Nebraska Cornhusker Recruits 2015: Defensive Backs
By Brent Craig
One of the first things Mike Riley did when he was hired was to get in contact with Nebraska’s early enrollees to shore up their commitment. They all stuck with Nebraska through the coaching change. Huskers currently have 3 defensive backs committed to Nebraska, and they were all early enrollees who are already attending classes. Two are listed as cornerbacks and one is listed as a safety.
Dec 5, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Mike Riley poses for the media at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Nebraska has been known for sending defensive backs to the NFL. Since 2000, the Huskers have had a DB drafted in all but 3 of those years. Since 2000 you will remember names like Mike Brown, Ralph Brown, Josh and Daniel Bullocks, Zachary Bowman, and Prince Amukamara. In fact, if former Husker defensive back Corey Cooper gets drafted as expected, Huskers will have had a DB drafted every year since 2010.
Jul 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Corey Cooper addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Huskers lost safety Corey Cooper and cornerback Josh Mitchell to graduation but are returning some experienced players for next season with 11 returning DBs including 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, and 1 redshirt freshman. With the loss of 2 DBs this season and 4 next season, the Huskers have a need to get some quality commitments this recruiting cycle. Let’s take a look at them.
Eric Lee Jr. of Highlands Ranch, Colorado is listed as a 5’11”, 184 pound, 4 star cornerback by Rivals. Lee is rated the 12th best high school cornerback in the nation and rated the number 119th high school football player in the country, as well as the No. 1 high school football player in the state of Colorado. Eric Lee Jr. committed to Nebraska on February 1, 2014. Check out his highlights on Hudl. He was in attendance this weekend.
The second defensive back that committed to Nebraska is Avery Anderson. He actually committed the very next day after Eric Lee did. Anderson is listed as a 6’0”, 170 pound, 4 star corner back out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rivals has Anderson listed as the 24th best high school cornerback in the nation, and the 234th best high school football player in the country. HE is also listed as the No. 2 high school football player in the state of Colorado. Check out Anderson’s highlights on Hudl.
The third defensive back commit for Nebraska is Aaron Williams. Williams is a 6’0”, 185 pound, 3 star safety out of Atlanta, Georgia. Williams committed to the Huskers on May 15, 2014. Rivals has Williams ranked the 50th best high school safety in the country. Check out Williams’ highlights on Hudl.
Huskers have offered scholarships to 21 high school CBs and 15 safeties. Their best chance of landing any of the recruits will involve a tremendous effort by coach Riley and his staff as time is running out before the Feb. 4 signing deadline. 3-star DB Sean Harper Jr. of Hartwell GA is the most likely to sign. He has a 3-way race between Cincinnati, Indiana, and Nebraska.
Huskers could also have a shot at 3 star safety, Hunter Dale of River Ridge, LA. Dale has offers from Miami (FL), UCLA, and Notre Dame, to name a few. With National Recruit Signing Day fast approaching, can Nebraska head coach Mike Riley seal the deal to land one, if not both of these uncommitted recruits. We shall see! Go get ’em coach, and Go Big Red!