The Huskers have a nice start to the 2023 recruiting class. Pierce tight end Ben Brahmer was the first player to join the class in April. Lincoln Southeast offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula became the second player in the class on Saturday. He announced his decision on social media.
Had a great unofficial visit at Nebraska today, thanks to the staff for making it a great experience #GBR 🌽 pic.twitter.com/zdOuFDwh4X
— Gunnar Gottula ⁷⁷ (@GottulaGunnar) June 25, 2021
Gottula had been across town to Nebraska’s campus a few times in June. He visited for Friday Night Lights part two. He was also on campus for the barbeque the Huskers hosted. It was the visit this weekend that sealed the deal for the lineman.
“I visited yesterday and saw everything I needed to see,” Gottula said. “I knew it was where I wanted to go, so I committed.”
Since Gottula had been around the football program quite a bit what was the thing that pushed him to commit? The lineman says that it was his relationship with the coaching staff. The atmosphere and culture of the program being built by coach Scott Frost was also a key factor. The relationship with offensive line coach Greg Austin was crucial for Gottula’s decision.
“He’s a great coach and I love learning with him,” Gottula said. “I get along with him really well and relate with him a lot.”
The 6-foot-6, 270-pound lineman is coached at Lincoln Southeast by his dad, Ryan Gottula. Gunnar told Hail Varsity that his dad was proud of him when he found out that Gunnar was going to be a Husker. It’s been a nice pipeline developing for the Knights. Isaac Gifford is the most recent Lincoln Southeast player to make it to the Husker roster. Outside linebacker Jake Appleget is in the Huskers’1 2022 class.
“It’s awesome seeing all the Southeast guys that always work their tail off go do big things,” Gottula said.
The Huskers are thrilled to have a solid start to the 2023 recruiting class. It’s even sweeter to build with a pair of in-state commitments. It will be another cycle where the talent in-state is plentiful.
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.
