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.
Winter conditioning in full swing. Since Nebraska just added double-digit early enrollees, it is pretty easy to start thinking about them when considering which Huskers you are most excited to see break through. Since they are new players of course the interest is high in seeing what Thomas Fidone, Markese Stepp or Ru’Quan Buckley can bring. What about those players that have been around for a bit? There are plenty of players that fans were excited to see from each recent recruiting class who just haven’t broken through for whatever reason.
Let’s take a look at one from each previous recruiting class brought in by coach Scott Frost.
2018: Defensive back Braxton Clark
The Florida native was part of Frost’s initial transition class. Clark is a tall (6-4, 200) corner that could flourish in the Big Ten. It just hasn’t all come together despite him showing flashes during his career. He was a breakout candidate in the 2020 season before an injury put a stop to that. He will be counted on in the 2021 season.
2019: Running back Rahmir Johnson
The New Jersey running back has had an interesting career as a Husker so far. He has seen minimal playing time in each of his first two seasons in Lincoln. Johnson has also scored a touchdown in his first and second year on the team. He has struggled to find a consistent role within the offense. Now the running back room is crowded. Johnson will need to make a move this spring up the depth chart.
2020: Punter Daniel Cerni
I admit that it’s a bit odd to name a punter here. In this case it might be warranted. Nebraska’s special teams have been an adventure under Frost. Cerni was supposed to fix part of that equation last season when he was added from Australia. He got to Lincoln later than expected due to travel restrictions with COVID-19. He was mysteriously hurt all last season without much explanation from Frost. Cerni came from Prokick Australia which has produced five Ray Guy Award winners, 17 All-Americans and over 75 punters on scholarship since 2007. If the Huskers can get that type of breakout from Cerni in 2021 it would help change the special teams woes.
There are several other players who could have made these lists. Each season there are players who break out after showing potential in previous seasons. The Huskers could use more of that in the 2021 season.
Recruit Watch
>> Bellevue West tight end Kaden Helms was offered by Miami over the weekend.
Extremely blessed to have received a scholarship offer from The University of Miami! 🌴 @GarinJustice pic.twitter.com/GuHhhjssLo
— Kaden Helms (@KadenJHelms) February 13, 2021
>> Lincoln Southeast linebacker Jake Appleget posted a couple edits the Huskers did for him.
GBR 🔴☠️⚪️ @BarrettRuud @CoachChinander @SeanDillonNU pic.twitter.com/myNE4KWLkX
— Jake Appleget (@ApplegetJake) February 12, 2021
>> Alabama 4-star athlete Caden Story received an invite to the Under Armour camp series.
Blessed to receive an invite! @DemetricDWarren pic.twitter.com/40qAoPKPj0
— ᶜˢ⁵ 💰 (@CadenStory) February 14, 2021
ICYMI
>> As Derek Peterson wrote Scott Frost is building the biggest (Premium) offensive line in the Big Ten.
>> Nebraska volleyball fought back to get its second win at Rutgers this weekend.
>> Jacob Padilla has a round-up for the 2021 Heartland Hoops Classic from session one and session two.
>> Check out the photo gallery from the Huskers close loss to top-10 Illinois.