Players currently committed: None
How we got here: The 2017 recruiting class saw Nebraska sign 4-star Avery Roberts, 3-star Willie Hampton, 3-star Andrew Ward and they converted 3-star defensive end Guy Thomas to outside linebacker with the move to the 3-4 defense. Many have high hopes early as this season for Roberts, who was one of the crown jewels of the class and Thomas who looks physically ready to compete in the Big Ten.
It is also worth noting that Nebraska has 22 linebackers currently on the roster. Sixteen of the 22 are underclassmen. With the switch to Bob Diaco’s 3-4 defense, a full spring and fall is probably needed for the staff to evaluate which players they see fitting where on this team now before attacking the recruiting trail on the hunt for linebacker talent.
Where they go from here: Nebraska has been looking hard at bringing in difference-making outside linebackers that can rush the passer. The “cat” linebacker position is what they are looking for specifically and is the spot Alex Davis, Sedrick King and Pernell Jefferson are battling for during fall camp.
Due to the high number of linebackers on the team, the Huskers are being pretty selective here and they are in on some very good prospects.
Anytime we talk about outside linebackers for Nebraska the list begins with 5-star Micah Parsons. The one-time Penn State commit left a lasting impression on everyone back on June 23 at the Friday Night Lights camp. He will take his time with his decision but right now Ohio State, Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia and Penn State are the schools vying for his services.
Another name to keep an eye on is USC commit 4-star Bo Calvert. He has the ideal size (6-5, 215) and is a big hitter. If Nebraska can set up an official visit, it will raise some eyebrows. Three-star David Alston took an unofficial visit to Nebraska over the summer and Nebraska may turn up the heat on his recruitment due to recent attrition.
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.
