The Huskers are losing a commit two days before the early signing period opens.
Hail Varsity confirmed on Monday that 3-star Nevada running back Ashton Hayes will leaving the Huskers recruiting class. He plans to sign with Cal instead.
Hayes committed to Nebraska this summer after an official visit in June. Prior to that trip to Nebraska, Hayes took an official visit to Cal on the first weekend that official visits could happen this summer. Hayes was the fifth commitment for Nebraska’s 2022 recruiting class.
Hayes burst onto the recruiting scene as a sophomore. That season the was a prolific runner for McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada. He rushed for 2,429 yards and 30 touchdowns that season, averaging 8.9 yards per carry. He also caught 28 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns.
The running back was recruited by former running backs coach Ryan Held. During the contact period the Huskers sent defensive line coach Tony Tuioti out to Nevada to visit him. Tuioti does recruit the west coast for the Huskers so that was not unusual. It does not appear that coach Scott Frost visited Hayes for an in-home visit.
The Huskers did visit Minnesota running back Emmett Johnson both weeks during the contact period. Johnson took an official visit to Nebraska the final weekend before the early signing period.
The Huskers are now down to 10 verbal pledges for the 2022 recruiting class. Hayes was the highest-rated commitment in Nebraska’s class. The team lost a pair running backs to the transfer portal. Sevion Morrison and Marvin Scott III are moving on. Rahmir Johnson, Gabe Ervin, Jacquez Yant and Markese Stepp are all scheduled to return to the team.
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.
