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 reality of quarterback transfers had to catch up to the Huskers eventualy.
Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral placed his name in the transfer portal on Tuesday. The Wahoo, Nebraska, native originally committed to Coach Scott Frost while he was at Central Florida. He then followed Frost and his staff home to Nebraska. He hoped to be the starting quarterback for the Huskers but things never quite took off for Vedral at Nebraska.
He did get some playing time in Lincoln though, starting in two games and appearing in seven total. He completed 36-of-61 passes for 447 yards and one interception, while adding another 119 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Vedral was expected to compete for the backup spot this season.
Nebraska now loses the security blanket and buffer that Vedral would have provided. Redshirt freshman Luke McCaffrey is almost a lock to be the team’s top backup now. The loss of Vedral might also end any experimenting with McCaffrey’s position. That won’t be a big issue in season if Nebraska gets the improvement from the wide receiver corps that it hopes for this season. He will still need all the reps he can get at quarterback to prepare and stay ready. Adrian Martinez’s play has been sporadic over two seasons but so has his time on the field. McCaffrey will need to stay sharp given how much quarterbacks run in this offense.
Then there is early enrollee true freshman Logan Smothers. He’s a wildcard in Nebraska’s quarterback battle. The best long-term play is for him to redshirt and get adjusted to college football. Smothers will still need to stay ready as the team’s third quarterback. Yet, the four-game redshirt rule provides Nebraska a buffer.
Things are a fairly cut and dry on how Vedral’s departure impacts the current team. The murkier question is how, if at all, Tuesday’s news impacts quarterback recruiting. Right now, the Huskers seem content to take their time finding a 2021 signal-caller. The latest news was California 4-star Peter Costelli’s surprising commitment to Utah. The timing was more confusing than the school selection. Costelli previously stated a desire to take visits before deciding on a college.
The immediate thought was that Nebraska would make a scholarship offer to Kearney Catholic’s Heinrich Haarberg. That offer hasn’t happened quite yet. Perhaps the Huskers are uncovering more targets to pursue while they pour over tape during the quarantine. We haven’t seen new offers for the class of 2021 start going out yet so when we do, that will be a good indicator. Nebraska has been busy setting the quarterback board for 2022. Both Frost and quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco prefer taking a quarterback in each class.
The team still has a healthy quarterback room. Recruiting the position for the 2021 class might end up being a bigger storyline than anticipated.
Recruit Watch
>> Nebraska 2021 running back target Trenten Howland received another Big Ten offer when Indiana joined the mix.
Thankful to receive a offer form Indiana University!!!🔴⚪️ #iufb Big thanks to coach @MHart2032 for the terrific phone call! @EDGYTIM @AllenTrieu pic.twitter.com/7oKUkXrbqg
— T💭 (@HowlandTrenten) April 28, 2020
>> Oklahoma 2021 defensive lineman Aden Kelley showed off an edit the Huskers did for him on Wednesday.
#GBR‼️🌽 pic.twitter.com/YSddjdP1DC
— Aden Kelley (@KelleyAden) April 29, 2020
>> The Huskers have a new 2021 defensive line offer out in California. Mandela Tobin was the latest offer for the team.
After a great conversation with @CoachTuioti92, I am absolutely blessed and grateful to receive my sixth D1 offer from the University of Nebraska! #AG2G #GBR @CoachE_AutheniK @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @Daygofootball @RyanWrightRNG @WestCoastRNG pic.twitter.com/zmxjZ7Mt2c
— Mandela Tobin🇳🇬 WeMatter (@MandelaTobin) April 29, 2020
>> The 2022 prospects in Nebraska continue to pick up offers. Omaha Burke outside linebacker Devon Jackson was offered by Michigan State.
Excited and blessed to have received an offer from Michigan State University @CoachEls_MSU @MSU_Football pic.twitter.com/FU05LC0vSF
— Devon Jackson (@DevontheJet402) April 28, 2020
ICYMI
>> Not knowing why hurt, but Lamar Jackson is determined to make those who overlooked him pay, writes Derek Peterson.
>> The NCAA took steps on Wednesday in name, image and likeness compensation.
>> Derek Peterson’s 10 most intriguing Huskers of 2020 series continues with defensive lineman Ty Robinson checking in at No. 7. (Premium)
>> The Hail Varsity staff is answering questions in the mailbag again including if the Huskers have any first-rounders coming down the pipeline.
>> Tom Brady’s arrival will put some much deserved spotlight on Lavonte David, writes Jacob Padilla.
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.
