Bob Wager will work directly with one of his old high school players during his first collegiate coaching season. Martin High School senior Ismael Smith Flores announced on Monday that he’ll play his college football at Nebraska. The 3-star tight end is a late addition to the 2023 recruiting class.
Had a great time this weekend on my official visit to the University of Nebraska!! Loved everyone there and I’m blessed to be able to call this place my home!!♥️🤍#COMMITTED #GBR pic.twitter.com/YxyR0SMSuZ
— Ismael Smith Flores (@IsmaelSmithF) January 23, 2023
Smith Flores played his high school ball for Wager at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas, and is the latest Texas addition to the roster. The son of 1991 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Iowa defensive lineman Leroy Smith, was a late offer but came almost simultaneous with Wager’s arrival at Nebraska.
His commitment follows his official visit to Lincoln over the weekend. Smith Flores visited Rutgers the weekend before. He made 15 catches for 362 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Smith Flores is the only tight end commitment of the 2023 recruiting class, 25th overall. It’s a position of intrigue for the Huskers. Nebraska graduated its top two tight ends last season but former No. 1 tight end recruits Thomas Fidone II (2021) and Arik Gilbert (2020) go into the spring the apparent successors.
Nebraska was No. 25 in the composite recruiting rankings before Smith Flores’ announcement. His commitment to the Huskers will likely move the program further up the rankings.
