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.
Certain positions at a school are glamour positions. They are going to naturally get more attention because of that school’s history. At Nebraska, running back is certainly one of those spots. The Huskers have a deep history of great backs at the school. In the recruiting process, running backs coach Ryan Held is sure to sell the history of the position. Held is also upfront about what players can expect when they are coached by him.
“Well, what I tell them is you are coming into a historic place,” Held said. “Two you are going to be treated right. Three, you better be ready to compete. You aren’t going to be given anything, that’s not how this world works. You are going to be put in a position to be successful. Then it’s up to you to make plays. I try to give guys the tools when we watch film. Here’s the play, here’s what the front is, here is what the blocking scheme is and here are the opportunities for the big play. We talk about that all the time.”
Historically the offense that Nebraska now runs is attractive to running back recruits. The offense always features many backs that get the football. The quarterback also gets involved in the run game for Coach Scott Frost. There is one player at the position for the 2021 class: Georgia native Gabe Ervin. The Huskers don’t have a 2022 commit just yet but they have plenty of offers out at running back.
The latest running back to report an offer from the Huskers is Pennsylvania native Nicholas Singleton.
Blessed and grateful to receive a offer from @HuskerFBNation ! Big thanks @coach_frost @CoachRHeld !! pic.twitter.com/zMW1gSVsDW
— Nicholas Singleton (@Nichola14110718) September 23, 2020
As a sophomore, the 4-star (5-11, 191) racked up 1,690 yards and 32 touchdowns. He told Hail Varsity that he was really excited about the offer from Nebraska. He is looking forward to visiting at some point to learn more about the school. Singleton speaks the most with Held who has told him about the strong history of running backs at the school.
Singleton has a strong list of suitors already that includes Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and others. While being pursued by close to 30 schools, he has a good idea of what criteria he is using to narrow his list down.
“I’m looking for a good football team, good coaches, good teammates, nice facilities and the school needs to have a great academic piece,” Singleton said.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6469619/5dcb720fb01a6e0eac4dde09
Recruit Watch
>> James Monds, a 2022 4-star defensive back from Florida, showed an edit that the Huskers did for him.
GBR🌽🔴☠️. @CoachChinander @NEB_Recruiting pic.twitter.com/F1lRMNvjOO
— 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 III ✞ (@MondsJames) September 22, 2020
>> Huskers defensive line target Mandela Tobin picked up an offer from Duke on Tuesday.
After a great conversation with @coachbenalbert, I am absolutely blessed to receive an offer from Duke University! #DukeGang4L #AG2G @CoachE_AutheniK@Daygofootball @RyanWrightRNG @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @WestCoastRNG pic.twitter.com/hB3zldxxLi
— Mandela Tobin🇳🇬 WeMatter (@MandelaTobin) September 22, 2020
>> Check out a cool edit the Huskers did for priority 2022 safety target Xavier Nwankpa.
#GBR pic.twitter.com/mB3MOKHZzB
— Xavier “X” Nwankpa (@xaviernwankpa01) September 23, 2020
>> Bellevue West 2022 tight end Micah Riley added to his scholarship list when Virginia offered him on Wednesday.
After a call with @JordanArcement , I am extremely happy to announce I have received a scholarship offer from The University of Virginia! pic.twitter.com/9pTqXujWrH
— Micah Riley (@micah_r_d) September 23, 2020
ICYMI
>> In Bill Moos’ monthly radio appearance, he spoke about being back to full practices, Black Friday and more.
>> Derek Peterson is taking a look at division crown odds, passing over/unders and other prop bets for the Huskers this year.
>> The latest Mind Your Own Podcast is out and Erin and Sausha didn’t have to re-record with more breaking news happening.
> > What is the trait that could get Nebraska football over the hump? The Hail Varsity staff tackles that and more in the mailbag.
>> In the latest Padding the Stats, Jacob Padilla looks into Nebraska basketball recruiting efforts.
> > Could there be a basketball bubble coming to Lincoln? According to this report there is a good chance.
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.
