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.
A lot of times, junior college recruiting is all about having connections to get your foot in the door with prospects. With that being the case, Nebraska has an increasing number of strong connections to some nice junior colleges around the country.
First, congratulations are in order for former Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Finnin. He’s been named offensive coordinator at Independence Community College in Kansas. It’s the same school that on Netflix for 'Last Chance U' season 3. They will also be on again for season 4 which is scheduled to air this summer.
https://twitter.com/CoachFinnin/status/1107794109677350914
Last season, Finnin was named the 2018 offensive coordinator of the year by the NJCAA. His offense at Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks, Minnesota was No. 10 in the country in scoring at 36.7 points a game. His rise up the coaching ranks is impressive and gives Nebraska an advocate at the school.
Former Husker tight end Kyler Reed is the wide receivers coach at Highland Community College in Kansas. Highland has a very intriguing cornerback prospect that Nebraska has offered for the class of 2020. Brian George stands at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds and could be a prospect Nebraska stays after.
Beyond former Husker connections, we know that running backs coach and junior college recruiting coordinator Ryan Held has deep ties to the junior college scene. In addition to that, Nebraska is trying to solidify newer relationships, too. Just last week, Iowa Western coach Scott Strohmeier and his staff spent a day in Lincoln to take in practice and meetings.
IWCC has consistently produced division one players with Nebraska not signing any of them. The Huskers have offered one of their defensive linemen, Perrion Winfrey, who was one of defensive line coach Tony Tuioti’s first offers after coming to Nebraska.
It’s unclear just how many JUCO players Nebraska will be looking to sign in the 2020 class but one thing is for sure, the groundwork is being laid for the staff to be successful if they want to go that route.
Recruit Watch
>> Omaha Burke wide receiver Xavier Watts continues to rack up offers. This time, the 2020 standout has the attention of Louisville.
Blessed to receive an offer from Louisville⚫️🔴 pic.twitter.com/pXokcUKuwa
— Xavier Watts (@xavierwatts6) March 20, 2019
>> Jackson LaDuke, an impressive 2020 athlete from Nevada, picked up an offer from the Huskers.
I am beyond blessed to say I have received an offer from the University of Nebraska!!! #GBR 🌽 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/bxk6a9faOm
— 42 (@Jackson_laDuke) March 20, 2019
ICYMI
>> The mailbag takes a look at Nebrasketball coaching rumors, what to look for the rest of spring practice and more.
>> Mike Babcock takes a look at a 1983 NIT notepad in the latest edition of Huskers Attic.
>> The next issue of Hail Varsity is hitting newsstands soon and we revealed the cover with a nod to the toughest fraternity to gain admission to at Nebraska.
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.
