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.
It is not an understatement to say that this is a massive week for the future of Nebraska football. Not because missing out on one top target will cause all hope to be lost. Because as Nebraska tries to raise the overall talent level of the program they need multiple victories on the recruiting trail. The early signing period is approaching rapidly.
Last week the Huskers’ staff was out in full force seeing commits, top targets and making connections with future prospects. This week will see much of the same type of action. One important distinction needs to be mentioned. It is the last week out on the road before the early signing period begins. So, the pressure ramps up. It will matter even more when the Huskers choose to send Scott Frost in home with prospects. There will surely be at least one top target that he wants the final word with.
Let’s do a quick rundown of some targets that the Huskers are in the hunt with who are expected to make December decisions:
- JUCO ILB Eteva Muaga
- JUCO DL Pheldarius Payne
- JUCO DL Jordon Riley
- JUCO DE Julius Coates
- JUCO WR Omar Manning
- JUCO OLB Niko Cooper
- OLB Jimari Butler
- WR Marcus Fleming
- CB Darion Green-Warren
- OLB Kaden Johnson
- DB Jaiden Francois
- WR Alante Brown
- OLB Jared Ivey
- CB Kendall Dennis
- OLB Keyshawn Greene
- WR Javian Hester
- Georgia WR commit Justin Robinson
Some of these prospects have already received in-home visits from Frost. Coates, Butler and Ivey have for sure. Defensive end Nusi Malani and defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu may elect to sign in February. That could happen with other targets too. Managing Frost's and the rest of the staff’s time well so they can see all of their top targets who are deciding this month will be crucial. There also isn’t much time to waste on targets that you don’t have a good feel for because each visit is precious due to time.
There are a lot of moving parts as Nebraska closes the book on this portion of the 2020 recruiting class. There is a lot of intrigue building to see how it all plays out. The dominos need to start falling soon in the class or we are in for a hectic signing day next week.
Either way, stay tuned to Hail Varsity for all the latest twists and turns.
Recruit Watch
>> Beatrice offensive lineman Bladen Bayless has elected to join the Huskers walk-on class for 2020.
I am excited to announce my commitment to THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA!!⚪️🔴 #GBR #HomeGrown #Committed pic.twitter.com/u7EbG8mTC7
— Bladen Bayless (@bladenbayless) December 9, 2019
>> Quarterback commit Logan Smothers is all set to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
MSHS athletes @logan_smothers and @jacksonbratton2 at @AHSAAUpdates headquarters before heading to Hattiesburg for Alabama-Mississippi All Star Game #ClaimIt pic.twitter.com/k8o8wRD9W1
— Muscle Shoals High (@TrojansMSHS) December 9, 2019
>> Recent Huskers official visitor Pheldarius Payne picked up a nice honor on Monday to end his JUCO season.
Pheldarius Payne named Athlete of the Week @LCFalconsFB @LackawannaEDU https://t.co/9HEfNoNLLh
— Lackawanna Falcons (@falconssports) December 9, 2019
>> Jimari Butler, who visited Lincoln officially this weekend, posted some pictures from his visit to social media.
Had an Awesome weekend in Lincoln🔴⚪️ @CoachChinander @NEB_Recruiting #GBR🌽 pic.twitter.com/bioqWvUO6r
— Jimari Butler 🦦 (@10Capalot) December 9, 2019
ICYMI
>> JUCO inside linebacker Eteva Mauga had his expectations exceeded (Premium) as a decision looms on his next move.
>> Derek Peterson took a look at first-down production, hit rates and cooling on the hardwood in his weekly column.
>> Jacob Padilla dove into the Division I recruits starting their seasons in his high school roundup.
>> Check out our photo gallery from the Huskers taming the Tigers to advance in the NCAA Tournament.