The Huskers currently sit with 18 commitments for the 2021 recruiting class. Coach Scott Frost has hinted at the class being a smaller with given how young the team is. We’ll see if that holds up since there has been some unexpected attrition recently. In general, it’s wise to expect a few players a year to leave the program anyway. So there is a chance that Nebraska continue bumping up the number of players they end up taking in the class.
Most of the Huskers’ needs remaining falling on the defensive side of the ball. Who could fill the remaining spots for the class?
Nebraska still needs at last two defensive lineman. The good news for the Huskers is that there are several linemen that they like who are still on the board. Michigan defender Ru’Quan Buckley (6-6,260) has had Nebraska as his leader for weeks now. He was actually able to visit Nebraska before the dead period went into effect. Buckley has a great relationship with defensive line coach Tony Tuioti. Nevada defensive lineman Tia Savea (6-5, 275) announced that he was shutting down his recruitment to focus on schoolwork. That bodes well for the Huskers who seem to have all the momentum with him. California native Mandela Tobin (6-4, 270) is another prospect who likes the Huskers. Keep an eye on flip target Jay Toia (6-2, 315) who is currently part of USC’s class.
The Huskers are looking to add one more linebacker to the mix as well this cycle. Hawaii native Wynden Ho’ohuli (6-3, 220) is a prime candidate. The Huskers have continued to quietly work on Ho’ouhli. The lack of an official visit really holds the Huskers back here. Nebraska will continue searching for one more linebacker. A couple of the guys in the class can flip to play either inside or outside linebacker depending on need. Also, where does Norris standout James Carnie fit in all this? Could he be taken in the class as an “athlete?”
Numbers have shifted after attrition. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Nebraska take one more defensive back in the class. Defensive backs coach Travis Fisher likes versatility. Tennessee native John Howse (6-2, 185) makes sense for the final spot at defensive back this cycle. Howse recently took a trip to Lincoln on his own and came away impressed.
The final thing to keep an eye on for now is that there is bound to be a surprise or two. The Huskers do very well working behind the scenes building relationships with guys that are already committed. With the way the class is going, it’s possible that Nebraska could have spent more time working on big potential flip targets.
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.
