The top-rated player in the state of Nebraska has a new home.
Omaha Westside 4-star defensive back Avante Dickerson committed to Oregon. He did so during a 247Sports National Signing Day special, live from a ceremony at his high school.
SIGNED: CB @_dickerson1
Omaha, NE → Eugene, OR#TakeFlight21 | #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/UpkSw35FDp
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) February 3, 2021
He left the Minnesota class on Jan. 24 after being committed to the Gophers for several months. Dickerson was the Gophers’ highest-rated commit since 2009. In January he took a trip on his own out to Oregon to get a feel for the campus. Dickerson’s recruitment was the biggest source of intrigue for signing day for the Huskers.
The Huskers were down to just two spots for the 2021 class entering National Signing Day. As the only player strongly linked with the Huskers for this signing period, Dickerson was Nebraska’s chance at fireworks on Wednesday.
Now Coach Scott Frost and his staff will use those two open spots for the transfer portal. As we’ve seen in recent weeks, there is no shortage of players available. As needs change and evolve the Huskers could look at a number of positions to fill those scholarships. There is still a spring junior college season to play. There will also be more FCS transfers looking for new homes.
The Huskers have used the transfer portal well this cycle. Three were added to the team. Wide receiver Samori Touré, running back Markese Stepp and linebacker Chris Kolrevic are all in Lincoln.
The Huskers fought hard to land Dickerson but came up short. This recruiting cycle Nebraska offered seven players from the state. Five elected to sign with Nebraska. Heinrich Haarberg, AJ Rollins, Teddy Prochazka, Koby Bretz and James Carnie stayed in-state. Dickerson and wide receiver Keagan Johnson turned the Huskers down. Johnson will be in the Big Ten playing for Iowa.
Want more on the decision and National Signing Day?
Greg Smith and Erin Sorensen discuss Dickerson’s announcement, as well as offer more thoughts on the original National Signing Day date. They also turn the page toward 2022 and the recruiting ahead for the Huskers. Watch below.