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.
Nebraska lost the battle on an important piece of the 2021 recruiting class on Sunday evening when 3-star (HV Rating: 83.8) wide receiver Jaylin Noel selected Iowa State over Nebraska. Noel announced his decision during a live stream on social media.
‼️🚨🌪GO CYCLONES🌪🚨‼️ pic.twitter.com/OK2iUeGeq0
— Jaylin Noel (@noel_jaylin) May 31, 2020
It was a close battle for the wideout that may have come down to the last day. The speedy wideout planned on taking official visits to Nebraska and Iowa State during June but the extended dead period ended those hopes. Hail Varsity spoke with Noel a week prior to making his decision and found out the advice his parents were giving him through the process.
“Really just take my time and make sure that I get the most out of whatever school I pick,” he said. “Just make sure that I know the education will suit me, know the coaching staff will suit me and the program in general. Not just going there and being it being all about football but being about my success in general. So, they just want me to go into the best situation as possible and be as successful as I can.”
During his junior season, Noel hauled in 42 passes for 769 yards and nine scores. He also chipped in 251 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Noel’s versatility was coveted for Scott Frost’s offense as a player that could do a bit of everything.
Additionally, he was a huge priority for the staff. Not only because of his talent but his fit within the program and him being in Kansas City. The Kansas City metro area is on the verge of becoming a hot spot for recruiting. Nebraska’s hope was to get an early jump in the area. Noel is one of the area’s best players this cycle and could have helped Nebraska recruit the area.
The Huskers did pick up a commitment on Friday from Georgia native Shawn Hardy. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound wideout was the first player at the position to commit to Lubick at Nebraska. The recruiting class currently sits at eight known commitments.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10047684/5dc6b1af32dc120cf48287ce
Recruit Watch
>> Outside linebacker target TJ Bollers took a virtual visit with Notre Dame. The Irish are trying to make a late surge in his recruitment.
Had a great virtual visit with @NDFootball today! Thank you @CoachMikeElston @BrianPolian and @Coach_Lea for setting this up! #GOLDRUSH21 pic.twitter.com/7I0WRAJCya
— TJ Bollers (@tj35ballin) May 29, 2020
>> Defensive line target Mandela Tobin is finding ways to get his lifts in during quarantine.
Finally hit 20 reps of 225! Next goal: 30 reps! #AG2G@CoachE_AutheniK@Daygofootball pic.twitter.com/NRiDG2pFFz
— Mandela Tobin🇳🇬 (@MandelaTobin) May 29, 2020
>> Another defensive line target, Michael Mokofisi got an edit that he liked from the Huskers recently.
🐐🔥@HuskerFBNation #GBR pic.twitter.com/Q9uCohdRlx
— Michael Mokofisi (@Moke_801) May 27, 2020
ICYMI
>> Former Nebraska receiver Darien Chase has a new home at Portland State University.
https://twitter.com/chasedariem/status/1266552874244300800
> > New wide receiver commit Shawn Hardy ‘can’t wait’ to play (Premium) for Matt Lubick.
>> Derek Peterson took a look at wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson’s usage (Premium) during the 2019 season.
>> I spoke with former Husker Michael Rose-Ivey to talk about his passion for developing young people after football.
>> As Jacob Padilla writes, Fred Hoiberg is comfortable (Premium) taking a chance on Teddy Allen.
>> The Big Ten is for closers and Brandon Vogel is here to explain why.
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.
