As fall camp gets underway, there will be players who generate a lot of buzz. That includes those we haven’t much about during their Nebraska careers to date. However, almost all of the contributors on the roster were recruits that were celebrated when they picked the Huskers.
Let’s take a step back and remember a few players as recruits, why they were important to their recruiting class and why they could generate some buzz this fall camp.
We’ll start things off with wide receiver Andre Hunt.
Remembering Hunt as a prospect: Hunt announced his commitment decision live on Fox Sports West back on Feb. 7, 2018. The 3-star wide receiver from Paraclete High School in Lancaster, California, was a favorite of offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Troy Walters. At one point, Hunt was committed to USC before leaving the class. He also took official visits to Oregon State and San Diego State before committing to the Huskers. Hunt held over a dozen scholarship offers.
Why he was important to the class: The moment that Coach Scott Frost and his staff took over in Lincoln, we all knew they would need to add speedy playmakers at the skill positions. Hunt fit that bill perfectly in the 2018 recruiting class. When you put his high school film on, there were not many high school players that could run with him. His ability to be a home run threat on deep passes and short gains was a welcome addition to the class. During his senior season, he racked up 67 catches for 1,185 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Why he could generate buzz in camp: Hunt made some waves during the spring when he mentioned Stanley Morgan Jr. in relation to his own goals. Hunt explained that his goal coming into this season was to be “way better” than Morgan.
You have to appreciate the confidence in the young receiver but if he were to achieve that, it would be quite the feat. The Huskers don’t have a lot of experience returning and need players to step up. Hunt also recognized he wasn’t the best practice player during his redshirt season.
"I wasn't going to get to play so I wasn't really trying my hardest sometimes," he said. "But this year, I think it's my time. I think it's time for me to step it up, so that's really what I'm trying to do."
Redshirt seasons can be very tricky for players who are used to being “the man” on their football teams. By all accounts, Hunt had a good spring and a great summer which lead Walters to say that he is probably a starter at this point in time during a recent interview.
“Had a great spring,” Walters said. “At the end of the spring, he was No. 1 on the depth chart and he was more consistent, confident and comfortable. Great hands, can run, runs good routes. So as long as he puts it all together and stays consistent, you’ll see him this fall.”
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.
