“They just said that I would fit really well and that they need me,” Gunnell said. “I’m their No. 1 guy right now.”
While Gunnell may be the top quarterback target for Nebraska at this point, there are several other programs that feel the same. From Texas A&M to Arkansas to LSU, his offer list is extensive. Gunnell is definitely not short on options as he ends his sophomore year.
He has time until he has to make an official decision, but Gunnell is hoping to know sooner rather than later. As he makes visits to various programs this spring and summer, he’s looking to solidify his decision.
“I’d like to know before my junior season, but I don’t know yet,” Gunnell said.
Nebraska is in a good place with Gunnell right now. He felt his spring game visit “was amazing” and he was impressed with the program overall.
Gunnell does have criteria in mind as he visits each program. He was particularly impressed with the tradition at Nebraska, but he’s also looking to check a few more boxes on his list.
“I’d like a place that’s always winning, as well as great coaches,” Gunnell said. “I also want a place where I fit in, as well as [strong] academics.”
When it comes to fitting in, it’s not just the coaches that think Gunnell would be a great Husker. Fellow 2019 recruit Marquez Beason also thinks he’d be an asset to Nebraska. Beason said he reminds Gunnell every day that he should choose Nebraska. He even has his pitch set for the quarterback.
“He just says we’ll be a part of something special,” Gunnell said.
Gunnell is considered a 4-star quarterback with a 94.4 rating, per Hail Varsity’s national composite. He’s listed as 6-5 and 203 pounds. While he hails from St. Pius High School in Houston, Texas, he’s has an opportunity to participate in camps with other Texans like Beason. It’s enough for Gunnell to know that if he were to select Nebraska, he wouldn’t be alone so far from home. He’d have his friends with him.
For now, Gunnell is just taking it all in. He’s open to all of his possibilities (and there are many) but he’s not stressing too much. What’s meant to be will be. Could that be Nebraska?
Maybe, and the fans certainly helped with that on a spring game day that felt more like fall.
Erin is the Deputy Editor and Digital Marketing Strategist for Hail Varsity. She has covered Nebraska athletics since 2012, which has included stops at Bleacher Report, Cox Media Group’s Land of 10, and even Hail Varsity (previously from 2012-2017). She has also been featured on the Big Ten Network, NET’s Big Red Wrap-Up, and a varsity of radio shows nationwide. When not covering the Huskers, Erin is probably at Chipotle.