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.
Running back recruiting at Nebraska is back in the spotlight. It's especially been a major focus for the Huskers since Coach Scott Frost and running backs coach Ryan Held arrived in Lincoln. Remember that Nebraska’s leading rusher ran for 765 yards in 2015, 879 yards in 2016 and 493 yards in 2017. Devine Ozigbo broke the streak of sub-1,000 yard rushers with 1,082 yards in 2018. There was a thought that would start a new streak but it did not continue in the 2019 season. Leading rusher Dedrick Mills rushed for 745 yards despite coming on strong down the stretch.
Frost has spoken a lot about the importance of the run game to this offense in his time in Lincoln.
“Our offense is always going to be committed to the run first,” Frost said during spring practice last year. “To varying degrees, we’ve thrown it and run it depending on our talent. We can’t go as an offense and really no offense can go if we can’t establish the run.”
On the recruiting trail, the Huskers have brought in more than one running back in each class under Frost. In the 2018 cycle, Maurice Washington and Greg Bell joined the fold (though neither is still on the team). Rahmir Johnson, Dedrick Mills and Ronald Thompkins came to Lincoln during the 2019 cycle, and Marvin Scott III and Sevion Morrison joined in the most recent cycle.
Mills graduates after the 2020 season so the Huskers will take at least one running back in the 2021 class. The team has offered several running backs for this cycle, the latest being Michigan native David Holloman. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound prospect is one of the fastest backs in the region posting a verified 4.39 40-yard dash at The Opening Regional.
Thankful & Blessed To Receive An Offer From University Of Nebraska @HuskerFBNation @Huskers @CoachRHeld pic.twitter.com/pOV9GEugdu
— David Holloman (@Dhollo33__David) February 11, 2020
Holloman has not been to Lincoln before but he is talking through a potential visit with his dad. Still, he likes where his relationship with Held is going.
“I like Coach Held. He’s a straight forward guy,” Holloman told Hail Varsity. “I believe he’s someone who is about bringing out the best in his players and putting them in a position to be successful. So, I’m excited developing my relationship with him.”
As a junior, Holloman racked up 1,236 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns on 11 yards per carry. The Huskers are his fifth Power 5 offer joining other Big Ten foes Rutgers and Maryland. There is still a ways to go in Holloman’s recruitment but he has an idea of what he’s looking for in a future school.
“During this process I’m going to make sure I choose the school that’s give me the best opportunity to play football and that feels like home,” he said.
Keep an eye on this running back from Big Ten country as the Huskers continue to push into Michigan for talent.
Recruit Watch
>> Tyler Maro, a 2021 offensive lineman from Iowa, received an offer from Dartmouth on Monday evening.
Extremely excited to have received an offer from Dartmouth College. Thanks @coachkeithclark @CoachCav_ @DartFootball #TheWoods pic.twitter.com/q0FStBSC7S
— Tyler Maro (@tylermaro) February 10, 2020
>> Peter Costelli could be Nebraska’s top quarterback target for this cycle. Check him out getting some work in at camp.
https://twitter.com/pcnomad1/status/1227296956491239424
ICYMI
>> Jacob Padilla provided five thoughts (Premium) on Grand Island at Omaha Creighton Prep over the weekend.
>> The only frustrating part about Nebraska basketball right now is that it requires patience, writes Derek Peterson.
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.
