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.
In each recruiting class, there are players who come out of nowhere and perform well early in their careers. That doesn’t mean they have to be stars like Adrian Martinez was in his freshman season, or like Wan’Dale Robinson was in his first season on campus. But getting on the field as a freshman and contributing is an accomplishment in and of itself.
On the flip side of that, there will always be players in the class that take a little more time to develop. In a class of 20-25 players, it’s wild to expect full potential to show in many of them quickly. Wide receiver Alante Brown has become a popular choice to make an impact quickly in the 2020 recruiting class. There will be others that rise up who are unexpected similar to how outside linebacker Garrett Nelson did last season.
We focus a lot on the newcomers making an impact during spring or even the summer. But what about the players who have been on campus that we haven’t heard much from? There are some players at Nebraska who have been developing behind the scenes and we haven’t heard much from yet. Still, this spring could be a big moment for them to make a move up and depth chart making their names known.
OLB Jamin Graham (Redshirt Freshman)
It might be a year too early for the Alabama native but there still will be questions about him this spring. There are questions at the outside linebacker position beyond JoJo Domann, Garrett Nelson and Caleb Tannor. Snaps will be available behind those players but how far along in his development should the young player be? There is a chance for Graham to make his move before more reinforcements arrive in the summer.
OLB David Alston (Redshirt Sophomore)
The Minnesota native is entering his third year in the program. He was one of the sleeper picks of the 2018 class that people understood would take some time to develop. Still, with players younger than him seeing more snaps already and more players coming it, the time is now for Alston to make a move. A couple of years in the strength and conditioning program plus learning the defense could give him a chance to make noise.
OT Matt Sichterman (Redshirt Junior)
Offensive line coach Greg Austin gave Sichterman some praise as someone who was working hard behind the scenes late last season. There will be fierce competition for snaps along the offensive line this spring but the fourth-year junior has a chance to surprise. The offensive line room has a lot of potential but is loaded with young players. Perhaps a veteran presence can make a jump this spring and compete.
Recruit Watch
>> JUCO cornerback De’Jahn Warren has stayed hot on the recruiting trail. He picked up an offer from Auburn on Thursday.
Blessed and Honored to be offered by Auburn University #WarEagle @AuburnFootball 🔵🟠 pic.twitter.com/nKz0bI0SyK
— De’Jahn “Nugget” Warren (@Ayoooo_daeee) March 5, 2020
>> California wide receiver Xavier Worthy picked up an offer from the Huskers on Wednesday.
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to @HuskerFBNation for offering me a scholarship to play at the University of Nebraska #GoHuskers🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/M4HjfW4fd8
— XW1🏴 (@Xavierworthy2) March 5, 2020
>> Omaha Roncali lineman Nolan Gorczyca is picking up a little steam lately. He was offered by Arkansas State.
Excited to receive an offer from Arkansas State University! Thank you @CoachSCoughlin for the opportunity! @AStateFB pic.twitter.com/QEOj74bmr7
— Nolan Gorczyca (@nolangorczyca) March 5, 2020
ICYMI
>> Jacob Padilla has your High School Roundup where the Boys State Tournament has plenty of D1 prospects.
>> Brandon Vogel gave his take on some Huskers to watch this spring (in a way) on Thursday morning.