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.
We are presently in a no man’s land of sorts with the recruiting calendar. The early signing period has just been completed. A large number of players have come off the board. That’s become typical of the early signing period. Most coaching staffs want as many commits to sign during December so they can move on.
This year is different than the last for the Huskers. There was hardly any activity for the Huskers between December and February when the final batch of prospects signs during the last recruiting cycle. There are a number of ways Nebraska could go while trying to finish off this class. The team has three main targets at each level of the defense. Tia Savea out of Las Vegas is a name to watch on the defensive line. Wynden Ho’ohuli is the player to know at linebacker. Cornerback Avante Dickerson is someone who Husker fans are plenty familiar with being from Omaha Westside.
Zhen Sotelo is also in the mix along the defensive line for defensive line coach Tony Tuioti’s group. New names could also surface from the high school ranks as late senior film evaluations. The other thing Coach Scott Frost and his staff have to weigh is how to handle the transfer portal. Should the team add three more high school players or are they better served with transfers who could make more of an immediate impact?
Nebraska is also having conversations about returning seniors. It would be surprising if a lot of seniors returned. Still, three or four returning would make a big impact for Nebraska’s team in the 2021 season. That also has to be weighed when searching for players to bring in to the team.
Meanwhile, the Huskers are also deep into evaluations of the 2022 recruiting class. The NCAA-mandated dead period has lasted long enough that the next recruiting class is being impacted. Typically, we’d start seeing Junior Days next month. That doesn’t appear likely. Nebraska is still using Zoom to get to know the next batch of prospects. We have seen some new offers go out for the Huskers.
Blessed To Receive An Offer From The University Of Nebraska @CoachLubick @SeanDillonNU @BuchholzFB @harrison2121 @RussellEllingt4 @xixnyne @DeshawnBrownInc @ChadSimmons_ #GBR🌽 #TeamBlessed #OneOfNone👁 #JetLee🛩 #GainesvilleNative pic.twitter.com/hZJYbrkIsq
— Quan Lee (@QuanLee_5) December 22, 2020
Lee is a 2022 speedster form Florida. He posted an 11.16 100-meter dash as a sophomore.
The Huskers were also the first to offer 2022 defensive back Jahsiah Galvin out of Iowa. The Hawkeye State is loaded with talent again next cycle.
After a great call with @CoachChinander truly blessed to say I’ve received my first offer from The University of Nebraska #GBR #AGTG pic.twitter.com/Ayou3IgCth
— Jahsiah Galvan (@JahsiahGalvan) December 21, 2020
The Huskers will be busy right after a break for the holiday. These next weeks are going to be critical for building the roster for 2021 and beyond.
Recruit Watch
>> Former major Huskers JUCO outside linebacker target Jermaine Johnson is leaving Georgia. He’s in the portal and has one more year of eligibility.
All Love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hp0UvZTg5K
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) December 22, 2020
>> University of Arizona athlete Jamarye Joiner was also a one-time target that has entered the portal.
Tucson, I love you! Beardown♥️ pic.twitter.com/RtK82rCYS2
— 𝟙𝟘 ™ (@Jamaryejoiner) December 19, 2020
ICYMI
>> The Mind Your Own podcast is here this week with a mailbag episode and that allowed them to put the spotlight on some fantastic local businesses.
>> In the latest Padding the Stats Jacob Padilla has a holiday hoops grab bag.
>> Check out Derek Peterson’s Christmas wishlist for Nebraska football entering 2021.
>> The Hail Varsity staff is back to answer your questions in the mailbag including which Husker improved the most in 2020.
>> The Nebraska women’s basketball team dropped its third game in a row after a road loss to Purdue.