The 2021 group had to find creative ways to get to know each other virtually but formed a tight bond.
The 2022 recruiting class has its first member. Columbus linebacker Ernest Hausmann committed to the class on Sunday. Getting the ball rolling on helping to build the class played a role in him choosing to commit now.
“What made me want to decide now is I wanted to be respectful to other schools who are trying to build their own class as well,” Hausmann said. “So, I wanted to do it now. Because I wanted to commit to Nebraska. I let them all know. Then I want to help build the Nebraska class of 2022 as well. So that’s why I wanted to commit now.”
Peer recruiting is important moving forward for the Huskers’ first commit of the 2022 recruiting class.
“Oh, it’s very important to me,” Hausmann said. “I’m really excited to do that. It’s one of the things that I really wanted to do with committing now, was to build this class.”
Having willing peer recruiters is important in every recruiting class. Prospects from around the country are more connected than ever these days. They can meet at camps or visits and stay in touch easily via social media. Based on the last year a lot of 2022 prospects know each other only though social media. It can be important for prospects to hear from someone other than the coaching staff about how good a school is.
It’s another bonus that once visits do open up Nebraska will have at least one commit that can be around, too. There is value in that as we’ve seen in the past when commits make a point to be back in town for important visit weekends.
Now that Nebraska has its first player in the boat they have another ambassador for the program. As we know in recruiting, every little bit helps.
Recruit Watch
>> Recent quarterback offer Richard Torres is feeling the love on social media from the Huskers. Torres was also offered by Washington State after Nebraska offered.
LUVV ❤️🤍 #GBR pic.twitter.com/YHYQCp1IrW
— Richard Torres (@richie_2112) March 6, 2021
>> One of Nebraska’s most recent 2023 offers, tight end Jaden Hamm, was offered by Colorado.
After a great phone call with @CoachBryanCook I am blessed to say I have received an offer from the University of Colorado.@coachhayden51 pic.twitter.com/lZ9equTigc
— Jaden Hamm (@JadenHamm) March 5, 2021
>> Lincoln Southeast 2023 offensive tackle Gunnar Gottula was offered by Kansas State on Friday.
After a great phone call with @CoachCRiles I am excited to announce I’ve earned an offer to play football at Kansas State University 🟣 pic.twitter.com/fV6etqxy0Q
— Gunnar Gottula ⁷⁷ (@GottulaGunnar) March 5, 2021
ICYMI
>> I gave five thoughts (Premium) on the commitment of Ernest Hausmann to Nebraska.
>> Nicklin Hames took a hit but battled through in Nebraska’s sweep of Illinois.
>> Caitlin Clark KOed Nebraska again and helped the Hawkeyes take down the Huskers.
>> A season-high 14 three-pointers were not enough for Nebraska to overtake Northwestern on Sunday.
>> Jacob Padilla has the 2021 Nebraska girls state basketball championships round-up.
>> Derek Peterson took a deeper look into why center recruiting has changed (Premium) at the Power 5 level.