Nebraska Cornhuskers Host Big Graduate Transfer DT Recruit

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have had a busy spring on the recruiting front, but a visitor this weekend stands out for more reasons than one.

It’s no secret the Huskers defensive line depth has taken a hit this year, both because of the NFL draft and because of transfers and even quitting football altogether. Mike Riley and staff have taken quite a few different avenues to try and fill the holes left by Maliek Collins, Greg McMullen et al., but if the team can convince one of this weekend’s visitors to come to Nebraska, one hole could be filled right away.

Rivals recently confirmed the Cornhuskers hosted Utah defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu this weekend. The goal in hosting Tu’ikolovatu is to get one more season out of the potential graduate transfer and get a defensive tackle who has plenty of experience in a power five conference.

The 6-foot-1, 320-pound Tu’ikolovatu played in all 13 games for the Utes last year and started two contests. Last season the DT recorded 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and four fumble recoveries. That number was good enough to tie for the Pac 12 lead in 2015.

The Utah Utes might be looking to be a Cornhusker because he finished second on spring depth chart for his current team. Because of this development, Tu’ikolovatu might be looking for a new place to play his final year of football. Because he has officially graduated, he can move to a new school without having to sit out a year.

Being available to play right away would be a big boon for the Cornhuskers, who currently have exactly one returning starting defensive tackle. Kevin Maurice is far from a veteran considering he’s got exactly one start in his career. Tu’ikolovatu would bring an instant veteran presence in a season where the Cornhuskers are also breaking in a new defensive line coach in John Parella.

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Tu’ikolovatu took his first of five visits which are allowed by the NCAA to Nebraska over the weekend. It’s not clear whether or not the defensive tackle is going to be taking any more visits. It’s not yet known when the Cornhuskers will find out his decision or how serious he is about leaving the Utah Utes.