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.
This summer will bring several new names on to the recruiting radar around the state of Nebraska. After more than a year of the NCAA-mandated dead period, there are bound to be several prospects who have made strides but haven’t been seen. One of the players who seems poised for a breakout summer is North Platte linebacker Vince Genatone.
The defender (6-1, 205) moved to Nebraska last June from Casper, Wyoming, with his family. Last summer was a little bit of a weird time to have to move. Like most kids, Genatone was worried about missing his friends but once the family arrived in North Platte he found a nice community and has had a great experience there so far.
He’s definitely on Nebraska’s radar. Genatone hasn’t heard from Nebraska for too long so far but he notes that conversations have definitely picked up since wrestling season and the start of track season. Genatone was the 195-pound Nebraska state wrestling champion this year.
In track he competes in the 100m, 200m, and 4×1 relay. His best time in the 100m is 10.87. Mostly he’s heard from director of high school relations Kenny Wilhite. Genatone says that Wilhite keeps him informed of all the camps and events Nebraska has coming up.
He’s recently heard more from inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud too.
“It’s been going really good with Coach Ruud,” Genatone said. “He reached out and we just we talked right before conference play in track. I think it’s the first time we had talked and he just been really nice. He’s really trying to get to know me and all that sort of stuff. He sounds really excited about me getting to come to camp on June 11.”
When Genatone comes to Lincoln on June 11, it will be for a private evaluation with the coaching staff. The Huskers are hard at work preparing to take advantage of the new rule allowing them to work players out one-on-one for an hour. Genatone is excited about the opportunity to show what he can do.
“I mean, it’s pretty cool,” Genatone said. “I get to go on campus and check out everything. I also get to see what it’s like to work out on their field and in their weight room, so that’s pretty cool. It’s really something to look forward to.”
Thanks @coachwilhite, look forward to being there in June! @SeanDillonNU @HuskerFBNation @BarrettRuud #GBR pic.twitter.com/PxCPBs2cKu
— Vince Genatone (@genatone_v) May 24, 2021
Nebraska isn’t the only place he will be checking out in June. He plans to visit Cal on June 5, Boise State on June 14, Washington State on June 19 and Wyoming on June 22. The return of camps this summer has him excited to get back to playing football. Genatone also knows that he’s looking for family above all else in picking a future school.
“I’m looking for someplace where I’m going to connect with everybody really well,” Genatone said. “Somewhere that a few years from now I’m still going to be in contact with the people. A place that’s going to love me up.”
Recruit Watch
>> Nebraska made the list for Leon Haughton Jr., a 3-star wide receiver from Richmond, Virginia.
— Leon Haughton Jr (@Leonjr412) May 28, 2021
>> Rico Flores Jr., a 4-star athlete from from Sacramento, California, received an offer from the Huskers late last week.
Very blessed and excited to have received my first Big 10 offer from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln !!! 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/AwnTiaXbNz
— Rico Flores Jr🕴🏽 (@lil_reek_) May 28, 2021
>> Nebraska’s first Friday Night Lights camp of 2021 is scheduled for this Friday, June 4. Kairo Kahananui, a linebacker from La Mesa, California, plans to be in attendance. He also will stop by other camps in the area, like Kansas State. The Wildcats are hosting a camp on June 3.
One week out, IM SO EXCITED! Friday Night Lights!!! 🤙🏽 @coach_frost @CoachChinander @coachdawsgbr @BarrettRuud @CoachTuioti92 @CoachTFish @CoachLubick @Coach_Verdu @CoachBeckton @GregAustin2717 @CoachRHeld @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/Yv5231b5RH
— Kairo Kahananui (@KairoKahananui) May 28, 2021
ICYMI
>> Will Bolt was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year on Sunday, alongside additional honors for his team.
>> Jacob Padilla broke down the film of inside linebacker Garrett Snodgrass. (Premium)
>> The Warren Academy is getting ready to prep prospects for a summer of camps. (Premium)
>> The 10 Most Intriguing Huskers series is set to return this next week. Derek Peterson revisited lists of the past to get you ready.
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.
