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.
I receive a message of surprise that we are so close to the early signing period starting on regular basis. It’s next week, Dec. 16, which is just one week away. Almost all of Nebraska’s current commits will sign next week. It will be a happy day for many future Huskers and Nebraska’s staff.
So why doesn’t it feel that way?
Soon…✍🏻 pic.twitter.com/HevdaXEWAW
— Henry Lutovsky I ⁵⁹ (@Luto_72) November 25, 2020
The buzz heading into the early signing period feels so much more muted that in a normal year. It actually feels more like what the traditional signing period has started to feel like. This all started during the season when there were no official visits. Those visits are the main way that fans keep connected to recruiting during the season. Also, without coaches being able to watch high school football games in person, another connection point was lost.
During this part of the calendar we are typically focused on something other than we are right now. Right now, there is so much talk about game matchups and if games will even get played. Typically coaches are doing in-home visits right now. They are either solidifying commits or convince players to join the program. In between those visits to visit players a home coaches would be doing high school drop bys. During those meetings they’d “bump into” 2021 prospects and get to see future prospects in person.
We usually have a daily post this week detailing where the Husker coaches are and who they are visiting. That keeps fans engaged in the world of recruiting too. I never thought I’d say this but who isn’t missing flight tracker right now? All these things add up to the feeling that makes the lead up to this signing period feel a bit strange.
There is another wrinkle with the team still playing right now. The NCAA decided to freeze eligibility for this year. Roster management is even harder with signing day around the corner. Teams can’t know for sure who is coming back. There are still potentially two games left after the first signing period.
I’m not sure that will impact anyone that has already given a pledge to the Huskers nut it could impact players hoping to join the class. Nebraska’s needs could change depending on who comes back. One quick example of this would be at outside linebacker. Does Nebraska need to search for an extra outside linebacker for this cycle if JoJo Domann is returning next season? If Domann returns there is no need to find a late gem. It’d be wise to save that spot and continue developing who is campus with an eye for the 2022 cycle.
It’s hard to blame fans for feeling out of sorts heading into next week. There will be plenty of information coming out though it’s better late than never to get fired up with a week left until signing day.
Recruit Watch
>> Nebraska wide receiver commit Latrell Neville is all set to sign his letter of intent next week.
I will be signing my LOI to The University Of Nebraska on Dec 16th! #GBR
— S E V E N (@LatrellNeville7) December 9, 2020
>> In something you don’t see everyday Nebraska linebacker commit Mikai Gbayor put out a highlight tape of just his pancakes.
>> Teitum Tuioti, the son of Nebraska defensive line coach Tony Tuioti, picked up an offer from Ole Miss on Tuesday evening.
After having a great talk with @CoachCPartridge I am grateful to receive an offer to play @OleMissFB #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/0aaYnZOT0G
— Teitum Tuioti (@TeitumT) December 9, 2020
ICYMI
>> I gave three bold predictions for the completion (Premium) of the 2021 recruiting class for the Huskers.
>> The Mind Your Own podcast is back to discuss that feeling of being lonely but not alone.
>> It’s a double dip podcast day. The Moore to It podcast is back to discuss the Husker win and the best parties from college.
>> Nebraska basketball is preparing for Georgia Tech’s unique defense in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
>> The Hail Varsity mailbag is back to play a Husker themed edition of stay or go this week.