Nebraska had another priority target come through Lincoln at a position of need on Monday. Offensive lineman Matthew Anderson from Leesville High School in Leesville, Louisiana, made the trip to Lincoln with his dad.
The pair was able to spend the majority of the day on campus getting to know the coaching staff. According to Anderson, the day could not have gone much better.
“It was amazing and was beyond expectations," he said. “Honestly, they asked me about a commitment and a large part of me wanted to say that I’m committed to the University of Nebraska. The only thing that stopped me is that I knew I needed to calm down, think about everything and talk to my family and coaches.
“Nebraska definitely made a huge impact on me during this visit. They made me feel like a priority and how I’m at the top of their recruiting boards. They were completely honest with me. I talked to the strength and conditioning coach. He told me how they can make me better as a player and a person. One word to describe the visit was definitely 'sincere.'”
Anderson spent the most time on his visit with offensive line coach Greg Austin and running backs coach Ryan Held. He says they gave him a big tour around the facilities. What really stood out to him was that he and his father had a chance to sit down with Austin, Held, and head coach Scott Frost for about 45 minutes to talk about anything and everything. That made a big impression on Anderson. His dad had positive thoughts as well.
“My dad was very happy. He knows it’s my decision in the end so he won’t tell me to make the decision or not. He’d definitely bless this decision but like all parents he’d let you know if you were wrong or not. I think he’d give me the go ahead to pull the trigger.”
Right now, Nebraska is the only Power 5 offer that Anderson holds but that will likely change during the season. The Huskers identified him early after Held got a tip from another coach that Nebraska might want to take a look at the true tackle prospect. Since the visit went to well, did it match up with his expectations coming into the visit?
“I was expecting to get there and put into a huge group and I wouldn’t get personal attention," Anderson said. "I really didn’t think I’d be treated as a priority but I got there and they were good on their promises that I was a priority and really important to them. I saw the pictures of the facilities but going there and seeing it in person did it so much more justice. It was gorgeous. There were players working in the indoor facility and the music was going, I could just feel it. It was such a great feeling.”
Since Anderson said that he almost committed on the spot to Nebraska, now that the visit has come and gone, how has the trip to Lincoln impacted his timeline on a decision?
“At first, I told everyone I’d commit at the end," he said. "Going into this now, I’m thinking I’ll go maybe through the end of the summer with my recruitment open then close it at the beginning of the season. It’d be so much less stress knowing where I’m going. So, I’m thinking of waiting until my season starts and wearing something from the school I pick.”
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/9824149/59ed05885797a102b8e22deb
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.
