There’s a brief window between recruiting dead periods. The Nebraska coaching staff hopes to take advantage of it with “The Cookout” this weekend.
Dozens of recruits announced they received invitations and hope to make it to Lincoln for this Sunday’s event. The Huskers start fall camp the following day. This is an effort by the staff to continue building communal bonds with recruits. And by doing so now, with energy building ahead of the first practices, gives Nebraska another opportunity to clinch commitments of those on the fence.
Many of those who have already received invitations to Sunday’s festivities are already committed to Nebraska. Those who aren’t include Logan-Magnolia High School 4-star offensive lineman Grant Brix and Hi-Line High running back Ryker Evans. Those planning to attend in the 2024 recruiting class are also Yutan’s Derek Wacker and Blair quarterback Bode Soukup. Rhule and his staff continue recruiting in-state standouts while building ties with those who may come on as preferred walk-ons. Rhule wants to break down barriers between scholarship and non-scholarship roster members. Commitment to the walk-on program shows in cases like Cross County’s Izaak Dickey, who committed to walk on at Nebraska this summer, before his senior season.
This weekend also provides an opportunity to lay groundwork in the Class of 2025. Elkhorn South tight end Chase Loftin, Omaha Westside linebacker Christian Jones, Omaha North lineman Tyson Terry and Millard North athlete Caden VerMaas will all attend “The Cookout.” Terry and VerMaas are the only two committed members of Nebraska’s 2025 class. Also scheduled to attend are 4-star receiver Andrew Marsh (Katy Jordan, Texas), 4-star receiver Isaiah Mozee (Lee’s Summit North, Missouri), 4-star edge Jayden Woods (Mill Valley, Kansas), 4-star offensive tackle Nicolai Brooks (John F. Kennedy, Iowa) and 4-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola (Blue Valley Northwest, Kansas).
📍Lincoln, NE – 7/30 🌽@CoachMattRhule @Coach_Knighton @Rob_Dvoracek @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/a6GSEeIBIp
— Charlie Woleben (@CharlieWoleben) July 25, 2023
Charlie Woleben, an edge rusher from De Soto, Kansas, Jackson Kohl, tight end from St. Louis, and Brock Health, an offensive lineman from Blue Valley Northwest, all received invitations. Camp standout Alex Manske, from Algona, Iowa, plans to attend as well. The Lee’s Summit North defensive duo of Chase Pearsall (linebacker) and Ka’Mori Moore (defensive line) will be there. Pearsall is considering Nebraska while Moore committed to Oklahoma yesterday.
“The Cookout” is scheduled to take hours on Sunday leading up to Nebraska’s annual Fan Day. Perhaps that way these visiting recruits can see the connection between the Nebraska football players and their fans.
Recruit Watch
Nebraska hasn’t extended a new scholarship offer in weeks. Coaches typically take vacation and step away during the July dead period. Expect a lull to continue going forward at least throughout fall camp. Nebraska will be able to bring in recruits once again during the season.
Scottsbluff running back Sebastian Boyle received a new NAIA from Dordt College. He’s a track medalist with offers already from Emporia State, Mount Marty, Southwest Minnesota State and others. Boyle was on the Nebraska recruiting radar last year and his status on the Nebraska recruiting board is unknown. He has eight games of at least 200 yards, 3,700 career yards and 51 total touchdowns at Scottsbluff.
ICYMI
>> Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and players Ethan Piper, Luke Reimer and Jeff Sims all spoke at Big Ten Football Media Days on Thursday. Hail Varsity was there with stories, videos and tidbits.
>> Chris Schmidt is also in Indianapolis for Big Ten Football Media Days. He spoke with Rhule for a one-on-one before spending time with Sims.
>> The Nebraska men’s basketball team is headed to Spain for its overseas journey. The Huskers will be short-handed during the journey but still hope to make the most of it.
