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.
One of the most interesting local recruitments just took another turn.
Omaha Westside 4-star defensive back Avante Dickerson announced on Sunday that he is leaving the Minnesota recruiting class. He made the proclamation on Twitter.
I’d like to thank Coach Fleck and the entire University of Minnesota staff for the support throughout this process. However, I’ve had a change of heart and I am de-committing from Minnesota.
I will be announcing my decision on signing day on Feb. 3rd.— AD #28 (@_dickerson1) January 24, 2021
It stings a bit more for Minnesota. Dickerson was the program’s highest-rated recruit since 2009. All eyes locally have been on Dickerson since the December signing period. That’s because there is a mixture of circumstances here that make for a situation you don’t find very often. First, Dickerson didn’t sign with Minnesota during the early signing period. The first year that the NCAA put the early signing period into place, I had a coach say something interesting. He said if a kid didn’t sign in December, the team assumed that he was uncommitted from that point forward.
Added to that is that Dickerson is a consensus 4-star players. Per 247Sports, Dickerson is the 121st best player in the nation. There are only nine players rated ahead of him who did not sign with a school in December. That means the competition is going to be strong for him.
We are at the point that one of the nation’s best players and No. 1 rated in-state player is officially back on the market. The Huskers have maintained contact with Dickerson throughout the season. That communication has been steady. Nebraska will be a factor in his decision when he announces on the traditional signing day. The Huskers only have two spots left in the 2021 recruiting class. They are hoping Dickerson takes one and then can play the waiting game for the final spot.
Other teams will be involved here which will make Husker fans sweat it out. Oregon is a team to watch in his recruitment. Dickerson has had a relationship with the Ducks since before he committed to the Gophers. The wildcard here is whether or not there are any other teams making a move up his list.
There are new coaching staffs at places like Texas. The Longhorns will be evaluating prospects with a fresh set of eyes. They are likely to at least evaluate Dickerson because he’s so highly-rated. This recruitment is far from over for the 4-star who helped Omaha Westside to a state title this season.
🤝 @brownwrice pic.twitter.com/t6z8kiSiVG
— AD #28 (@_dickerson1) December 24, 2020
Recruit Watch
>> Mario Buford, younger brother of 2021 signee Marques Buford, was offered by the Huskers. The 2024 prospect has the makings of a national defensive back recruit.
#AGTG I am extremely blessed to receive an Offer from THE University of Nebraska‼️🌽 #GBR #Thegoodlife @coach_frost @CoachChinander @CoachTFisher @HuskerFBNation @FootballDesoto @CoachTraun @CoachSweeny @marques_buford pic.twitter.com/RUDMh2DGRr
— Mario Buford (@riogocrazy) January 23, 2021
>> Teitum Tuioti was offered by Washington State over the weekend. He continues to rack up early offers.
Had a great talk with @CoachLogo and wanted to thank him and @NickRolovich for giving me an offer to play @WSUCougarFB #clawsout #letsroll #goCougs pic.twitter.com/5EDRu34mMB
— Teitum Tuioti (@TeitumT) January 23, 2021
>> Nebraska offered a new 2022 quarterback on Sunday when Tayven Jackson out of Indiana announced he was offered.
#AGTG Very thankful to have received an offer from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln!!🔴⚪️Special thanks to @Coach_Verdu @coach_frost pic.twitter.com/zfq2Rf2Xnb
— Tayven jackson (@Tayvenjacksonn2) January 24, 2021
>> Major Huskers 2022 wide receiver target Brenen Thompson was offered by LSU.
Extremely blessed and humbled to receive an offer from LSU!!🐯 #AGTG #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/oTprGHiT32
— Brenen Thompson (@BrenenT11) January 22, 2021
ICYMI
>> Jacob Padilla has takeaways (Premium) on Nebraska volleyball’s series with Indiana.
>> The River Cities Conference Championship was this weekend and Jacob Padilla has five thoughts.
>> Nebraska basketball plans to return to action on Feb. 3 after the Penn State game was postponed.