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.
The questions never stop in the recruiting world. No matter what time of year it is, there is always something to talk about so we take reader and listener suggestions on questions. I then answer the questions in a quick video. This week’s topic is going to be a popular one all recruiting cycle. In-state recruiting is always a hot topic but this offseason there has been a lot of talk about locking down the talent from Nebraska.
That led to this question from Twitter.
How do you expect a clean sweep of the Huskers picking up the in state recruits or will they bat less than 50% like last year?
— royalsfan2 (@dmhusker1) February 21, 2022
The timing of this question is really good. It comes on the heels of the Huskers getting a verbal commitment from a third Nebraskan. Creighton Prep offensive lineman Sam Sledge committed to the team publicly on Sunday. He joined Lincoln Southeast offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula and Pierce tight end Benjamin Brahmer in the class.
The Huskers are intentionally focusing on repairing relationships around the state. The team fell behind on that in recent years. There were many reasons for that. Coach Scott Frost explained that during his signing day press conference.
“It’s been tough, especially with COVID because we haven’t had a chance to get around Nebraska coaches as much as we want to,” Frost said. “Some of those relationships need our attention. The first day we went out, we spent our whole coaching staff out in Nebraska. Except for me because I had COVID. We want Nebraska kids here. Obviously, Mickey has a lot of relationships and people know him. Barrett has a lot of relationships and people know him. Those will be the primary Nebraska recruiters for us. There’s a lot of talent in my opinion coming up in the state of Nebraska and in the region. That’s where our attention is going to be.”
Nebraska immediately made good on the promise to get around high school coaches. The program sent its staff to coaching clinics in Omaha and Lincoln last week. The staff got great reviews from the coaches in attendance. Rebuilding those relationships with local coaches is an important step. We often focus on just the prospects decision-making but having genuine relationships around the state is key too.
There are currently two prospects in the state with Nebraska offers for the 2023 recruiting class that are undecided. Elkhorn South defensive end Maverick Noonan is one. He has offers from around the country and recently picked up an offer from Stanford. Lincoln East wide receiver Malachi Coleman is the other. He’s been the hottest prospect in the state over the last year. Minnesota, Michigan and Kansas State are among the other teams pursuing him.
The Huskers do have a solid chance of going five-for-five with the offered prospects. There is work to be done but it’s realistic. The program is in good position with both Noonan and Coleman. That list of five offered players could expand. Scottsbluff offensive lineman Brock Knutson could be on the verge of an offer. So could Lincoln High athlete Beni Ngoyi. The Huskers would have a good shot at them both if offered.
It’s a great year for the Huskers to refocus on local recruiting. The team’s results will eventually be a factor here too. Bouncing back on the field will go a long way. We’ll see if this all pays off on signing day for the 2023 class.
Recruit Watch
>> Creighton Prep 2023 running back CharMar Brown visited NDSU over the weekend.
Thanks to the NDSU Coaching staff for having me for junior day, grateful for the opportunity & experience! @NDSUfootball pic.twitter.com/sNy5Hru85V
— CharMar Brown AKA Marty (@BrownCharmar) February 21, 2022
>> Omaha Burke linebacker Alec Cook is heading to Iowa State.
Recruitment closed! I am 110% committed to @CycloneFB can’t wait to get to work! @TysonVeidt @DerekHoodjer @ISUMattCampbell @Coach_Heacock pic.twitter.com/Ni5wQfOObm
— Alec Cook (@24Cook) February 20, 2022
ICYMI
>> I spoke with Nebraska’s latest commitment following his announcement. He’s ready to help Nebraska get back on top.
>> Steve Marik took a look at three things we know heading into spring football.
>> Jacob Padilla has five thoughts on Omaha Central’s win over Creighton Prep in hoops.
>> Check out the Hail Varsity photo gallery of the Nebraska women’s team beating Minnesota.
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.
