2-4-7: Looking in on the 2024 recruiting class
What's the latest with Nebraska's 2024 recruiting class
MIKE SCHAEFER2 hrsVIP8
As we sit here during the bye week and wonder about Nebraska’s future on the football field with six games remaining in the 2023 season, it’s worth also noting that there are less than three months remaining before National Signing Day kicks off the early period of the class.
The Huskers have 26 commitments and offers out to others, as well as the likelihood that there’s going to be players needed in the portal.
Where do things stand for the Huskers? Let’s use the 2-4-7 method to find out:
Two Targets to Know
Caleb Benning — The Omaha Westside defensive back has put together a strong season, taking full advantage of being healthy this year, unlike his junior year. It hasn’t resulted in Benning getting a lot of offers, which is good for Nebraska. The Huskers have consistently recruited Benning since arriving in the winter and while the defensive back has chosen a different timeline than most recruits, the Huskers are content to continue pushing until he’s in the fold.
Kansas State provides another option, but the Huskers continue to be out in front for this legacy recruit and the more film Benning pulls together this fall the more he looks like a great fit in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense.
Grant Brix — This Top247 offensive lineman continues to push out a public decision while privately talking with Kansas State, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Brix has said several times that he’s close to announcing a commitment, but it also seems like the lineman may simply not want to let the others down. That’s the kind of recruit Brix is and the kind of relationships he has with those schools.
As it relates to Nebraska the Huskers seem to be in a great spot. No one offers better proximity or path to playing time. Additionally Brix has a great relationship with
Matt Rhule and wanted to see how the Huskers played in 2023 and if that lived up to what he had been hearing from the coach about the program.
Four Commits to Watch
Jacory Barney Jr. — The wide receiver from Miami was one of the most impressive recruiting wins from the staff so far. However it was known in July and is known now that schools weren’t going to stop pushing to get involved. Arizona hasn’t and Miami certainly hasn’t. Coaches were able to spend time around Barney when he came back for a visit a few weeks ago. Nebraska has a clear need for receivers. This is a big one to try to hang onto.
Carlon Jones — While the other names on this list have obvious and outward suitors, Jones has continued dominating in Texas and is likely fielding phone calls or getting messages of his own. The lineman never planned on committing to Nebraska until the Huskers blew him away with the official visit. Since then it’s been all Nebraska. But still it’s fair to wonder if the Huskers can hang on to the talented defensive lineman since the secret is clearly out.
Kewan Lacy — Within the last week Ole Miss head coach
Lane Kiffin stopped by Lancaster High School and Florida offered this running back too. Lacy seemed like a back everyone liked but only Nebraska had elevated to top status and that’s how the Huskers landed him initially. Again like the others mentioned the Huskers have a huge need at running back. Lacy could have a quick path to playing time.
Carter Nelson — This one stands out because a Notre Dame staffer actually made a point to go to Elgin for a game a couple weeks ago. The Irish are hoping to host Nelson this weekend as the team takes on USC. For his part Nelson has said he’s still thinking on things. However he’s also been a fixture at home games and clearly likes Nebraska’s staff. Definitely one to watch.
Seven Quick Thoughts on the Class
— Still feels like Nebraska needs to add another edge rusher. Could that be
Jayshawn Ross? Nebraska had him in for an official visit. He’s tight with
Keelan Smith. Will that be enough? Or does Tennessee or WiscyDicks ultimately win him over? I’d lean Nebraska for now.
— One player in the class I continue to get excited about is
Donovan Jones. The way the Huskers use their safeties it is easy to see how and why the Omaha North defensive back is such a good fit and why the staff was so excited to offer him in June.
— An area where Nebraska absolutely has to kick the tires in the transfer portal — running back. The Huskers can’t depend on either of
Gabe Ervin and
Rahmir Johnson. The other backs haven’t shown any reason to assume they can be the guy either. Just a weird spot for a program like Nebraska to be.
— What about receivers? Well the Huskers have a number of commitments like Barney,
Quinn Clark, Dae’vonn Hall,
Isaiah McMorris,
Keelan Smith, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Nebraska continued to look for help at the pass catcher spot. And this too will need to be one where the Huskers go looking in the portal.
— One not so fun part of this recruiting class — lots of injuries. Some like
Preston Taumua are just now beginning to make senior debuts. Others have been knocked out of their seasons and haven’t been able to provide backup to why they committed.
— There’s a pretty big difference between what the offensive line picture looks like with Brix in it and without him. I like all of the pieces, but it’s clear the tackle question remains unless the Huskers can finish that one off. Even then they need tackles in 2025.
— ‘Crootin. Nothing is over until something is signed. And even then the feeling is only temporary.
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