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 afflicted 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 played without fans. 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 on 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 take act.
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. Tough conversations are being had now around the country about suspending these activities on a school by school basis. It’s natural that competition will cloud the judgment of the schools making the choices.
There will be issues to figure out. Though after stopping recruiting nationwide the NCAA needs 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.
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.
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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.