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.
The world is rapidly changing around us. COVID-19, better known as the Coronavirus, has been a growing concern in this country. It has already affected other parts of the world. It was only a matter of time before the sports world felt the impact of that. The NBA and NBA G-League suspended its seasons. The NCAA announced the Tournament would be canceled this year. Michigan canceled its spring game and suspended recruiting. Ohio State followed Michigan’s lead.
So, what’s next? Nebraska canceled its planned Junior Day event as Hail Varsity learned Wednesday night. Given the concerns about the Coronavirus and how many kids were scheduled to come to campus from different areas of the country it made sense. Now it’s time for the NCAA to continue taking action.
The NCAA should require that all its schools follow Ohio State and Michigan. All incoming visits and coaches going on the road should be halted. It’s the only way to ensure the playing field stays level. The Big Ten made that call on Thursday.
Big Ten cancels all conference and non-conference competitions through the end of the academic year and announces a moratorium on all on- and off-campus recruiting activities for the foreseeable future. https://t.co/bBVXWLqzvg
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) March 12, 2020
Tough conversations are being had now around the country about suspending these activities on a school by school basis. The Pac-12 and SEC conferences are reportedly taking the same steps. It’s natural that competition will cloud the judgment of the schools making the choices.
There will be issues to figure out. After stopping recruiting nationwide, it seems like the NCAA would need to alter the recruiting calendar. There is a month-long dead period scheduled for July. I’m proposing that the NCAA flip that July dead period with the period right now. Then the schools get those recruiting dates back. Kids will still have a chance to make an informed decision. By the time we hit July the hope would be that the virus is stabilized and we can return to normal activity.
Clearly the impact of any suspensions in recruiting activity will be enormous. Nebraska had big plans for the Junior Day event this weekend. Several top targets were expected to attend the event that the Huskers want in their class before the season begins. If they end up following suit and suspending recruiting activity for the spring there will be a trickle-down effect. It would also be wise to allow coaches to have phone call contact wih prospects during this time, not just text messages and direct messages.
The NCAA is not known for taking swift, smart action but it would be best now. We should remove the schools from the decision making process. It's the only way to level the playing field for all.
Recruit Watch
>> Nebraska 2021 Texas linebacker target Clayton Smith was invited to the All-American Bowl on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/claytonsmith_10/status/1238194057794502662
>> The Huskers appear to still be in the mix for St Louis 4-star outside linebacker Travion Ford.
https://twitter.com/Tre_Got_Skills/status/1237902699225636864
>> Alabama defensive end target Jaden Jones appreciated that love from Nebraska on social media.
https://twitter.com/JadenJones334/status/1237871687837732865
ICYMI
>> The Huskers announced their own COVID-19 closings with ticket refund information.
>> The Nebraska basketball season ended with a health scare from Coach Hoiberg.
>> Nebraska held its Pro Day on Thursday and we have a running list of how they guys performed.
>> Jacob Padilla has your 2020 quarterfinals High School State Tournament roundup.
