Scott Frost’s excellent football recruiting operation doesn’t try to draw as much social media attention to itself as some. But NU’s progress in the 2020 and 2021 classes is impressive after a big Junior Day visit event over the weekend.
The Huskers drew many of the best 2020 and 2021 prospects from the state, but also drew from all over the country, including California and Texas. Linemen and linebackers were part of the story, including Mister Williams.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker from Westlake Village (California) Oaks Christian has offers from UCLA and Cal, among others. NU wants him for inside linebacker. Position coach Barrett Ruud hasn’t missed yet on a guy he wants, and Williams plays in a 3-4 defense.
“I love their 3-4 — it is dynamic and complex yet simple and their current inside linebackers are coached very well and very talented,” Williams said Sunday.
The atmosphere was “amazing” for the event, Williams said.
“What impressed me the most was their development program,” Williams said.
He wasn’t the only top prospect in attendance. Two of the more intriguing prospects to watch will be Highland (Kansas) Community College cornerback Brian George and Highland defensive tackle Jahkeem Green. Both are positions of need in 2020, as NU has multiple seniors at tackle and corner.
Just as interesting was a 2021 quartet from St. Louis’ DeSmet High School. DeSmet is one of the powerhouse schools in the city, and all four attendees — offensive tackle Broderick Wisecarver, running backs Rico Barfield and Taj Butts and cornerback Jakailin Johnson — have Power Five offers. Wisecarver is a top-100 prospect, according to 247Sports composite service.
With roster numbers at many positions stabilized — receiver and safety are two examples — Nebraska can afford to be choosier in its 2020 and 2021 classes. Tentpole visit weekends help that process.