When you have as many uncommitted visitors in town for a game as the Huskers did against Northern Illinois, you need some commits around to help provide a player perspective on things. Nash Hutmacher, the 3-star (HV Rating: 88.4) defensive tackle commit from Chamberlain, South Dakota, was back in Lincoln for the first time as a commit.
On the sidelines, I observed Hutmacher having a good time talking to the uncommitted players while also enjoying the sights and sounds of Memorial Stadium. I caught up with “the polar bear” to get his thoughts on being back as a commit, how many times he plans to return this season and more.
Here is our full Q&A:
What were your overall thoughts being back in the stadium?
“It was awesome. Obviously, they played really well and got a win. That was actually the first time they’ve won when I’ve been at a game. Last year I came to the Colorado and Purdue games. They didn’t win those. It was good to be here and have them get a win. Being able to experience how it night game is was great. Those night games are pretty fun.”
Did you get to go in the locker room after the game?
“It was pretty cool. I got to go around and talk to the guys. I heard Coach [Scott] Frost talk afterwards and everything. It was really cool.”
What was it like coming back as a commit?
“Yeah, it’s definitely a big difference you know. Now that I’m committed I want to get the other commits. I was talking to the other recruits. I talked to them about Nebraska and doing that peer recruiting stuff. I got to go out on the field before the game too. It feels good being back as a commit to help them get other guys now too.”
Have you taken an active role in helping recruit?
“Oh, yeah. I’ll shoot guys texts on Twitter or what and do all that stuff. I’ve doing what I can to help recruit, yeah.”
It seemed like there were a lot of guys from the Midwest. Did you notice that?
“Yeah, I did notice there were some Iowa guys and stuff. Henry Lutovsky, he was there and I talked to him a bunch. Teddy Prochazka too. I was talking to those guys. Me and Turner [Corcoran] talked to those guys a lot. It’s good to see the Midwest guys. Getting guys from all over the place is cool too.”
How was it being back around defensive line coach Tony Tuioti and defensive coordinator Erik Chinander?
“Oh, it was good. I love talking to those guys about football and just life. I was super excited to get down and talk with those guys a little bit.”
What did your family think about visiting?
“They loved it. My grandma really loved it. She thought it was just crazy how loud it gets. She has heard about it and how it gets but she said it was crazy to actually experience it in real life. Everyone really liked it.”
How’s the season starting for you and your team?
“The team is 3-1 right now. We are playing pretty well. We just had a game that was tight. They scored at the end. The one we did lose, it was a close game. I’m playing well. It’s going well so far.”
Do you have dates picked to come back for more games?
“Yeah, I’m coming back for the Ohio State game for sure. Then Northwestern and Iowa too. I’ll be down quite a bit.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6266691/5bbac9e4578d720dd8b81793
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.
