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.
Coach Scott Frost and offensive line coach Greg Austin have a plan to rebuild the offensive line at Nebraska. On paper, they are executing that plan well. For all the talk about recruiting skill position players and the desire to have a high-octane offense under Frost, the line of scrimmage is undergoing a complete overhaul.
In the last three recruiting classes (2019-2021), the Huskers have signed (or have verbal commitments from) 11 offensive linemen.
#Huskers OL commits since Scott Frost and Greg Austin got to town. pic.twitter.com/GVDOp9LCBs
— Derek Peterson (@DrPeteyHV) April 28, 2020
Size is the clear attribute that stands out when looking at that chart put together by Derek. The “smallest” offensive lineman that Austin has gotten a pledge from since the 2019 class is Ethan Piper. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds currently. Austin has been asked in the past about what he looks for on the recruiting trail and, despite the clear pattern, he is looking for intangibles.
“I could give you a whole bunch of dimensions, but intangibly, they have to be tough, they have to be competitive and they have to be ready to frickin’ fight,” Austin said last spring. “That’s it. If you have that, and you have some size to you, you’ll be a good offensive lineman. If you’re a passive guy, I don’t know how good of an offensive lineman you can be. You’ve got to have grit.”
The other thing that sticks out is that so many of the Huskers’ recent additions to the offensive line group can be described as athletic. Most have basketball backgrounds and have good feet. The Huskers have done a nice job of giving themselves options along the line in the coming seasons.
Now with three offensive linemen verbally committed for this cycle could we see Nebraska add any more?
Right now, I’d describe the numbers at offensive line this cycle as fluid. It’s likely at this point the Huskers will add one more with a possibility that they take another after that. Wisconsin lineman Marcus Mbow (6-5, 310) has an official visit on the books to Nebraska set for June 19. He ran into trouble making it to Lincoln his previous two attempts so he’s hoping the third time is a charm.
There is also the recently offered Tyler Maro. The Iowa lineman (6-7, 255) has been on fire recently picking up numerous offers in the last week. He’s already been to campus several times so Nebraska has an established relationship with him.
There could be other names that emerge as well for the Huskers to help rebuild to the “pipeline” days with. The Huskers have the luxury of being selective but it is clear the plan to add size, skill and athleticism is in motion.
Recruit Watch
>> Check out the Huskers latest offer Tyler Maro getting some work in earlier this offseason.
C/O’21 @Ahsfootball_ 6’7 256 OL @tylermaro adds to impressive list with an offer from @HuskerFBNation!
⬇️Below is footage of Maro training this off-season⬇️👀🔥 #SU_Posse #GBR #Huskers @swmckewonOWH @GregSmithHV @NateClouse @michaelbruntz @JoshHelmholdt @HuskerOnline pic.twitter.com/hPLWu2euri
— JC Moreau (@TheStrengthU) April 28, 2020
>> The Huskers are one of the latest teams to offer 2022 tight end Elijah Brown a scholarship.
Blessed to say I’ve received an offer from the University of Nebraska❤️ pic.twitter.com/N50JjEMdvo
— Elijah Brown (@eb_knows) April 27, 2020
>> Oregon defensive end target Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge showed off the unique edit the Huskers put together for him.
@HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/5eo5NqpSnp
— Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge (@KibongeRawlins) April 25, 2020
ICYMI
>> Nebraska’s latest commitment Branson Yager found a new home (Premium) with the Huskers.
>> Derek Peterson took a look into Nebraska’s financial health and its impact on the local economy.
>> Before everything shut down Kelly Hunter was getting a crash course in recruiting for Nebraska volleyball.
>> Uncertainty looms but the Giffords are making the best of the current situation, writes Erin Sorensen. (Premium)
>> Nebraska basketball stayed hot by adding Division II transfer Trevor Lakes on Tuesday.
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.
