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 Huskers are busy putting the finishing touches on the 2020 recruiting class. The hope is to end with a flurry of commitments as we close in on the Dec. 18 early signing period. The team hosted two key official visitors this weekend: Florida linebacker Keyshawn Greene and JUCO outside linebacker/defensive end Niko Cooper. Greene committed to the Huskers on Sunday giving them a huge recruiting win.
In the middle of that—plus Coach Scott Frost and defensive coordinator Erik Chinander going up to Minnesota—the Huskers hosted a pair of in-state 2021 prospects for unofficial visits.
Omaha Westside cornerback Avante Dickerson released a top three last week. It included Nebraska, Ohio State and LSU. That same day, Barrett Ruud was in his school. This weekend, Dickerson was back in Lincoln for an unofficial visit. Dickerson described the visit as good and said that the highlight was more time around defensive backs coach Travis Fisher.
“It was good [being back with Fisher],” Dickerson said. “We spent time with how he does things with technique and everything.”
Dickerson said that he is feeling comfortable with Nebraska’s coaching staff after visiting several times and that he has a good relationship with the staff. He also spent time with Frost over the weekend.
“He was telling me how they want me to be a Husker,” Dickerson said. “And just telling me how they’re going to use me [in the defense] and everything.”
Dickerson said that he does plan to use his official visits in the spring.
Another intriguing unofficial visitor was Kearney Catholic quarterback Heinrich Haarberg. The playmaker (6-5, 185) was originally scheduled to come to the Iowa game but couldn’t make it. Still, he had a great time in Lincoln on Saturday.
“We had breakfast with the coaches,” Haarberg said. “Then we had a of couple meetings with Coach Verdu [Mario Verduzco] and Coach Frost.”
Haarberg said that it was fun talking with that pair of coaches and getting to hear some of their stories and advice. As he moves in the offseason, he has a couple of key goals.
“Getting bigger more explosive and prepping for track,” he said.
He was a bronze medal winner in the 2019 state track meet in the high jump. Haarberg will be an intriguing athlete to watch develop over the next year.
Recruit Watch
>> Huskers defensive back commit Ronald Delancy III (and Husker wide receiver target Marcus Fleming) won a state title on Saturday.
And I ended my high school career with a BANG !!!!🐐 pic.twitter.com/L4WxP1wAG8
— Ronald Delancy III ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@_TherealkingRjj) December 14, 2019
>> Huskers defensive tackle commit (and wide receiver target Justin Robinson) also won a state title this weekend. It was the school’s fifth straight state championship.
https://twitter.com/keesekeese22/status/1205558877858783232
>> Henry Lutovsky, a 2021 commit from Iowa, was moving some weight this weekend.
100 pound db’s x 15 reps pic.twitter.com/mEXZyYreTw
— Henry Lutovsky I ⁵⁹ (@Luto_72) December 14, 2019
>> Nash Hutmacher continues to dominate the wrestling mat. He took first place in the Rapid City Invitational.
3X State Champ and #1 nationally ranked 285 wrestler Nash Hutmacher @Nashnation72 takes first place at the Rapid City Invitational. The Senior is committed to the University of Nebraska to play football next year. @HuskerFBNation #KOTASports pic.twitter.com/Ny0CRSkFkU
— Brendan Mackey (@BMackeySports) December 15, 2019
>> Huskers running back commit Marvin Scott III picked up a late offer from Ole Miss on Sunday.
Blessed To Receive A(n) Offer From University Of Mississippi!!! 🔴🔵 #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/WtOuVvsK0O
— Marvin Scott III (@Mscott4__) December 15, 2019
ICYMI
>> I offered up five thoughts (Premium) on the commitment of JUCO wide receiver Omar Manning after his huge commitment.
>> The women’s basketball team moved to 9-1 on the season after a big win over Oral Roberts.
>> New Husker commit Eteva Mauga-Clements’ dad explained to Hail Varsity why their official visit was “mind-blowing.” (Premium)
>> The Badgers bounced the Huskers from the volleyball NCAA Tournament on Saturday night.
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.
