The Huskers need at least two defensive ends in the 2021 recruiting class after only signing one true defensive end during the 2020 recruiting cycle. The search has gone from one coast to the other as Nebraska continues to try and build depth for defensive line coach Tony Tuioti’s group. One of the top defensive ends out west this cycle is 4-star (HV Rating: 90.6) Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge.
@HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/kEV3OwCg1g
— Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge (@KibongeRawlins) May 7, 2020
The defender has been keeping busy trying to get his workouts in at home. He considers himself self-motivated so continuing to work hasn't been a problem. The Huskers are in contact with Rawlins-Kibonge almost daily during the shutdown. He’s hearing the most from Tuioti and defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. Those relationships are going well so far.
“Me and Coach Tuioti don't talk as much as me and Coach Chinander do at this point,” Rawlins-Kibonge said. “Me and Coach Chinander probably talk every other day.”
One fun twist in his recruitment is that he’s a very good basketball player. He was previously committed to Washington State to play basketball. He’s leaning toward playing football in college though. Teams really like his length, aggressiveness and potential at the next level. He’s hearing from Arizona State, Nebraska, Cal, Colorado, Indian and USC the most right now. He actually got so busy fielding phone calls from colleges that he has to turn his phone off on the weekends.
My phone will be turned off all weekend only time I will be in contact is right before I post my top 8. Besides that I will be free starting Monday!
— Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge (@KibongeRawlins) May 8, 2020
Once things open back up and visits are allowed again, he isn’t sure where he will go. Surely he will check out his top eight schools which is he plans to drop soon. His timeline hasn’t been changed by the current response to COVID-19. He always planned to announce a college choice in December with a hat ceremony. Still, he knows the criteria he has for selecting a school.
“Just coaches that are going to be there,” Rawlins-Kibonge said. “Coaches that don't seem like they're leaving. Honest people, they're not going to lie to me and just tell me I'm great. Just a good program, a program wants to get kids to the NFL, wants to win rings and championships.
“Just wants to bring out the best in me so those are probably the main things I look for.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13433760/5d8e8cf2b022960cc842c8a8
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.
