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.
Name, Image and Likeness has quickly changed the game in college athletics.
Recruits list NIL high on the list as a consideration. It ranks with NFL development, facilities and winning. Nebraska has been thought of as one of the top destinations for student-athletes when it comes to NIL. The issue is Nebraska being one of the most attractive schools for NIL is hard to prove.
Transfer quarterback Casey Thompson removed all doubt after meeting with media at Nebraska.
“Nebraska is probably, hands down, one of the best programs in the country for Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. The support and the fan base here, I would say there’s nothing that really compares to this,” Thompson said. “I’m kind of even surprised, and a little bit blown away about how much football is a big deal around here. But it’s been great, it’s been fun. I’m kind of at the point now where I’m having to, like, tone down a little bit of the (NIL) opportunities just so I can focus on ball.
“Right now, the team and spring ball is my focus. There will be plenty of opportunities to do a social media post and do some appearances. But, yeah, it’s been great so far. I would say the opportunities are just tremendous here at Nebraska.”
That’s a big statement from the former Longhorn. Thompson stopped himself short of saying football matters more in Lincoln than in Austin. It doesn’t much matter anyway, it’s a big deal in both locations.
“I’d just say the community here is close-knit and everyone is kind of in the know, whereas Austin, Texas, is more spread out,” Thompson said. “It’s a big city. Here at Nebraska, if I go to a restaurant or go to a local high school basketball game, or even just going to the gym down the street to try to get some lifts in on the weekend, I’m going to end up getting stopped and having to take pictures and stuff like that. But it comes with it and I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I think the Nebraska fan base is awesome.”
Statements like this make an impact on recruiting. Thompson’s thoughts about earning power Huskers can achieve also makes an impact.
“You’re going to make six figures as a player here”, Thompson said on “Bussin’ With The Boys.” “If you’re a starter here on the football team, you can make over six figures.”
The NIL era is fully upon us. Everyone knows that it’s a major component in recruiting right now. There is a small catch. Coaches are prohibited from brokering deals for athletes and prospects. Recruiting rules are that coaches aren’t supposed to use NIL deals as part of the pitch. College football recruiting is critical to building a great program. It’s naive to think lucrative NIL deals are not being used as recruiting tools. It is important to have current players advertising how good they have it at Nebraska.
NIL deals being plentiful at Nebraska can help swing recruitments in the Huskers’ favor. Thompson was surprised by the depth of opportunity at Nebraska. High schoolers will be in the same boat. Things could get even more interesting soon. More recruits becoming aware of the full potential the Huskers have with NIL will help. That plus Nebraska putting together a winning season are key to the Huskers rising up the ranks.
Recruit Watch
>> Gretna quarterback Zane Flores was offered by Oregon State.
Very excited to have received an offer from Oregon State! @Coach_Lindgren @Coach_JTGreenO @BeaverFootball pic.twitter.com/3hzowTs6eL
— Zane Flores (@ZaneFlores12) March 16, 2022
>> Recent Nebraska visitor Jaidyn Doss is heading to Oregon soon.
I’ll be at University of Oregon on April 5th. 🦆 @oregonfootball
— Jaidyn Doss (@JaidynDoss) March 17, 2022
>> Nebraska 2023 defensive back target Braeden Marshall has some quality offers in front of him. He’s got a top 10 coming soon.
I Thank God Each And Everyday For The Blessings He’s Blessed Me With. God Please Lead Me To Make Best & Right Decision. Top 10 soon🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/D96EWjdpOk
— Braeden Marshall (@MarshallBraeden) March 15, 2022
ICYMI
>> Scott Frost as a CEO and offensive rhythm are a work in progress this spring for the Huskers.
>> The Nebraska women are getting set for their NCAA Tournament game with Gonzaga.
>> Nebraska and Matt Abdelmassih have mutually agreed to part ways.
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.
