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.
We only have two more visit weekends before National Signing Day for Nebraska to build its 2019 recruiting class. While there are a lot of possibilities for the final remaining spots in the class, one position has seemed to generate the most interest among Husker fans.
Outside linebacker recruiting has been under the spotlight all recruiting cycle so as the class ends let’s take a look at what is happening at the position.
First, it is probably not talked about enough that Nebraska has two outside linebackers in the class already. Both Garrett Nelson and Jamin Graham are slated to begin their careers at outside linebacker. Graham is one of the least talked about players in the class but has high upside and great measurables. No one meets Nelson and doesn’t come away impressed with his work ethic and leadership skills.
Still, Nebraska is in the market for at least one more pass rusher for 2019. Four-star defensive end/outside linebacker Steven Parker visited the weekend of Jan. 11 and still has a visit to Kansas on the books for the weekend before signing day. Dylan Jordan is a player who has really seen his recruitment take off over the last month. He has already taken an official to Utah and TCU with his final one planned to Nebraska the weekend of Jan. 25.
Junior college defensive end/outside linebacker Soni Fonua also visited Lincoln the weekend of Jan. 11. He had a great time and felt at home but he has rearranged his visit scheduled to include LSU in place of Kansas. He will also still visit Oklahoma State.
There is no slam dunk for Nebraska in that group but there isn’t reason to rule any of them out either. Also, of significance in this discussion about outside linebacker is we have to mention the players already on the roster. Caleb Tannor, Collin Miller, Tyrin Ferguson, Alex Davis, Breon Dixon and David Alston all return. JoJo Domann will hopefully have a full offseason to train to play his hybrid role, where he showed flashes of promise in last season.
In short, the roster is not without guys who can play the position and more help is on the way. That’s another layer to why the final outside linebacker slot in the class is so interesting.
Recruit Watch
>>Huskers defensive back target Jamel Starks has his final two visits scheduled. He took an official visit to Lincoln during the season.
I’m locked in Jan 25-27 @UofLFootball 🔴⚫️ and Feb 1-3 @CuseFootball 🍊
— Jamel Starks (@jamel_starks) January 21, 2019
>>Mount Michael linebacker Garrett Hustedt accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Huskers.
Very excited to announce that I have decided to commit to the University of Nebraska!! No place like it!! 🔴⚪️🌽 @coachwilhite @BarrettRuud #HomeGrown #GBR pic.twitter.com/Q8OcNHeUFs
— Garrett Hustedt (@GarrettHustedt) January 21, 2019
>>Cornelius Evans, an outside linebacker who was receiving some interest from Nebraska but didn’t have an offer yet has committed to Georgia Tech.
https://twitter.com/CorneliusEvans6/status/1087137819708088321
ICYMI
>>Since the staff is back on the road in full swing for week two, we are providing updates on their whereabouts throughout the week including an update from outside linebacker Dylan Jordan.
>>Recently retired Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder will speak at Nebraska’s coaches clinic.
Very excited to announce that Coach Bill Snyder will be our keynote speaker this year. I know our staff will be in the front row to hear this great coach speak. Sign up at https://t.co/LAa18TAPG9 #GBR pic.twitter.com/s26tjWtzpG
— Gerrod Lambrecht (@GerrodLambrecht) January 21, 2019
>>Former Husker Rex Burkhead scored two touchdowns in the AFC Championship to help lead New England back to the Super Bowl.
>>Jacob Padilla has your high school roundup that was affected by some inclement weather.
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.
