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.
We are just one day away from National Signing Day. The Huskers currently enjoy a top-20 recruiting class in Scott Frost’s third class but second full recruiting class. All the work for Nebraska’s recruiting class was done in December. The team signed 23 scholarship recruits during the early signing period.
“I’m really excited about this class,” Frost said in December. “I think the thing that excited me the most was flying around the country for the last two weeks. Getting in homes with these guys and seeing what type of kids they are, what kind of personalities they have. Best thing about them is they love football, they love the game. They’re excited. They want to be at Nebraska. I would walk out of almost every house and say we’ve got the chance to win a lot of games with kids like this coming to the program.”
Here's a breakdown on which players signed in December. (‘EE’ designates an early enrollee.)
Quarterback: Logan Smothers (EE)
Running back: Sevion Morrison, Marvin Scott III
Offensive line: Turner Corcoran (EE), Alex Conn
Tight end: None
Wide receiver: Zavier Betts, Alante Brown (EE), Marcus Fleming, Omar Manning, Will Nixon
Defensive line: Pheldarius Payne (JUCO), Marquis Black, Nash Hutmacher, JUCO Jordon Riley (EE)
Inside linebacker: Keyshawn Greene, (JUCO) Eteva Mauga-Clements (EE)
Outside linebacker: Jimari Butler, JUCO Niko Cooper, Blaise Gunnerson (EE)
Defensive back: Ronald Delancy III, Jaiden Francois (EE), Henry Gray (EE), Tamon Lynum (EE)
The Huskers did great work in Florida with seven of the 23 players hailing from the Sunshine State. There was a heavy focus on landing wide receivers and linebackers all cycle and the Huskers hit their mark on those two priorities. Defensive backs coach Travis Fisher had a huge year with his work in Florida. He also stockpiled his room with talent once again. Nebraska did good work with its top of board targets in the 2020 cycle led by offensive lineman Turner Corcoran.
Minimal excitement is expected for Nebraska on National Signing Day. The team is in the hunt with one prospect. Defensive end Tanoa Togiai, out of Idaho, is the only Husker related NSD decision. Much of Nebraska’s coaching staff went to visit him last weekend. Yet, there isn’t much expectation he will play his college football in Lincoln.
The Huskers still have two spots remaining to add players. There are options on how to use those spots for either transfers or rewarding walk-ons. After tomorrow we will see if the Huskers continue to have a consensus top-20 class. Player ranking changes and new commitments elsewhere could alter the final ranking. Either way, Nebraska has a good new crop of prospects coming to Lincoln or already enrolled.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers have new in-state offer out. Bellevue West 2022 tight end Micah Riley received an offer from the Huskers on Monday.
Extremely happy to announce I have received a scholarship offer from Nebraska!☠️ pic.twitter.com/0NPA8oaSfE
— Micah Riley (@micah_r_d) February 4, 2020
>> Major 2021 outside linebacker target TJ Bollers took an unofficial visit to Iowa State last weekend. The Cyclones remain a real dark horse in his recruitment.
My family and I had a great time at Iowa State last weekend thank you to everyone that helped set this up‼‼ @ISUMattCampbell @CycloneFB @CoachDHoodjer @CoachRasheed @TysonVeidt @Coach_Kratch #Cyclonevi21ion 👀 https://t.co/tD4Exqb6NY pic.twitter.com/PsiR9YCQrO
— TJ Bollers (@tj35ballin) February 4, 2020
>> Avante Dickerson’s recruitment is not slowing down. The 2021 cornerback picked up an offer from Texas on Monday then Ole Miss on Tuesday.
Blessed to receive an offer from Texas ⚪️🟠 pic.twitter.com/4eV5WrJNdJ
— AD #28 (@_dickerson1) February 4, 2020
>> Recent 2021 defensive end visitor Derek Wilkins stayed hot picking up an offer from Washington.
After having a great conversation with @CoachK_UW I am blessed and grateful to say that I have received an offer from the University of Washington! @UW_Football @CoachLakeUDUB @MalloeMalloe @SMCHS_Football @GregBiggins @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman #PurpleReign #GoDawgs #WOOF pic.twitter.com/9HkO9M6opu
— D🚂 (@derekwilkinss) February 4, 2020
ICYMI
>> Former walk-on kicker Dylan Jorgensen announced that he has entered the transfer portal.
— Dylan Jorgensen (@dylanjorgens3n) February 4, 2020
>> The latest Nebraska roster reset is here to look into special teams and a roster overview.
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.
