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 August edition of the Greg’s Guys list is out.
The monthly list of my top 10 players in the class based on Nebraska’s needs, how a player fits in the scheme and talent will now drop the first Tuesday of each month. We had a quick turnaround since the July list but it wasn’t short on changes. Four players had to be replaced on the list because they committed in recent weeks. Of the four, just defensive back Malik Williams committed to Nebraska.
We saw a run of commitments nationwide over the last few weeks. We might see that pace slow down some. Prospects are waiting to see what the NCAA will announce about official visits for the fall.
There is no way to capture the whole picture with 10 top targets. There are several players who just missed the cut for the June list. Let’s highlight a few.
OL/DL Tyler Maro (Davenport, Iowa)
The Iowa native (6-7, 255) has seen his recruitment really take off during the dead period. He’s now up to 38 offers after things started pretty slow for him. It’s a mixed bag of if schools are recruiting him to play offensive or defensive line. The Huskers are leaving things open right now. That could play to their benefit with Maro since spots are tight in the 2021 class. Maro has been to Lincoln several times over the last couple of seasons.
CB John Howse IV (Brentwood, Tennessee)
The Huskers are in a great spot with defensive back recruiting for the 2021 recruiting class. There are three prospects committed to join Travis Fisher’s group currently. Due to recent attrition, could the team look to add a fourth? If they did, Howse—a prototypical cornerback prospect (6-2, 180)—could be the answer. Howse told Hail Varsity in June that he has a great relationship with Fisher.
“I talk to Coach Fish every day,” Howse said. “We do Zoom meetings and he’ll teach me their scheme. He goes over technique with me and just he teaches me all the things that he teaches his own DBs that are at Nebraska right now, which is really good. He just gives me a head start on everything by teaching me things pretty early.”
TE James Carnie (Norris, Nebraska)
I believe this is the first time that I’ve ever included a prospect that doesn’t hold an offer from Nebraska on one of these lists but Carnie makes for a special case. He’s committed to Miami (Ohio) but is seeing his stock rise. He’s done great work this offseason improving his body (6-5, 220) and testing numbers. That was on full display during the Warren Academy Showcase recently. Nebraska is in contact with him and keeping an eye on the rising 2021 tight end.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8185226/5dc85bb35b3d5c06887b20a6
Recruit Watch
>> Talented 2022 Bellevue West tight end Micah Riley was offered by Arkansas on Tuesday.
I am extremely happy to announce I have received a scholarship offer from The University of Arkansas! 🐗 pic.twitter.com/UtzPqo6Fwn
— Micah Riley (@micah_r_d) August 4, 2020
>> Tevarua Tafiti, a 2022 outside linebacker from Hawaii, included the Huskers in his top 13 on Tuesday.
Blessed beyond measures🙏 thank you to everyone for supporting me! All Glory To God!! pic.twitter.com/LujVNbispf
— Tevarua Tafiti (@TevaruaT) August 4, 2020
>> Jake Appleget, a 2022 athlete from Lincoln Southwest, posted a video of him moving some serious weight.
https://twitter.com/ApplegetJake/status/1290424235458990083
>> Big-time 2022 Texas athlete Brenen Thompson was happy to get a virtual tour from the Huskers.
much love to Nebraska for the tour!!! #GBR 🔴 @coach_frost
— Brenen Thompson (@BrenenT11) August 4, 2020
ICYMI
>> Star Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman is opting out of the 2020 season to focus on the NFL Draft.
Wishing well❤️ pic.twitter.com/fxV1FI7r7o
— Rashod Bateman (@R_bateman2) August 4, 2020
>> Jacob Padilla is here to go through the Big Ten winners after the NCAA’s NBA Draft deadline passed. (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.
