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.
Everyone was going about their Monday morning and getting into the swing of things for the week when some good ol’ fashioned bulletin board material came into our lives. In an article with the Denver Post, new Colorado coach Mel Tucker had this to say about finding that kids in his state are interested in Nebraska:
“There are in-state kids here who don’t care a thing about CU, so it’s a sell job,” Tucker told The Denver Post. “It’s like, you’ve got to win games before they’ll even consider you. I’ve been through that before, that’s just how it is. There are kids right now that you (ask), ‘Well, who are your top guys?’ And they’ll say, ‘Nebraska.’
“And you look and say, ‘Well, what has Nebraska done?’ But in their mind, that’s like way, way better than CU.”
The problem for Colorado keeping players home is actually worse than Tucker even alludes to here. It’s not just that recruits from Colorado think Nebraska is special, it’s that Colorado wasn’t even offering all the guys that came here. Defensive end Tate Wildeman didn’t have an offer. Quarterback Luke McCaffrey did but didn’t seriously consider them and offensive lineman Michael Lynn did not get an offer until it was too late and Tucker took over the program.
Also, the top players are leaving the state in part because Colorado hasn’t exactly produced results on the field that would encourage them to stay. In the last 13 years, the Buffs have had 12 losing seasons. Other schools are cherry-picking from the state too. In the 2018 class, three of the top five players left Colorado to play college football. In the 2019 class, all of the top five left the state. For the class of 2020, three of the top five have committed to play out of state already.
On the bright side for Colorado, the Buffs did win the 2020 battle for offensive lineman Carson Lee (who visited Nebraska and was a high value target). That game on Sept. 7 in Boulder just got even more interesting.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers offered Alabama linebacker Allan Merrick. He is in the 2020 class.
Blessed to receive an offer from Nebraska‼️ @HuskerFBNation @raveryjr @gctitansfb @247Sports @ChadSimmons_ @AL7AFootball @CoachChinander pic.twitter.com/kAWEcxkWh7
— Allen Merrick (@Merrick_17) June 29, 2019
>> Nebraska made the cut to eight for Alabama guard James Robinson who stands at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:6
It’s been a rollercoaster journey…but we’re just getting started..⏳#Top 8🏁#SHBAM2X pic.twitter.com/mQ2shxcGyV— James Robinson (@JamesRobinsonn_) June 30, 2019
ICYMI
>> Nebraska basketball will open the Hoiberg Era with an ‘Opening Night’ fan event.
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.
