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.
High school football is underway around the country. It’s mostly back in full force after a disjointed 2020 season. Several Nebraska commits were in action last week. I was able to take in the season-opener for Nebraska 2022 linebacker commit Ernest Hausmann. His team may have fallen 45-28 to Omaha Central but Hausmann did produce some highlights. The defender finished the game with 12 tackles and chipped in six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Jake Appleget, Nebraska’s other linebacker commit, showed his versatility. Appleget has eight tackles plus a pair of catches with a touchdown catch. He also rushed the ball twice and threw a touchdown pass during his game Friday night. His team won their first game over Omaha North 29-19. I expect to see stat stuffing nights like this on a regular basis from Appleget.
The Nebraska wide receiver commits did not disappoint in their first games. Florida native Victor Jones Jr. showed why he’s been a name on the rise in the Sunshine State this summer. He posted six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns in a win. Colorado pass catcher Grant Page is one of the most underrated future Huskers. He caught seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win to start the season.
Nebraska’s lone running back commit Ashton Hayes had a productive start to the 2021 season. The Nevada runner had 129 yards on 14 carries and four touchdowns.
Then there is Richard Torres, Nebraska’s quarterback for the 2022 class. He could not have started the season with more of a bang. He finished 13-for-17 with 299 yards and a whopping eight touchdowns.
Richard Torres @richie_2112 8th TD Pass of the night. Wow! 😮@TXHS_Football @STFUnltd @arshots @texassportshots @chase_shannon @SASouthSports pic.twitter.com/IijvtWiwSc
— Robby Chavez TV Ⓜ️ (@RevengOfThe4th) August 27, 2021
The Huskers’ two 2023 commitments also played last weekend. Offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula helped clear the path for 216 rushing yards. His Lincoln Southeast figures to have a potent ground game this season. Pierce tight end Ben Brahmer caught three passes for 32 yards and had four tackles in a 45-27 win over St. Paul. That’s an impressive showing for his No. 1 ranked team against the No. 6 team.
Sept. 1 marks the first day college football coaches can directly contact class of 2023 prospects. They can do that via text messages on the phone or direct message on social media platforms. That means there will be a flurry of activity for top prospects at midnight Tuesday night.
2023’s You’re Up‼️ #GBRXXIII #TheGoodLife pic.twitter.com/dmnUcaEOiH
— Trent Mossbrucker (@TMossbrucker) August 31, 2021
We’ll keep an eye on the activity tomorrow and bring you the latest at Hail Varsity. That first day of contact typically produces a few surprises with new players coming onto the radar for the Huskers.
Recruit Watch
>> Connecticut offensive line target Olaus Alinen is ready for Sept. 1.
September 1st is gonna be interesting👀…
— Olaus Alinen (@alinen_olaus) August 31, 2021
>> Class of 2023 athlete target Rodrick Pleasant showed his versatility in his game this weekend.
Just a couple clips of me showing my versatility on the Offensive side of the ball…. Dbs can play offense too👀 https://t.co/vi15H1D6zs
— Rodrick Pleasant🗡 (@RodrickP16) August 31, 2021
ICYMI
>> Nebraska’s home sellout streak is staying alive for another week.
>> In the latest Straight Up Breakdown podcast, I flew solo to talk about creating your own spark.
>> Nebraska assistants Matt Lubick and Mike Dawson spoke about the Illinois loss following practice today.
>> The details are key (Premium) as the Husker defense looks to take the next step.
>> Despite the first-game struggles Cam Taylor-Britt and Zavier Betts remain the top return options (Premium) for Nebraska.
>> Mike Dawson dished on penalties and special teams woes and Steve Marik has the details.
>> The Huskers unveiled the alternate uniforms for the Sept. 11 matchup with Buffalo.
