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 Huskers have been quite busy during the offseason. Outside of a small lull during the holidays there has been no real shortage of news surrounding the Nebraska football program. That’s probably the way it should be this offseason. Nebraska is 15-29 under Scott Frost and 10-25 in conference play. The team won a single conference game during the 2021 season and three games total. With those type of results big changes surely follow.
The offseason has had some bright moments. The Huskers have a long list of objectives to hit to improve the team for the 2022 season. The most important goal may have been locking down a quality transfer quarterback. The Huskers checked that box on Friday. Texas transfer Casey Thompson announced he would be joining the team. Thompson brings a lot of starting experience to Lincoln. He completed 63% of his passes this season for 2,113 yards. The signal caller had 24 touchdowns with nine interceptions on the year. Frost needs to show major progress. Turning the most important position over to an experienced player could do wonders.
More good news followed on Saturday for Nebraska’s passing attack and special teams. LSU transfer wide receiver Trey Palmer announced that he would also be joining Nebraska. Palmer (6-0, 180) caught 30 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns during the 2021 season. He was also a quality return man for the Tigers. The Louisiana native is another piece in Nebraska’s special teams overhaul this offseason. Palmer’s decision to transfer to Nebraska can be traced to wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph. His hire has already paid off for Nebraska on the recruiting trail. We will get to see soon what Joseph can do with a re-tooled receiver group. That unit includes Palmer, Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, Zavier Betts, Omar Manning, Oliver Martin, Alante Brown and more.
It wasn’t all good news for the Huskers over the weekend. Bringing in new players for the offensive line has been a priority for the program. The team has landed a pair of scholarship transfer offensive lineman but are in search of more help. Sacred Heart grad transfer JD DiRenzo held an offer from the Huskers. He committed to Rutgers over the weekend.
I’m coming home. #ChopNation @RFootball pic.twitter.com/WoZv0vbnlY
— JD DiRenzo (@jddirenzo) January 8, 2022
Another piece of news happened that is related to Nebraska’s quarterback pursuit. Florida State quarterback Chubba Purdy has been a target for the program. He’s scheduled to take an official visit to Nebraska the weekend of Jan. 14. That didn’t stop an old rival from offering him a scholarship. Oklahoma tossed its hat in the ring for Purdy on Saturday.
Thankful to have received an offer from The University of Oklahoma! pic.twitter.com/K6I6pRclEW
— Chubba Purdy (@chubbapurdy) January 8, 2022
What’s interesting to me is that both Oklahoma and Nebraska offer similar situations. Both landed a veteran quarterback. Each wants to presumably groom Purdy for the future. He’s got four years left of eligibility. His criteria for picking a new school could be different than other transfer quarterbacks.
The Purdy piece of the offseason puzzle is just one of the items left to figure out for Nebraska. There will be more portal additions. The coaching staff still has to be finalized. The picture seems to change and evolve daily. There is a lot that needs to go right in a pivotal offseason for Nebraska football.
Recruit Watch
>> Missouri defensive line transfer Mekhi Wingo picked up an offer from the Huskers.
Thank you for the opportunity coach 🙏🏾 @CoachChinander pic.twitter.com/PPgjQOpazE
— mekhi wingo (@WingoMekhi) January 8, 2022
>> Nebraska wide receiver signee Decoldest Crawford was named as an all-state selection.
LSWA 3-A All-State selection:
WR Decoldest Crawford
Green Oaks HS- 2022@YrncoldCongrats my guy and #GBR
— Bootleggers North (@BootleggersNLA) January 9, 2022
>> Northwestern safety transfer Brandon Joseph has landed in South Bend after picking Notre Dame.
Remember me different… pic.twitter.com/nRmk0nyDUE
— Brandon Joseph (@BrandonJoseph_1) January 8, 2022
>> Big-time edge rusher transfer Jared Verse is heading to Florida State.
COMMITTED🍢 #GoNoles @FSUCoachJP pic.twitter.com/NB9L6cqEEM
— Jared Verse (@JaredVerse1) January 8, 2022
ICYMI
>> Senior Nicklin Hames is returning to Nebraska in a new role for 2022.
>> It’s time for Steve Marik to score the offensive line in his scoring the 2022 Huskers series.
>> Nebraska folded in a 93-65 loss at Rutgers on Saturday.
>> Jacob Padilla has five thoughts on Lincoln Pius X’s 67-57 win at Lincoln Northeast.
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.
