During one of his meetings with local press, wide receiver coach Garret McGuire said he wants to teach “Husker speed.” While the name insinuates physical speed, McGuire explained the term as “playing with overwhelming effort play after play.” It’s also, to some extent, a borrowed phrase from his home state of Texas.
“Texas speed” is used to indicate exceptional acceleration one can find in the Lone Star State. This spring’s Class 6A-District 11 meet hosted by McGuire’s old Cedar Hill High School is a perfect example of this. Ayson Theas, who recently received an offer from Nebraska, ran an 11.77 at that meet. He came in eighth. Future Houston sprinter King Micah Scales ran a 10.40 that meet. He didn’t medal. Miles Jones, who chose to run track at Kentucky over Nebraska, won the meet with a record 10.18.
There’s a saying in Texas high school football—if you want to run the ball in the fall, you’ve got to run the ring in the spring. And because Nebraska is heavily recruiting Texas for fall ballers, many competed earlier this month at the Texas Track Championships. Let’s check in on how they did.
Bryant Wesco, a 2024 recruit from Midlothian, finished fifth in the triple jump with a mark of 47 feet, 3.25 inches. McGuire offered Wesco back in January, ahead of 16 other offers. He’s announced a handful of summer official visits, which doesn’t include Nebraska despite spring visits. Nebraska also offered Duncanville 2024 recruit Caden Durham. He earned bronze with a 10.53 in the 100 at the state meet. Nebraska offered the back in January. Promising 2026 recruit Brycen Williams marked 6-foot-8 in high jump for a silver medal. The Canyon West Plains freshman is gaining recruiting attention as a receiver.
Ernest Campbell, the fastest man in Texas, set state records in the 100 (10.22) and 200 (20.92), with an additional gold from the Refugio 4×100 relay team (41.95). Campbell, a 3-star 2024 receiver, will visit Nebraska during the June 23 priority recruiting weekend.
The Humble Atascocita 4×100 relay team did not finish at the state meet. That team included 2025 recruit Tory Blaylock, a 4-star running back. The Duncanville 4×100 relay team (40.26) received silver and 4×200 relay team (1:23.95) won gold. Both included 2025 5-star receiver Dakorien Moore, a top-10 recruit.
Incoming Nebraska signee Jeremiah Charles earned bronze in the triple jump with a 49-foot, 2.5-inch leap on his final attempt.
Recruit Watch
Former Husker quarterback Logan Smothers announced his commitment to Jacksonville State on Tuesday. Smothers, a native of Muscle Shores, Alabama, will be closer to family and play for head coach Rich Rodriguez.
Excited to be back HOME! #HGA #AKC 🐔🔴⚫️ @RealCoachRod @CoachRSmith1 @JaxStateFB pic.twitter.com/QVKBjuUal6
— Logan Smothers (@logan_smothers) May 30, 2023
West Des Moines, Iowa, offensive lineman Kyle Rakers committed to Kansas State on Monday. Rakers, a 3-star recruit, visited Nebraska in April.
Kewan Lacy, a 3-star running back from Lancaster, Texas, garnered attention after a strong camp showing in Dallas-Fort Worth. Lacy holds Nebraska high on his list and is scheduled to take an official visit during the June 23 priority recruiting weekend.
Donald DeFrand Jr. is one of the Lincoln High athletes that will transfer to Lincoln Southeast for the upcoming season. DeFrand visited Nebraska in the past but his recruitment has yet to take off.
ICYMI
>> Speaking of speed, the Nebraska track and field team is sending 20 Huskers to the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas, next week. They all qualified at the NCAA West Regional, some with program-record marks.
>> Nebraska’s ties to Texas are streamlining this summer with the addition of Red Way fights through the Lincoln Airport. These provide direct flights to Dallas and Austin, less than a year after the airport added a direct flight to Houston. The decision came with some support from Nebraska athletics.
>> All-American wrestler Peyton Robb withdrew from his final match of the NCAA Championships this past winter because he was too ill. He’s now undergoing rehab from a sudden life-threatening infection.