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.
Nebraska has a problem in the 2020 recruiting class.
This entire cycle we have been talking about how important linebacker recruiting is to the overall success of the class. It’s not a secret that Nebraska has wanted to land a couple of prospects for inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud to mold. Next season the Huskers will return Will Honas, Collin Miller, Nick Henrich, Jackson Hannah, Garrett Snodgrass, Luke Reimer, Zach Schalger and Joseph Johnson.
Honas and Miller have played a lot of snaps, but beyond them there is a lot of inexperience. There are players coming through the ranks to be excited about but they are still learning and growing as college football players. With that said, the Huskers wanted to continue to add to the budding group.
At one point, Nebraska had a commitment from Alabama inside linebacker Rodney Groce. He left the class and is heading to Mississippi State. Then the Huskers got a commitment from JUCO inside ‘backer Jamoi Hodge. He left Nebraska’s class on Thursday.
I will be De-commiting from Nebraska. Recruitment 100% open
— Jamoi Hodge (@jamoi_hodge_15) December 5, 2019
Currently Nebraska does not have an inside linebacker committed. Here is a look at the prospects they hosted for official visits this season.
- 4-star Jackson Bratton (Alabama commit)
- 3-star Choe Bryant-Strother (UCLA commit)
- 3-star Rodney Groce (Mississippi State commit)
- JUCO 3-star Jamoi Hodge
- 3-star Caleb McCollough (Arizona State commit)
- 3-star Malik Reed (Wisconsin commit)
It hasn’t been for a lack of trying that Nebraska doesn’t have an inside linebacker commit at the moment. The Huskers have vetted several others that never made it to campus. In fact, JUCO prospect Eteva Muaga will be on campus this weekend for an official visit. The Huskers like Muaga quite a bit.
Still, the Huskers have a lot of work to do to add to the position group. There is always the possibility they are further along with inside linebacker targets than we know at the moment. With just 13 days left until the early signing period opens there is some concern over filling spots at an important position this class.
Recruit Watch
>> Keagan Johnson, a 2021 athlete from Bellevue West, got an offer from Iowa State. Johnson also received an offer from the Huskers where his father Clester played in the 90s.
Grateful to receive a scholarship offer from Iowa State … 🌪 pic.twitter.com/UW029BKu6x
— keagan johnson (@_keaganj) December 5, 2019
>> Huskers JUCO OLB target DeVere Levelston seems to have a commitment on his mind.
Big news coming soon…. Almost time for a commitment! ✍🏽
— DeVere Levelston (@DeVere_L56) December 5, 2019
>> Darion Green-Warren, a big Nebraska defensive back target, is all set for his official visit to Michigan this weekend.
🛫 on my way To Ann Arbor 〽️ #GoBlue #GZ pic.twitter.com/XsDF8XzTzn
— Darion Green-Warren (@gogettadarion) December 5, 2019
>> Des Tisdol, an inside linebacker target Nebraska liked a lot, has narrowed his choices. He did not include the Huskers in his top 3.
Decision December 18th🙏🏽 @AuburnFootball @Vol_Football @GamecockCentral @RobStowe4 @ChadSimmons_ @Mansell247 @Keith247Sports pic.twitter.com/UyuqN5CC8O
— Desmond Tisdol⭐️ (@Des_Tisdol) December 5, 2019
ICYMI
>> Our recruiting tracker (Premium) is still running with updates on all the happenings this week.
>> Derek Peterson took a look into the age-old debate of talent versus development in an article this morning.
>> Sun is brighter than ever after a full year in the Huskers’ program, writes Jacob Padilla.
> > An ESPN report came out detailing why Andre Hunt and Katerian LeGrone are facing a 2.5 year suspension.
>> Tom’s Time looks back at the time Snyder called NU the ‘epitome of football.’
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.
