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.
The Huskers had two commitments at the start of June. Things started slow on the commitment list. Most knew that the start to the class couldn’t be evaluated until we got through June. The dead period being lifted enabled official visits around the country. That was supposed to provide a boost for Nebraska’s 2022 class.
Nebraska picked up five commitments for the 2022 class. The quarterback for the class, Richard Torres, committed. So did wide receiver Grant Page, tight end Chase Androff, running back Ashton Hayes and outside linebacker Jake Appleget. The class now sits at seven commitments. The Huskers class got a boost but the question is was it big enough?
For Nebraska to be on track for the 2022 recruiting class, it needed to be at double-digit commitments by the end of the month. That would show that the team was closing well on prospects near the top of its board. It would also show to a degree that recruits are still excited about what coach Scott Frost is selling.
The Huskers hosted 20 official visitors in June. Ernest Hausmann came into his visit committed. Of the 19 remaining official visitors, five committed the Huskers. Five committed to a different school. Part of the problem with the misses is who they were. Offensive lineman Ashton Craig was an under-the-radar find by the staff. Then he wasn’t so under-the-radar and Notre Dame landed him. Nebraska really like Landon Samson but he just didn’t seem ready to go all in with the Huskers. He committed to South Carolina. Nico Davillier elected to stay home committed to Arkansas. Losing legacy defensive back James Monds III to Indiana stings. He was a top target for the Huskers and he’s heading to another Big Ten school. Running back Justin Williams moved his timeline up and committed to West Virginia.
Nine players who visited in June remain uncommitted.
- OL Valen Erickson
- DL Jalen Marshall
- DB Markeith Williams
- LB Tyler Martin
- DB Avery Powell
- DE Hayden Schwartz
- DB Nathan Vail
- OL Jake Maikkula
- ATH Jaden Mangham
The perception of how successful the month was changes if the Huskers land a few of those listed above. I would expect a few of these prospects to come off the board this summer still. Right now, the results are disappointing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t time to change that. New names are going to have to emerge for the Huskers to host this fall. It will be a small recruiting class but the Huskers still have work to do on the 2022 recruiting class.
Because of the results so far under Frost, a wait-and-see approach may be in play with many recruits. If the Huskers start the season well, I’d expect things to pick up on the trail. It’s also worth remember that a verbal commitment is not a signed letter of intent. Flip candidates could emerge too.
What’s happening in recruiting is another reason why the 2021 season is so intriguing for the Huskers.
Recruit Watch
>> Check out the early offer like for 2023 Michigan defensive back Amare Snowden.
I Thank God everyday for my blessings
Praying and working for more🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/zNtSQlThzh— Amare Snowden (@amare_snowden) July 3, 2021
ICYMI
>> The latest episode of the Mind Your Own podcast is here to discuss being a true ally.
>> As Derek Peterson writes, offseason prep is a little more comfortable for Amy Williams and the Huskers this time around.
>> In this week’s Padding the Stats Jacob Padilla looks into B1G winners and losers from the NBA Draft deadline.
>> Rounding up the River Cities Hoops Summer Top-off is on the agenda in the latest Nebraska Preps Postgame show.
