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’s coaching staff is out in full force this week with the contact period opening up. Several new offers have also gone out for the 2021 class and beyond. The last few days have been particularly active with the staff spread around the country.
Offensive quality control analyst Steve Cooper was on the road this week. He was out in place of new offensive coordinator Matt Lubick making a swing through Texas.
Shout out out to To Coach Cooper for stopping by showing love to South Oak Cliff HS! #SOCNATION pic.twitter.com/2nmMMoFFm6
— Coach Traylor (@coach_traylor) January 21, 2020
Outside linebackers coach Mike Dawson is back in the saddle at Nebraska. He hit the ground running in familiar territory making his way through the Northeaast. He made several stops including Blair Academy to see intriguing defender Aaron Armitage.
Thanks to @coachdawsgbr for stopping by Blair Academy today and checking on our student athletes. Ohana pic.twitter.com/acpWiWmttL
— Jim Saylor (@SaylorOhanaFB) January 21, 2020
Since Coach Scott Frost and his staff took over the program, Oklahoma has been more of a focus with recruiting. Nebraska signed Demariyon Houston, Jamie Nance and Sevion Morrison are all from the Sooner State. Running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Ryan Held was back in the state this week.
Thank you @CoachRHeld stopping by @EHSEAGLE and recruiting our @footballedison student athletes! We appreciate you! Great talking with you Coach! #TEW #2021EagleStudentAthletes #Firedup pic.twitter.com/Wul5hJZNea
— Tony Daniels (@Coach_TDaniels) January 22, 2020
It also wouldn’t be a recruiting week without a Husker being down in Florida. Tight ends coach Sean Beckton (and likely Travis Fisher) spent time down there this week. Beckton swung through Jefferson High School in Tampa.
https://twitter.com/MidullaJoe/status/1220083610776150017
The Huskers also made the first scholarship offer for 2023 quarterback Taron Dickens. Nebraska’s is getting in early with the teammate of Marcus Fleming and Ronald Delancy III. The Miami Northwestern signal-caller led the team to a state championship as a freshman.
Extremely blessed and honored to receive my first offer from the university of Nebraska🌽 #blessed @CoachVerne pic.twitter.com/s44XGzlmyK
— Taron J Dickens (@5star_tyger) January 22, 2020
Dickens wasn’t the only Florida offer this week. Keyatta Jackson Jr., a 2022 defensive end from Hollywood, picked up an offer from the Huskers as well.
Blessed to receive an offer from University of Nebraska!🌽 @Dameon8 @HuskerFBNation @247Sports @247recruiting @SleeperAth1etes #GBR pic.twitter.com/VvOaYJiqZh
— Kenyatta Jackson Jr (@_21shotz) January 23, 2020
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander spent time in Alabama this week. That’s where he offered a scholarship to 2021 5-star defensive back GaQuincy McKinstry. The talented defender holds over 20 scholarships already including most from the SEC.
#AG2G Truly Blessed & Honored 🙏🏾 ‼️To Receive An ⭕️ffer From THE university of Nebraska #GBR👺 @CoachChinander pic.twitter.com/jtBWFa1ePU
— GaQuincy “Koolaid Glizxzy” McKinstry💔 (@GaQMcK1) January 22, 2020
Walker Howard told Hail Varsity that Frost and Mario Verduzco are coming to Louisiana, checking in with the 2022 quarterback on Thursday. Howard has yet to start a varsity game yet but already holds offers from Nebraska, LSU, Alabama and others. He’s visited Lincoln once already and thinks highly of the Huskers staff.
There is a lot of activity happening right now in Husker recruiting. It’s all leading up to a huge Junior Day weekend that we will have full coverage of. We'll get the exciting weekend started with a visitor preview on Friday.
Recruit Watch
>> Canadian 2020 lineman Leif Magnuson has committed to Arizona.
https://twitter.com/LeifMags/status/1220353024184352768
>> Huskers 2021 offensive line target Marcus Mbow picked up an offer from Iowa this week. Mbow is scheduled to be in Lincoln on Jan. 25 for Junior Day.
Very excited and thankful to say I’ve received an offer from The University Iowa! #GoHawkeyes 🦅 Thank you @CoachTimIowa & Coach Ferentz! pic.twitter.com/ILeMsNR9RL
— Marcus Mbow (@MarcusMbow) January 23, 2020
>> Ty Keyes, a 2021 quarterback target from Mississippi, picked up an offer from Oregon on Wednesday.
Truly blessed to receive my 9th offer from University of Oregon #GoDucks 🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/vuyxg6M9bN
— Ty Keyes (@TyKeyes8) January 22, 2020
>> Huskers 2021 defensive end commit RJ Sorensen picked up an offer from Indiana. He also got an offer from Syracuse.
Blessed to receive an offer from Indiana University @IndianaFootball #hoosiers #IUFB pic.twitter.com/jHEgsOazVi
— Rj Sorensen (@rjsorensen13) January 22, 2020
>> Omaha Westside cornerback Avante Dickerson’s offer list grew when Boston College threw its hat in the ring.
blessed to receive an offer from Boston College ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Z6NFWsbTez
— AD #28 (@_dickerson1) January 22, 2020
ICYMI
>> We’ve continued updating our list of confirmed visitors (Premium) for Nebraska’s Junior Day coming up this weekend.
>> The latest issue of Hail Varsity magazine ships this week. It features a deep dive into Nebraska’s 2020 recruiting class.
>> A lethargic start comes back to haunt the Husker women’s basketball team who dropped a game 76-68 to Purdue.
>> The Hail Varsity staff is back to answer your questions in the mailbag including giving wideout thoughts and best sports drinks.
>> Tom’s Time has returned to go through when a fourth quarter stampede lead to big things for the Buffs.
>> As we shift focus to the 2021 recruiting class I made some bold predictions (Premium) about a few things I think could happen this cycle.
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.
