Longtime Nebraska fixture Matt Davison announced the 1890 Initiative on Wednesday, a new name, image and likeness collaborative for Nebraska student-athletes. Local businessmen Tom and Shawn Peed also lead the endeavor.
Essentially, the 1890 Initiative will be the successor to Athlete Branding & Marketing, LLC. ABM assets and staffing will transfer to 1890 Initiative before ceasing operations at the end of the year. The 1890 Initiative will then aid football and volleyball players partner with local charities, businesses camps, clinics, community outreach, public appearances, autograph signings, social media promotions and more.
Nebraska interim head coach Mickey Joseph on Wednesday said he trusted Davison in the endeavor. The former Husker receiver will transition from his current position as senior associate athletic director for external engagement into his role as president of the 1890 Initiative in the next few weeks.
“Matt’s been good for the University of Nebraska,” Joseph said. “One thing he knows how to do is raise money. So Matt understands recruiting and he’s going to be great to have for our NIL because we have such a support system with our fans and our backers.”
The interim coach went on to say that, because Davison is a life-long Husker and former athlete, current and future Huskers can be comfortable with him.
“We’re happy for Matt but we’re also happy that our kids are going to be associated with somebody that they know personally,” Joseph said.
This announcement follows the formation of The Big Red Collaborative, an NIL collective headed by former Husker Kris Brown. Both those collectives intend to support current and future Huskers in their various market endeavors.
Recruit Watch
Nebraska could benefit from some unforeseen change on the recruiting trail. The Huskers recruited 3-star receiver Ja’Ryan Wallace before the Aubrey, Texas, athlete committed to Florida State. Now, FSU is not honoring its scholarship pledge to Wallace. He’s reopened his recruitment. Wallace has the second-most receiving yards in Texas high school football this season. In the last game alone he caught nine passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
Florida St has chosen not to honor my commitment, therefore my recruitment is open. It is disappointing, however I’m excited about the opportunity to find a great place to further my career education.
— JaryanWallace8 (@JaryanW) October 6, 2022
Meanwhile, in Nebraska, Bellevue West athlete Isaiah McMorris picked up his first Power 5 offer, this from Texas Tech. The junior’s received invitations to multiple Nebraska home games this season. McMorris and the Thunderbirds take on rival Bellevue East on Friday.
Millard North lineman Henry Rehberg received an invitation to Six Star Showcases in St. Joseph and St. Louis, Missouri. The sophomore’s gained attention throughout the Midwest already this season and received game day invitations to Memorial Stadium.
Papillion-La Vista junior Eric Ingwerson will be in Lawrence, Kansas, to watch No. 19 Kansas host No. 17 TCU on Saturday. Kansas State, Iowa State and Nebraska are also heavily recruiting the tight end/defensive end. Ingwerson and the Monarchs face Omaha Central on Thursday night. Central junior Caleb Pyfrom anchors the line and just gained a scholarship offer from Nebraska.
Omaha North sophomore lineman Tyson Terry visited Kansas State last weekend, a week after visiting Iowa State. Terry is the reigning Class A state wrestling champion with game day visits to Nebraska already this season. Omaha North hosts Fremont on Friday.
ICYMI
>> Interim head coach Mickey Joseph is happy with how the Huskers have mentally regrouped ahead of the Rutgers game.
>> Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple challenged the offense to maintain consistency in practice this week.
>> Nebraska can win consecutive conference games for the first time in three years by enduring Rutgers’ bruising run defense on Friday.
