The Huskers have started the new year by getting better in the trenches. That’s what happened on Sunday. Oklahoma State offensive lineman Hunter Anthony announced that he was joining the program. He made his decision public on Twitter.
I would like to formally announce my commitment to the University of Nebraska. #GBR pic.twitter.com/JT6KjvObVu
— Hunter Anthony (@huntera77) January 2, 2022
The feeling that Anthony (6-6, 330) got when he took his December official visit is what sealed things for him.
“The coaching staff and support staff and everybody just kind of fit,” Anthony said. “There were no holes in what they had going on. I felt right about it and everything got answered for me.”
When Anthony told his family about the decision to pick Nebraska they were happy. It turns out that his dad has been a Husker fan for a long time. He’s got other family members that like the Huskers too because of the tradition at the school. Anthony is happy to find a school that is close enough to Oklahoma. That’s where he went to high school and college, but Lincoln is far enough away to get a fresh start.
Anthony was among the first players to meet with new offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. The pair hit it off. Anthony was able to get a lot of feedback about Raiola which was a unique situation.
“He was awesome. I got along with him well,” Anthony said. “He seems down to earth and just an honest guy. He’s going to work us hard but he’s going to be honest with you. I appreciate that a lot. I have two buddies that play with the Bears and then a strength coach.”
Anthony Hibber is the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Chicago Bears. Hibbert was at Oklahoma State for three years of Anthony’s time at Oklahoma State. He had nothing but good things to tell Anthony about Raiola. The Huskers’ latest transfer was also able to pick the brains of Teven Jenkins and Arlington Hambright. Both are offensive linemen with the Bears and former teammates of Anthony’s. Each told him that they would have loved to play for Raiola in college.
“It’s really nice to be able to get that feedback,” Anthony said. “Nebraska is probably the only program where I have that many people that I know and I could call. Then I have that strength coach, which is crazy, because if he was anywhere else it wouldn’t be the same. I know other people in the league but not a lot of offensive linemen, so it was huge to call on those guys and see firsthand.”
Anthony has played many positions on the offensive line during his career. The Huskers are leaving his position open for now. The coaches told him to come in and work hard then they’ll find a spot for him. He’s a fifth-year junior with two years left to play. The transfer will arrive in Lincoln ahead of the Jan. 9 report date. He’s excited to get to Lincoln and get back to work.
“Meeting the guys that’s a big thing. It’s all those new connections,” Anthony said. “Just getting back to work because that’s kind of what I’ve been used to for the past four years is working my butt off. I’m excited for the change of scenery. I’m ready to see Nebraska, get up there and just work with new group guys. Their staff was awesome. I’m excited to work my butt off for them.”
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.
