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.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Matt Lubick is coming into Nebraska at an interesting time. He is tasked with injecting juice into an offense that hasn’t lived up to the expectations after Coach Scott Frost brought the high-powered attack from Orlando.
Lubick is also diving into the job with a few weeks remaining in the current recruiting cycle. The 2020 cycle is essentially done barring any late surprises. It is more important right now that Lubick build relationships with 2021 prospects. Nebraska is already in good standing with several of them and he will get an opportunity to strengthen that this week when he hits the road.
“I’ve got a rough idea [of the schedule in the coming days], just kind of taking it day-by-day,” Lubick said in a radio appearance this week. “I know I get out there on Wednesday and I’m excited to hit the ground running. I know there’s still a week left recruiting, so I’ll kind of leave it up to them. Wherever they want me to go, I’ll be there and engage the recruits that are committed and signed and coming in.
“Probably more important than that is getting to know the players. I’m obviously behind on that, and I’m going to do the best I can to speed up that process and get to know them and what’s important to them.”
Relationship building was something Lubick missed during his time away from football. In the spirit of that, what should be a few of his first meetings as offensive coordinator?
The first meeting he should have is not with a recruit that is recently signed, or a 2021 prospect the team hopes to sign. The first meeting I’d set up if I were Lubick is with JD Spielman and Wan’Dale Robinson. Not because he needs to smooth anything over or ease the minds of the dynamic duo, but because Lubick will want to make sure those relationships get off to a smooth start. He will be counting on them for a lot of production during the 2020 season.
Next Lubick should head down to Texas and meet with 2020 signee Omar Manning. The junior college product was the most important signee in the class so putting in the time there will be worthwhile. Manning was sold on a specific vision for the offense. It would not hurt to let him know in person that nothing will change there.
Lastly, Lubick should make a stop at Bellevue West. Meeting 2020 signee Zavier Betts for the first time will be good. So, will getting a chance to talk with priority 2021 wide receiver Keagan Johnson. When Hail Varsity spoke with Johnson over the weekend he was eagerly awaiting his chance to speak with Lubick after hearing about him from Frost.
Lubick has the luxury of entering into a situation where he isn’t pressed to sign players for the current cycle. Still, there are plenty of things for him to check off the list as he gets used to his new job in Lincoln.
Recruit Watch
>> Peter Costelli, a 2021 quarterback target, picked up an offer from Georgia Tech on Tuesday.
Excited and honored to anounce that I have received an offer to the Georgia Institute of Technology.! Thank you @Coach_Pnode. #TogetherWeSwarm pic.twitter.com/gkYfdk5aAr
— Peter Costelli (@CostelliPeter) January 21, 2020
He also got some strength work in.
@CostelliPeter putting in the extra work when no one is around. Building power with Tony at Saddleback Strength & Conditioning. pic.twitter.com/5El2qjPJML
— Peter Costelli (@pcnomad1) January 20, 2020
>> Priority tight end target Thomas Fidone added Wisconsin to his growing offer list on Tuesday.
Blessed and excited to say I have received a full scholarship from the University of Wisconsin! pic.twitter.com/ivCR4Urbtb
— Thomas Fidone II ²⁴ (@ThomasFidone) January 21, 2020
>> Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti and his hat were out in Michigan paying a visit to 2021 priority defender Ru’Quan Buckley.
Back out in 2020 spreading the @HuskerFBNation brand‼️ #GBR 🌽🤙🏽☠️ pic.twitter.com/hlnBzS5sxo
— Tony Tuioti (@CoachTuioti92) January 21, 2020
>> Temple transfer defensive lineman Quincy Roche announced tht he was heading to Miami.
— Q. (@_Underated2) January 20, 2020
ICYMI
>> Nebraska made a big impression (Premium) on 2021 Kansas running back Devin Neal who is already thinking about a return visit.
>> In today’s Nebraska roster reset (Premium), Jacob Padilla looks at the offensive line.
>> Derek Peterson is back to score the Huskers. This time he looks at the defensive line.
>> Patience and physicality are key as the Husker basketball team preps the game plan for Wisconsin, writes Jacob Padilla.
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.
