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.
Through the first week of spring practice, the uncertainty in the running backs room has been talked about quite a bit. That topic isn’t going away and will be a storyline through the summer when the incoming ball carriers arrive. There is another position group that will have a strong influx of talent arriving this summer as well that isn’t of quite the same concern level. That position group is the defensive backs.
Travis Fisher’s group could be the best overall group on the team. Part of that is due to the nice blend of experience and exciting young guys that are already in Lincoln.
“I’m excited about it because now I have the chance to put those guys on the field,” Fisher said. “They got here and saw seniors in front of them and they’re like, ‘Oh man, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to play. Antonio Reed looks like Hercules out here. My body is not developed yet.’ Their mind starts to play games with them a bit.
“Now it’s my turn. Now it’s on me. So, it’s time for them to bust it in the weight room and now it’s time for them to do it on the field.”
By all accounts that group really attacked the weight room this offseason with purpose. The competition for those spots on August 31st when the season kicks off against South Alabama is wide open according to Fisher. What about those freshmen that will arrive this summer?
“I don’t want to be too positive before it happens, but I really like my freshmen,” Fisher told reporters last Tuesday. “I really do. They’re talented and they’re not skinny, boney guys who have to get stronger. It’s not like those guys haven’t been in the weight room. They’ve been in the weight room.
“Myles Farmer is already probably my biggest safety right now. Quinton Newsome is also a big one. Noa Pola-Gates is a little bit smaller but he’s more explosive.”
Fisher has quietly gone from being a coach that knew he had to stay on his guys to get them moving in the right direction to having a confidence about his group. The talent on campus combined with the talent on the way and the culture of hard work could mean a big improvement from the defensive backs in the near future.
We don’t hear from Fisher a lot of social media, but that’s for good reason. He’s busy doing work on the field and on the recruiting trail.
Recruit Watch
>> Recent offensive line visitor Roger Rosengarten was invited to play in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
Excited to announce that I have received an invite to play at the All American Bowl in San Antonio. Thanks to @bangulo @BrandonHuffman @GregBiggins @AABonNBC pic.twitter.com/TOLESKEaac
— Roger Rosengarten (@roger_73r) March 9, 2019
>> Iowa native and offensive line target Josh Volk committed to the Hawkeyes over the weekend.
After much consideration I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa! I would like to thank the Iowa football staff, my parents for their love & support, JC Moreau for his assistance during this process, & my coaches & teammates, especially Coach Schulte🐤 pic.twitter.com/dzAc4IlQuV
— Josh Volk (@Josh__Volk) March 9, 2019
>> Nebraska has been pumping out some new graphics for recruits. Check out this cool one for 4-star Georgia running back Deondre Jackson.
https://twitter.com/1Deondrejackson/status/1104111053628166145
> > Nebraska made the cut for Tampa tight end Jonathan Odom who has seen his stock soar recently.
It was a Top 10…..but LSU made 11‼️ #AMDG #GodsPlan pic.twitter.com/3sqC8CyOZE
— Jonathan Odom (@Odom_87) March 10, 2019
ICYMI
>> Greg Austin sees a new sense of pride from the offensive line, writes Derek Peterson.
>> Kyle Kardell has three takeaways from Nebraska’s 2-1 series win over No. 21 Baylor.
>> Jacob Padilla has your Nebraska Boys State Tournament roundup from an exciting run of games.
>> What a scene at Pinnacle Bank Arena following a senior day victory for Nebraska. Derek Peterson gives you his three takeaways.
>> Wisconsin offensive lineman Sean Timmis visited Nebraska practice on Friday and I caught up with him to see what he thought about the visit. (Premium)
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.
