And we're back! To keep the good recruiting news train rolling, the Corn Nation crew is working to ramp up recruiting coverage here over the next few weeks. It's about time we dove into the swimming pool of offers out there, after all.
Let's get to it.
(Highlights are provided as in linked names, if available)
1. OG DJ Foster - Still one of the most highly-coveted prospects by Nebraska. Programs that did their homework also found out about the Cornhusker State gem. Both participants in last year's SEC Championship game, Alabama and Georgia, have offered Foster with Bulldog offensive line coach Will Friend visiting within the past week.
The overall feeling is that he'll stay home and commit to Nebraska as many Lincoln Southeast Knights have before him. When that will happen is still up in the air. [Profile]
2. DT Peyton Newell - Another prospect holding his spot from the Big Board's last appearance, Newell would be another major get in this class. If he and Foster both commit to be Huskers, it'll be hard to mess up the remainder of the cycle with that much momentum.
Nebraska may be involved with another SEC battle here. Due to his interaction with South Carolina and quite possibly the development of players such as JaDeveon Clowney being underscored, it's not difficult to see why Newell is now giving the Gamecocks a serious look.
The Huskers have been developing a relationship with Newell since last cycle. This is a perfect opportunity for Bo Pelini to step in and pick up a defensive lineman that could develop into another high quality professional prospect.
Considering the distance from home and the opportunity for immediate playing time, Nebraska appears to be the eventual choice for Newell, but this may be a tighter race than initially thought. [Profile]
3. QB Nico Pierre - The last time the Big Board featured a quarterback, it was Zack Darlington, but following his offer from Ohio State, he seems to be infatuated with Urban Meyer's siren song. Fortunately, Pierre and Darlington are my 1A and 1B at quarterback this cycle.
Considering Nebraska only needs one and Pierre's been feeling love from the Big Red, he appears to be out in front to join Johnny Stanton and Tommy Armstrong in the race to replace Taylor Martinez. [Profile] [SBN]
4. OT Brian Wallace - With Brent Qvale and Jeremiah Sirles both leaving after this season, restocking the offensive line's bookends becomes a priority.
The 6'6" 300-pound Wallace would be a great step in plugging those holes. Ranked as the No. 7 prospect in Missouri by the 247Composite Index, he already claims offers from Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Georgia.
The Huskers will be primarily battling the Hawkeyes and home state Tigers for his services, but considering how poorly Missouri has transitioned to the SEC, Iowa appears to be the main threat. [Profile]
5. WR T.V. Williams - Considering the vicinity of Nebraska's most recent commitment, Grand Prairie's Jason Hall, it's not a leap to think Tim Beck stopped by to pay Williams a visit while he was in the area. The drive's about the same as one from Omaha to Lincoln (unless you speed, which surely a man the caliber of Beck doesn't).
He and wide receivers coach Rich Fisher have been pursuing Williams hard. Having a speedster like Williams on the roster would be fantastic as a slot compliment, especially considering Jamal Turner's already a junior. If they press, he could be one of Nebraska's upcoming commitments. [Profile]