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 kicking situation for Nebraska in 2019 has been strange.
I can’t recall another season where a team had not one but two kickers injured. The questions at kicker have loomed over the team’s offense all season long. It appears to have affected play calling for Nebraska this year. The kicking woes don’t stop at field goals and extra points. Kickoff coverage (and the kicks themselves) have been a struggle too.
There is some positive news about kicking that came out on Tuesday. Jacob Padilla wrote after Tuesday’s practice about Barret Pickering’s pending return that seems to be getting closer to reality.
In the meantime, it makes sense for Nebraska to look at future options at kicker. Given the mysterious nature of Pickering’s injury, the Huskers will want to have the bases covered just in case it lingers. Aside from that, the staff will want to create additional options for next season.
On Tuesday, Iowa Western Community College kicker Chase Contreraz tweeted that he received a preferred walk-on offer from the Huskers.
I am BEYOND grateful to announce that I have Officially received my first Division 1 Offer from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a Preferred Walk-On! @CoachZachCrespo @HuskerFBNation @NEB_Recruiting @KohlsKicking @CoachStrohmeier @ReiverFootball #GBR ☠️🌽🏈🎈 pic.twitter.com/V5vTFwUDRA
— Chase Contreraz (@chase_contreraz) October 22, 2019
Contreraz told Hail Varsity on Tuesday that he had a big reaction when he learned of the offer.
“I was very stunned,” Contreraz said. “I didn’t know how to react for a while. [It’s] a lifelong dream and goal that is finally here. I’m beyond blessed and thankful.”
The story of how the kicker got his offer from Nebraska is interesting. A few times this season junior colleges have stopped through Lincoln to hold practices on the way to games. When the Reivers were going to Dodge City, Kansas, they practiced in Lincoln. While in Lincoln, Contreraz expressed interest in transferring after this semester to whichever school he chooses. He kept in contact with special teams quality control coach Zach Crespo while updating his Hudl highlights weekly.
Contreraz is on track to transfer in January to his school of choice. Offensive line coach Greg Austin was in Council Bluffs checking out one of his teammates last weekend. So the Huskers do have at least one coach who has seen him kick live. Contreraz made a 47-yard field goal in that game.
The JUCO regular season schedule makes it hard since they play on Saturdays but he is trying to make it to Lincoln for a game. It looks like he will be in town for the season finale against Iowa. Contreraz also knows what he is looking for most in his next school.
“An outstanding atmosphere, which I know Lincoln is more than capable of providing,” he said.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12965898/5daf2e30b534be0d4c0dc232
Recruit Watch
>> Huskers outside linebacker commit Blaise Gunnerson will get his jersey for the All-American Bowl at an assembly on Wednesday.
We will hold an assembly tomorrow (Oct 23rd) in the KHS gym at 3 PM as Blaise receives his jersey for the upcoming All-American Bowl! Congratulations, Blaise! Plan to join us!! https://t.co/gUimAxlNR3
— Kuemper Catholic (@KuemperKnights) October 22, 2019
>> Offensive tackle commit Turner Corcoran will get his jersey on Friday.
Turner Corcoran is being presented a jersey for being named to the 2020 All-American Bowl. It will be held on Friday October 25 from 10:45 to 11:05pm in the auditorium. You can pick up tickets at at the athletic office. pic.twitter.com/MFI9g8Afj5
— FS Journalism (@fsjournalism) October 22, 2019
ICYMI
>> Nebraska’s defense also got back to the basics over the bye week according to defensive coordinator Erik Chinander.
>> There is a Florida pass rusher heading to Lincoln (Premium) this weekend.
>> The Lo-Down is back to discuss Nebraska, Adidas and volleyball shoes.
>> There is a renewed sense of urgency for Nebraska women’s basketball heading into the 2019 season.
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.
