Matt Rhule and this first-year Nebraska staff catching fire on the recruiting trail
A June surge sees the Huskers rise to No. 17 in the 247Sports Recruiting Rankings
STEVE WILTFONG70 mins4
Matt Rhule and his first-year staff put together a
sneaky good 2023 class, highlighted by adding a lot of speed and versatility to the skill positions and stacking big high-upside body types at the point of attack.
It was heck of a haul, done on short work, that finished No. 25 in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings. A group that can help this rebuild take off sooner rather than later.
While Rhule and company had to hit the ground running to recruit that cycle after getting hired in late November, they’ve had more time to build relationships and scout the talent in the 2024 class and it’s paying off as we hit summer.
On Friday, the Huskers landed two more top targets with in-state recruits
Isaiah McMorris and
Dae'vonn Hall out of Bellevue (Neb.) West joining the fold. They are commits 16 and 17 in a class (the eighth in the last week) that shoots up five spots to
No. 17 in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings. McMorris and Hall join their quarterback
Daniel Kaelin who is one of the jewels of this group.
“I’m super optimistic and love the direction of the program right now,” Kaelin recently told 247Sports. He’s expecting Nebraska to be competitive right away.
“I think one of the biggest things that stands out about Coach Rhule is his track record at the college level of turning around programs (Temple and Baylor). I think Nebraska has higher potential for him to turn it around even quicker and on a bigger stage.
“Something that also stands out about the coaches is their competitive spirit. You can tell they’re extremely competitive people. They’re not thinking it will take a few years to turnaround, they want to come in and win now and that’s one of the biggest things that stood out to me.”
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Hall chose Nebraska over an offer list that included Arkansas, Cockeye, Kansas State, Minnesota, Missouri, Penn State and Tennessee among others. It’s been since 2016 since Nebraska has last finished with a winning record and Hall followed those tough seasons since closely.
“The new staff they’re doing something a little different than the last coaches the last few years,” Hall said. “I feel they’re all super-connected with each other. I’m not going to lie, the guys committed from in-state, how connected we are, most of us have been playing with each other for awhile and I think our connection can take us pretty far.
“I’m not sure the Big Ten is ready for that.”
Hall's future teammates feel the same way.
"There’s a lot of change going on but it’s great change, and it all starts with the coaching staff," Topeka (Kan.) Seaman safety
Callen Barta said. "Matt Rhule and the coaching staff preach highly about relationships and developing kids to their max potential. I think this 2024 class will be very dangerous."
"The thing I loved the most about Coach Rhule and his staff was how they interacted with each other," Broomfield (Colo.) High offensive lineman
Landen Davidson said. "They are all best friends and it feels like a family down there. There are a ton of really good players for Nebraska in the 2024 class. And I really believe in coach Rhule for the rebuild of the program. And bring the pipeline back."
Rhule and company aim to keep it rolling moving forward as top targets come to Lincoln for the final weekend in June. Top247 offensive tackle
Grant Brix and 247Sports No. 2 tight end and state's No. 1 recruit
Carter Nelson are headliners this weekend alongside Lone Star State products in receiver
Ernest Campbell and running back
Kewan Lacy. Others the Huskers are battling for include talented edge rusher
Joseph Anderson, four-star offensive lineman
Preston Taumua, offensive tackle Kaelin Massey, in-state offensive tackle
Caleb Pyfrom, another offensive tackle in Kaelin Massey, cornerbacks
William Nettles and
Amare Sanders, receiver
Jacory Barney Jr., safeties
Dontae Carter,
Peyton Morgan and
Malik Esquerra.
“I love the culture and the coaching staff,” Anderson said. “It’s a program that’s on the rise and has a strong lead. I’d also say the emphasis on player development and being in a program that will allow me to pursue football and track! I also love the environment and in the town the people love the team and support the players!”