Nebraska was back at it, hosting three official visitors this weekend. Two of them, 3-star athlete Matthew Tago and 3-star athlete Cam Taylor are uncommitted currently. Tago could be brought on as a second quarterback in the Huskers' 2018 recruiting class, which would be more of a luxury at this point give the limited space in the class. Taylor could play multiple positions and last I talked to him, Nebraska was looking at him in the secondary. The other visitor, 3-star wide receiver Dominick Watt is already committed to Nebraska but enjoyed his time getting to see his new home.
#GBR🌽🔴⚪️ show some love Baby pic.twitter.com/tHWzyqMqn4
— Dominick Watt (@1Way_Dom) January 29, 2018
>>As long as I’ve been following and covering Nebraska football, I have not seen anything quite like what’s building in the state with local talent. The 2018 class was a good year for in-state players, but 2019 and even 2020 have the chance to be special. The class of 2019 already has two Nebraska commits (Garrett Nelson and Garrett Snodgrass), and multiple players in the class are being looked at by major programs. In recent weeks, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Iowa State, Kansas State and others have offered scholarships to local 2019 and 2020 talent. This is a great time for Scott Frost’s emphasis on homegrown talent. Someone from the Nebraska staff has been in Nebraska high schools each week since the dead period ended.
>> Nebraska offered a new 2018 offensive lineman last night. The Huskers offered Bobby Lawrence from St. Joseph, Missouri, and had Erik Chinander, Greg Austin, Scott Frost, Ryan Held and Barrett Ruud visit him in home.
Received an offer from the University of Nebraska! #GBR pic.twitter.com/PkRMieD7Be
— Bobby Lawrence (@Bobby_Lawrence_) January 28, 2018
Just when we think new targets won’t appear, a new one pops up. I exchanged a few messages with Lawrence and he has been in contact with the staff for about a week. He’s currently committed to Iowa State with a greyshirt opportunity meaning he will be off scholarship for the first semester next school year with the promise to become a scholarship player his second semester and he then becomes the first scholarship counted towards next year’s recruiting class. It’s unknown at this time if that is what Nebraska is offering him or if he will visit Lincoln.
>>Nebraska has made the final three for one of the hottest recruits in the nation right now. 3-star cornerback Taiyon Palmer has a decision date and a final three.
https://twitter.com/__TLP3/status/957791482580295684
Palmer visited Tennessee this weekend, and if distance from home is the biggest factor in his choice, Knoxville is the closest to home. The Huskers are clearly going all-in on his recruitment having sent six coaches to his house including Frost last Wednesday. The Huskers will want to have a strong feeling on his decision before signing day because spots are limited but Palmer is a player they would make room for.
>>On Saturday night, Nebraska picked up a commitment from 4-star safety Cam Jones out of Texas. One thing I neglected to mention in my five thoughts on his commitment was just how well I think he and C.J. Smith will pair together. Jones projects to be a very good in-the-box safety and you don’t see many players with his size, speed and hitting ability. Smith has good range, ball skills and athleticism. Together, they should make for a great strong safety and free safety combination for the Huskers.
>>Nebraska has lost a football staffer. James Rodgers came to Nebraska with Mike Riley as the Director of Player Development and was slated to stay on board under Frost. At the end of last week, he left his position under Frost and went back to Oregon State. He was already recruiting for them this weekend as the Beavers hosted official visitors. With Nebraska and Oregon State having some common recruiting targets (Andre Hunt, Ta’Zhawn Henry, Nikko Hall, Matthew Tago) I would love to be a fly on the wall as Mike Riley, Trent Bray and now Rodgers recruit against Nebraska. The situation is similar at Oregon and Florida State plus Texas A&M and Florida State, which is becoming a more common problem after an insane coaching carousel.
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.