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.
Once we knew the dead period would be lifted starting in June, everyone geared up for a busy month. The preparations were warranted. The month has been filled with recruiting activity since the first day the dead period was lifted. There was a huge uptick in recruiting news over the last few days for Nebraska.
An incredible number of things happened with Nebraska football recruiting since last Thursday.
The commitment of Nevada running back Ashton Hayes got the ball rolling on June 17. The speedy back out of Nevada was in Lincoln the weekend of June 11 for an official visit. He rushed for 2,429 yards and 30 touchdowns that season, averaging 8.9 yards per carry. He also caught 28 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns. He chose Nebraska over Cal and 13 other scholarship offers.
Then Nebraska geared up for a massive recruiting weekend. First up, the Huskers hosted another batch of 20 prospects for private workouts on campus. Bellevue West running back LJ Richardson worked out for Nebraska. Iowa safety Jahsiah Galvin, South Dakota athlete Carson Hergele and Iowa offensive lineman Rex Johnsen worked out. Seth Falley, one of the top junior college centers in the country, also worked out for the team.
Right after those workouts finished Nebraska hosted a barbecue Friday afternoon with almost 35 prospects. The players were able to get to know Nebraska’s coaches better. They also learned more about the academic programs available at the university. At the same time Nebraska’s four official visitors were arriving in Lincoln.
That same evening is when the second Friday Night Lights camp happened. There were several standout prospects at the event. It was headlined by 2024 quarterback Dylan Raiola who stole the show with his big arm. Raiola ended his night with a scholarship offer to Nebraska. He wasn’t the only one that was offered after a solid camp performance. Iowa defensive back Watts McBride was excited to get his offer after the camp. A quartet of Chicago prospects also received offers from Nebraska after strong camp performances.
The offensive and defensive line pipeline camp returned on Saturday. Several local linemen got the opportunity to work with Nebraska coaches and players. It was a great chance to see how they could improve their games. A big piece of news to came out of that day. Creighton Prep 2023 lineman Sam Sledge worked out on the defensive line in front of the Huskers. Sledge is viewed as one of the top interior in-state linemen.
The fireworks began on Sunday for Nebraska.
Colorado wide receiver Grant Page got the ball rolling. He announced his commitment to the Huskers. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound wideout became the second player at the position to commit to Nebraska this class. He joined Florida native Victor Page Jr. coming to Matt Lubick’s room. Lincoln Southeast outside linebacker Jake Appleget committed later in the day on Sunday. The defensive athlete gave Nebraska its second in-state commitment for the 2022 cycle.
It’s been a very busy time for the Huskers this month. There is more to come as we close out what has become a pivotal month for the 2022 recruiting class.
Recruit Watch
>> North Platte defensive athlete Vince Genatone visited Washington State last weekend.
Thank you for the opportunity @NickRolovich @Jesse_Bobbit31 @CoachDickert pic.twitter.com/NMPCPmJyvk
— Vince Genatone (@genatone_v) June 22, 2021
>> North Dakota athlete Carson Hegerle was offered by Wyoming on Monday.
Had a great workout and visit in Wyoming today! Thank you Coach Bohl for the offer!! @wyo_football @CoachABohl @CoachMikeGrant @CoachTimWYO pic.twitter.com/boVDLzvwnq
— Carson Hegerle (@CarsonHegerle) June 21, 2021
>> Dylan Raiola is continuing his hot streak on the recruiting trail after he was offered by Missouri.
I remember watching @MattLinehan_10 as a kid at St Mary’s High School on the red turf! Thank you for the exciting call and offer to the University of Missouri! #wayfinder @MizzouFootball @CoachDrinkwitz @AYGATT_recruits @MikeRoach247 pic.twitter.com/mlRQ3PDEuy
— Dylan Raiola (@RaiolaDylan) June 21, 2021
ICYMI
>> In the latest episode of the Straight Up Breakdown podcast I was joined by Steve Marik of Nebraska Preps. We discussed the Sixers meltdown and a lot of local football recruiting.
>> Jacob Padilla took a look at Fred Hoiberg’s comments on the Huskers’ offseason skill development.
>> I spoke with Grant Page’s high school coach (Premium) about his game, leadership style and much more.
