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.
So far this summer, we have learned a good deal about where the priorities are for Nebraska this recruiting cycle. For all the talk on a yearly basis about the Huskers “only recruiting offense,” linebacker has emerged as one of the things Nebraska seems to be lasered in on upgrading in the 2020 cycle.
Nebraska currently has linebackers on the roster to be excited about. On the inside, Mo Barry, Collin Miller and Will Honas will be mainstays. There is a lot of excitement about redshirt freshman Joseph Johnson, plus a pair of true freshmen with Nick Henrich and Jackson Hannah. On the outside, Alex Davis, Tyrin Ferguson, Caleb Tannor, Garret Nelson and JoJo Domann will all be in the mix. The Huskers also have Garrett Snodgrass and Jamin Graham coming from the 2019 recruiting class as well.
However, three of the above-mentioned players are seniors and four are freshmen that no one knows for sure about. Therefore, the Huskers need to continue adding to the unit. Based on the number of linebacker prospects that have made their way to Lincoln this spring/summer or plan to soon, linebacker is a focus.
Class of 2020
- Regen Terry: June 6 (unofficial visit)
- Cody Simon: June 7 (official visit)
- Blaise Gunnerson: June 14 (official visit)
- Malik Reed: June 21 (official visit)
- Choe Bryant-Strother: June 21 (official visit)
Class of 2021
- Ethan Downs: May 31
- AJ Rollins: June 2
- Travion Ford: June 7
- TJ Bollers: June 21
There are also a couple other 2020 linebackers I’m waiting to confirm that should be visiting over the next two weeks. I’m very intrigued by the mix of players Nebraska is in on at linebacker this cycle. Bryant-Strother, Terry and Gunnerson are bigger, more stout run-stuffers with good athleticism. Simon and Reed are big-time athletes that fit more of that “run and hit” style that you need in your dynamic linebackers.
The early 2021 group is notable as well. I feel comfortable saying that Downs (Oklahoma), Ford (Missouri) and Bollers (Iowa) will all at least be high four-stars in their class. It looks like the Huskers are serious about adding to their inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud and outside linebackers coach Jovan Dewitt’s rooms.
Based on visits so far, they are in a nice position right now.
Recruit Watch
>> Iowa outsie linebacker target Blaise Gunnerson is all set for his official visit to Nebraska this weekend.
Nebraska official visit this weekend ☠️ #GBR pic.twitter.com/zHFLkwhy8K
— Blaise Gunnerson (@b_gunnerson) June 13, 2019
>> Matthias Algarin, a 2020 athlete from Minnesota, picked up an offer from Nebraska after an impressive camp showing.
After an impressive camp session and encouraging talk with @coach_frost, I am blessed to receive an offer from University of Nebraska. pic.twitter.com/Z58E7ES30O
— Matthias Algarin (@TripleJumpThias) June 13, 2019
ICYMI
>> Read why the recent Huskers team camp was an invaluable experience for Creighton Prep.
>> Nebraska volleyball’s tour of Asia is about much more than just volleyball, writes Jacob Padilla.
>> Derek Peterson gives us his power rankings for Big Ten quarterbacks in 2019.
>> Congrats to Nebraska kicker Barret Pickers who hit a hole-in-one recently.
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.
