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.
Star sophomore wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson entered his name into the transfer portal. He announced the news in a statement on Twitter on Monday.
thank you so much, Nebraska🖤 pic.twitter.com/WnqYV9MDvz
— Wan’Dale Robinson (@wanda1erobinson) January 11, 2021
There are many things to discuss coming off this announcement. The on-field implications are clear. Robinson has been quite productive during his two seasons at Nebraska.
Nebraska signed 17 freshmen/JUCO WRs and TEs in the '18, '19, and '20 classes.
Wan'Dale Robinson: 91 catches, 914 yards
Other 16 combined: 46 catches, 539 yards
— Derek Peterson (@DrPeteyHV) January 11, 2021
Off the field, Robinson was the face of Nebraska’s football program. He spoke at the ceremony unveiling the school’s plans for a new football facility. Robinson was the only football player on stage just a handful of games into his college career. Nebraska put out video of the virtual visits for perspective new players. Robinson was featured in the video.
Welcome to the Good Life ☠️🎈#GBR x #VirtualVisit pic.twitter.com/BQwCU7LPri
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) August 24, 2020
The program highlighted him in a unique way. They created a video with potential NIL opportunities of him creating his own song.
Nebraska Football has always been at the forefront in regard to innovation. That's why it should be no surprise that we are once again leading the charge in name, image and likeness/branding. Tune in tomorrow when my new song and video drops 🎈#TheGoodLife pic.twitter.com/ajWoKRl7bF
— Wan’Dale Robinson (@wanda1erobinson) September 7, 2020
Robinson was a willing player host on recruiting visits in 2019 when those were allowed. He gave the program a lot. It is jarring to see him leave following his sophomore season.
There is another impact here that is harder to quantify. Robinson was an identifiable player that the Huskers could point to in recruiting. Other players know him because he was a big deal as a recruit. Coach Scott Frost and his staff could show other skill players how they landed Robinson. That helped them but now that is all in question now.
There may be many questions moving forward from recruits and their families. In a vacuum, it’s just one transfer. But combined with all the other ones specifically at wideout the questions will be fair. If Frost has answers for them that would be helpful. Nebraska has done fine recruiting skill position players under Frost so far. The offense has struggled to develop consistent playmakers so far.
Recruit Watch
>> Former Oklahoma running back TJ Pledger announced that he will be transferring to Utah.
Let's Ride.. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/bjW4LwzWgw
— TJ Pledger IV (@uno_tj) January 11, 2021
>> Mario Buford, a 2024 defensive back related to 2021 signee Marques Buford, picked up an offer from Mississippi State on Monday.
WOW! Extremely blessed to receive an offer from THE Mississippi State University!! #AGTG @HailStateFB @MasonSmith_MSU @CoachTraun @CoachSweeny @FootballDesoto @simplyCoachO @FlightSkillz pic.twitter.com/zlgVtfdiHB
— Mario Buford (@riogocrazy) January 11, 2021
>> Former Nebraska offensive lineman Matthew Anderson has found a new home.
Excited to have found my HOME I want to thank all the coaches that recruited me and gave me their time! #GEAUXCAJUNS pic.twitter.com/amLmUwMqhl
— Matthew Anderson #72 (@mateoanderson37) January 11, 2021
ICYMI
>> The Huskers did get good news on Monday at wide receiver when Samori Touré committed to the team.
>> Nebraska Preps Postgame is back to look at big performances and big games.
>> The Huskers rallied on Sunday but it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana in an 84-76 loss.