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.
There will be a lot of attention paid to the big recruiting events going on in Lincoln this weekend. Rightfully so, as Nebraska will host numerous official visitors, priority targets for unofficials, top 2021 talent and of course all the players who will participate in the second Friday Night Lights camp. However, let’s not forget the major Nebraska 2020 targets heading elsewhere this weekend.
First let’s start with Xavier Watts. The Omaha Burke star is taking his long anticipated official visit to Notre Dame this weekend.
☘️☘️☘️ #irishboundxx pic.twitter.com/DXV7gX5R3f
— Xavier Watts (@xavierwatts6) June 20, 2019
Watts was on Nebraska’s campus last weekend for an unofficial visit but the Irish have something big brewing this cycle and are pushing hard to add the Burke star to the class.
Sticking with prospects who were in Lincoln last weekend, this weekend Blaise Gunnerson is scheduled to take his official visit to Iowa State. The Huskers are hoping they did enough last weekend to be the pick for the talented defender. A decision shouldn’t be long after his visit to Ames.
Minnesota linebacker Kaden Johnson visited Nebraska this spring and has told Hail Varsity multiple times that he will be taking an official visit to Nebraska in the fall. He will be in Madison on an official visit to Wisconsin this weekend though.
Madison what’s good? First Official visit⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/zV0txHEMDZ
— Kaden Johnson (@KadenJohnson9) June 20, 2019
Minnesota is also heavily involved with him and I don’t expect him to end things this weekend while in Madison.
Finally, New Jersey linebacker Cody Simon will be at Ohio State for the Buckeyes’ big event for an official visit. The Buckeyes are a huge threat to the Huskers here. Simon is very highly thought of by Nebraska. Simon is around the top of the linebacker board that features a lot of quality linebackers.
So, while you are concentrating on who is on campus this weekend, don’t lose sight of the key targets that are scattered around the country too.
Recruit Watch
>> Offensive line target Paula Vaipulu was in the weight room getting some work in a Nebraska shirt.
@PTV_70 eating! pic.twitter.com/bXELji4xDi
— ☯🕉 (@enlightened1tx) June 20, 2019
>> Papio South tight end Will Swanson committed to Kansas State on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/WillSwanson11/status/1141777350151102464
ICYMI
>> Huskers running back signee Ronald Thompkins has been admitted in Nebraska and will arrive next week.
>> Derek Peterson has named Jack Stoll his No. 9 most intriguing Husker and not just because of his hair.
>> Check out why his trainer calls 3-star offensive lineman Reece Atteberry “about as good as they get.”
>> Will Bolt was introduced as Husker baseball head coach on Thursday and called it the honor of a lifetime.
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.
