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 July edition of the Greg’s Guys list is out.
It’s been a summer unlike any other so far. Prospects around the country are making choices without being able to visit schools. The extended NCAA-mandated dead period has persisted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a fair amount of change from the June list. Three prospects on the list last month announced their commitments. Two of those players committed to Nebraska as the team has continued adding to its 2021 total in recent weeks.
Still, there is no way to capture the whole picture with 10 top targets. We could see a run of commits soon as the NCAA sorts out if visits will be allowed this football season. There are several players who just missed the cut for the June list. Let’s highlight a few.
TE Gunnar Helm (Englewood, Colorado)
The Colorado pass-catcher recently took a trip on his own to a few schools on his list. He made stops at Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa and Nebraska. Helm also plans to visit Texas soon. That indicates he is close to making a decision, but things seem to be wide open with him currently. Standing at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, he has the ability to play in space but also has the frame to add size to be a good blocker.
RB Cam’Ron Valdez (Rockdale, Texas)
The Huskers recently made the final seven for the talented Texan.
FINAL 7… LLG 🕊 pic.twitter.com/aCeMTqCfyu
— CamronValdez³ (@CMVlll) July 10, 2020
The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Valdez announced a final seven of Arkansas, Arizona State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Texas Tech, and Utah. Valdez had a big junior season, racking up 1,697 yards and 26 touchdowns. He’s coveted by Nebraska but the team might need to host him to really get in the game with him. He would be a great complement to committed running back Gabe Ervin.
DE Derek Wilkins (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)
Wilkins has a similar build (6-4, 250) and athletcisim to the two defensive ends that appeared on the Greg’s Guys list this month. Wilkins did visit Nebraska in January. Yet it feels like the Huskers have the most work to do with him of their preferred targets at the position. Nebraska is battling California the most for the talented West Coast prospect.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers picked up commitment No. 14 when defensive back Malik Williams joined the fold on Tuesday.
Thanks to the following for pushing me: @dareu_i @leanthonywilli3 @Coach_Davis22 @CoachTFisher @CoachBeckton @coach_frost @HuskerFBNation @SeanDillonNU @kiaporter80 @leanthonywilliamsjr @buford_football @BufordGAPrspcts @ChadSimmons_ @247Sports @Rivals @hjp_ii pic.twitter.com/KzUxNxlVl2
— Malik Williams (@malik112201) July 21, 2020
>> The Huskers offered 2022 defensive end Eston Harris out of Alabama on Monday evening. Shortly after that he got an offer from Iowa.
God is Good.🙏🏾 I am honored to have Earned my my first BIG-10 scholarship offer from THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA #6 @CoachChinander @coach_frost @CoachTuioti92 #GBR🌽 #cornhuskers⚪️🔴 #blessed🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Lp8X9My6LK
— Eston harris jr. (@ejHarris20) July 21, 2020
>> Another 2022 offer went out in Missouri when athlete Max Whisner was offered by the team.
After a great phone call with @CoachRHeld I am proud to announce that I have received an offer to play college football at the University of Nebraska!🌾 #GBR 🔴⚪️ @recruitLSFB @810varsity @LSHSAthletics @JPRockMO @6starfootballMO pic.twitter.com/GKCeQsOhpU
— Max Whisner (@maxwhisner01) July 21, 2020
ICYMI
>> Fox Sports released a list of top 2020 JUCO prospects with plenty of familiar names including wide receiver Omar Manning.
There's plenty of talent coming in from Junior Colleges 💪
Which player do you think will make the biggest impact? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/JAFItl8CEW
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) July 21, 2020
>> The Huskers latest commit Malik Williams told Hail Varsity his was looking for family and found that with Nebraska.
>> Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander talked defensive line depth, special teams and more during his time on the radio this week.
