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.
On Thursday, Nebraska got some good news when Iowa Western center Josh Wegener announced on Twitter that he would be walking on at Nebraska.
🚨🚨 COMMITTED 🚨🚨 #GBR pic.twitter.com/61mSrpkrde
— Joshua Wegener (@Josh_Wegener52) December 20, 2018
After his announcement, I caught up with the lineman to get his thoughts on his conversations with the staff, what impressed him about Nebraska and his goals coming into the program. Wegener will arrive in the summer.
Here is the full Q&A from our conversation.
How long had you been in contact with the staff and what were the conversations like?
“Actually, it’s been pretty short. Last week they started talking to me and they got me down this weekend on Sunday and I really enjoyed it. I was contemplating a few FCS offers and a couple other schools as a walk-on. Being there though, I saw I had a chance to better myself on the field and academically. That’s a big part for me too.”
What did you get to do on the visit and what impressed you?
“I got showed around the stadium. It was amazing. I’ve never really been out to Lincoln before that. The facilities were incredible. The importance of academics was a big part. Talking with Coach [Greg] Austin, sitting down with him and they showed me a lot of interest. They also put together a good academic package for me to make it worthwhile coming out there. It’s a good opportunity to get into the two-deep and work my way into a scholarship. The walk-on program is great. That’s what really impressed me. Me and me dad talked and that’s where I want to go.”
What is your eligibility status?
“I’m actually 3 for 2 with a small chance of maybe getting back my freshman year for a medical redshirt. I tore my ACL in the fifth game I believe. It’s worth a shot to apply for but it’s a small chance. I’m definitely a 3 for 2 for sure.”
What are some of your goals coming into the program?
“I have high goals for myself, there’s no doubt about that. Of course, I want to see the field someday but I want to do whatever makes the team better. If that’s going and playing scout team every day and doing my best over there, the starting spot or whatever makes the team better. As long as it makes things better for everyone else and helps the team win, that’s what I’m into. That’s what my goals are.”
Recruit Watch
>>Huskers pass-rushing OLB target Brandon Mack is officially back on the market. The 2019 prospect is someone the Huskers would love to host for an official visit next month.
Respect my decision 🥶🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/ECjeU0kw4B
— MACKAVELI🥀 (@_Mack7) December 20, 2018
>>Cross one Huskers target for February off the board. Defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett had been committed to Auburn but had not planned to sign on Wednesday. In a surprise decision, he decided to put pen to paper.
https://twitter.com/AuburnFootball/status/1075480777587113986
>>Who exactly Nebraska is targeting in the transfer market has been kept under wraps. One name that there were a lot of whispers about was Nate Craig-Meyers, a wide receiver who left Auburn. He elected to join Colorado State on Wednesday.
Excited to have @NateCraig_AU Join the Ram Family! #EDGE #F19HTON pic.twitter.com/uPv0W3F94x
— Coach Mike Bobo (@CoachMikeBobo) December 19, 2018
>>There was a great turnout at Omaha Burke High School on Thursday for the signing ceremony for Nick Henrich and Chris Hickman.
Awesome turnout for @nickhenrich_42 and @hickmanchris1 signing day!! Thank you to all that came out and supported these great young men. pic.twitter.com/YjhuWMUFdt
— OmahaBurkeFootball (@BurkeFootball) December 20, 2018
>>While we were all checking to see who signed for Nebraska for the 2019 class, a talented 2020 4-star WR included the Huskers in his top 10. Troy Omeire from Sugar Land, Texas tweeted out his list.
https://twitter.com/TroyOmeire/status/1075464706301812736
ICYMI
>>I provided a recap of the opening day of the early signing period.
>>The Huskers did just fine in the SEC footprint despite not landing a prospect from Florida yet this cycle, writes Brandon Vogel.
>>Derek Peterson was in Oklahoma for Jamie Nance’s signing ceremony and wrote words about the quiet ceremony for an explosive athlete.
>>Huskers linebacker Jacob Weinmaster retired from football.
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.
