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 recruiting board for the Huskers will continue shifting as more information becomes available about players in the 2022 recruiting class. After a disjointed 2020 season for many high school prospects that is natural. For example, there are states that are playing high school football right now. That’s going to give increased exposure to prospects after they missed out last fall.
One of those places with spring football is Illinois. That is where 3-star offensive lineman Valen Erickson resides. Erickson (6-6, 315) picked up an offer from Nebraska last weekend after doing a virtual visit with the program.
After an amazing virtual visit Iam beyond excited to receive a offer from The University of Nebraska!!!@SeanDillonNU @GregAustin2717 @coach_frost @StRitaAthletics @StRitaFootball @Jordan76simeon @CoachSaboFIST pic.twitter.com/n0PsSHzj14
— Valen Erickson (@ValenErickson) April 18, 2021
Last Sunday was the first time that the St. Rita High School standout was able to speak with coach Scott Frost and offensive line coach Greg Austin. He came away impressed by the pair and what Nebraska has to offer.
“I just saw the culture,” Erickson said. “I really feel like they’re building it to be something. I know a lot of about them. I’m originally from Florida. I lived in Florida for seven years. I lived 30 minutes from the UCF Stadium. So I was down there when Frost was there and had all his success.”
Erickson likes that Austin is a young coach that he can relate to. He’s been studying up on Austin’s coaching style and it meshes with how he plays. The two have developed a nice connection already. It’s also a nice bonus for the lineman to be recruited by two coaches that played at Nebraska.
“That makes it even better,” Erickson said. “I mean, it’s how much pride they both have for the program. And just the culture, there is nothing like it.”
With his team’s season going now, Erickson has had new film go out. He’s picked up offers from Syracuse and Purdue recently to go along with the MAC offers he has. Erickson is still sorting out when he will take an official visit to Nebraska. He will be at the Red-White Spring Game on May 1. He’s looking to make a college choice before the fall and knows what he is looking for. The culture is the number one thing on his list but he’d like to visit some schools that have offered him.
His season wraps up soon and then he plans to really lock in on a decision.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers offered 2022 Iowa tight end Gabe Burkle on Tuesday night.
After a great call with Coach Beckton I’m excited to announce that I’ve received an offer to play football at The University of Nebraska!! Go Huskers! @CoachBeckton pic.twitter.com/SDd2DVgVv2
— Gabe Burkle (@GabeBurkle) April 21, 2021
>> Indiana athlete Demetrious Allen has set his first official visit. He’s going to check out Iowa in late June.
1st official‼️#Hawkeyes @CoachK_Bell @TylerBarnesIOWA @HawkeyeFootball pic.twitter.com/QeNQYbBhDn
— Demetrious Allen (@DJAllen_42) April 20, 2021
>> Husker wide receiver target out of Colorado Grant Page is racking up some nice offers.
— Grant Page (@Grant_Page23) April 21, 2021
ICYMI
>> Derek Peterson has your notes from Husker practice which was another scrimmage day for the team.
>> All-Big Ten kicker Connor Culp is working on the details (Premium) this spring after his great 2020 season.
>> The Mind Your Own podcast is back with Erin Sorensen and Sausha Durkan to take a beat.
>> As Thomas Fidone continues to develop (Premium) the Huskers say he’s going to help this team in 2021.
>> In the latest Padding the Stats Jacob Padilla reflects on a strange year covering his beat.
>> Four Husker volleyball players were honored by the AVCA.
>> As Jacob Padilla writes, the Huskers are banking on the versatility (Premium) of Brant Banks this season.
