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.
Earlier today the latest edition of the Greg’s Guys list came out. We have turned the page to the 2023 recruiting class. This could end up being a make or break recruiting class for coach Scott Frost as he continues trying to turn the program around. There is a strong local flavor to the list and that is no different in the guys who are on the outside looking in.
We are so early in the cycle that there is no way I could only give 10 prospects to watch. There are several players who just missed making the initial 2023 list. Let’s take a look at three players that just missed the cut on the initial Greg’s Guys list for the 2023 recruiting class.
Offensive Lineman Sam Sledge (Omaha, Nebraska)
The Huskers offered Sledge (6-4, 270) a scholarship in January during his visit for Junior Day. Nebraska was his first Power Five offer. He was offered by Miami (Ohio) over the summer. Before the staff change the Huskers were looking at him on the defensive line. That’s where he worked during a summer camp with the team. His relationship is growing with offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. Sledge is part of a very good in-state group of players for the 2023 recruiting class.
Athlete Jamison Patton (Des Moines, Iowa)
Patton (6-2, 190) is one of the top players in Iowa for the class of 2023. The Huskers have worked hard to recruit the state under coach Scott Frost. Patton has been to Lincoln a couple times including a game day visit during the 2021 season. The athlete plays both ways for Roosevelt High School. He stars as a quarterback and defensive back. The defensive side of the ball seems like where he is heading in college. He’s got a handful of offers with his most recent being from Minnesota after a January visit.
Offensive Lineman Joe Otting (Topeka, Kansas)
Nebraska offered Otting (6-4, 265) back in October before the staff change. Since then the Huskers have brought him to town for a Junior Day visit. Otting was impressed by what he found in Lincoln. He was able to meet his objective of meeting the staff and seeing the facilities in person. The Kansas native enjoyed his time with Raiola.
“I like him a lot,” Otting said. “I like the way he teaches o-line and the techniques he uses. Also, he has lots of experience and he knows how to develop O-lineman no doubt.”
The Huskers could view Otting as a potential center option. He’s got a handful of offers that include Iowa State, Kansas State and Missouri.
Recruit Watch
>> Sledge picked up an offer from Kansas recently. They were his second Power Five scholarship offer.
Honored to say I have received an offer from the University of Kansas! Thank you Coach Leipold and Coach Fuchs! @KU_Football pic.twitter.com/B83G7fm4Mw
— Sam Sledge (@SamSledge1) January 30, 2022
>> Gretna 2023 quarterback Zane Flores was offered by Bowling Green on Tuesday.
I’m very excited to have received a scholarship offer to Bowling Green! @CoachLoefflerBG @CoachMaxWarner @BG_Football @Boosters_Dragon @coachgross11 pic.twitter.com/Fdf3U4ETND
— Zane Flores (@ZaneFlores12) February 8, 2022
>> The Huskers have begun sending out invites to Junior Day on March 5. This one went to Texas 2023 linebacker Caleb Otlewski.
Thank You for the Invite! #GOBIGRED 🔴⚪️ #GBR @coach_frost @BryanApplewhite @HuskerHep @Huskers pic.twitter.com/I7vbeREXV4
— Caleb (@OtlewskiCaleb) February 8, 2022
ICYMI
>> In this week’s Straight Up Breakdown podcast I was joined by Notre Dame writer Ashton Pollard to talk about the wild ride college football has been.
>> Jacob Padilla took a look at middle blocker in his latest 2021 position review.
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.
