'He’s probably the best recruiter I got:' Nebraska secondary coach impresses top target

Now that Nebraska football's spring game is officially in the rearview mirror, there's really only one big disappointment. No commitments came just before, or right after the game the way it's gone done the last few years. However, that shouldn't be taken as a sign that the weekend was a massive flop for the Huskers on the recruiting front.

Nebraska's recent recruiting wins right after the spring game, or lack thereof, suggests that Matt Rhule and his team are strategically pursuing highly sought-after prospects like Antonio Branch Jr. While it may take some more time and effort to secure his commitment, it's becoming increasingly likely that the 3-star defensive back from Miami is considering Nebraska as his future team.

Branch recently talked to Rivals' Tim Verghese about the official visit and there's definitely one thing that stood out for him the most. 

Branch was particularly impressed by his conversation with defensive back Evan Cooper and expressed a desire to return to Lincoln to further develop that connection. Cooper's recruiting style has been highly praised by other recruits, making him a valuable asset for Nebraska. However, Branch's admiration for Cooper's approach was unparalleled.

“He’s probably the best recruiter I got, I’m not going to lie," Branch told Verghese.

Evan Cooper scores big praise after Nebraska football official visit from Antonio Branch Jr.

One of the selling points that both Cooper and Rhule pounded home is that if Branch were to join the Nebraska football program, he would get a chance to get on the field early and often.

That is the usual refrain when talking to highly touted recruits, but for the Huskers, there's still such a feeling of rebuilding from the ground up, that those kinds of promises ring a little more true.

It stands to reason that the tidal wave of commitments from players who visited during the Spring Game is about to kick off and only needs someone like Branch to pull the trigger. Once kids of this talent level start seeing potential teammates, such as TJ Lateef to pull the trigger, they're more comfortable doing the same.

There's also very little doubt that the possibility of playing alongside someone like former 5-star prospect Dylan Raiola is a big draw. It's not just about playing alongside star players in that regard.

 It's also important for guys like Antonio Branch Jr. to see that the Nebraska football coaches are true to their word when they talk about young guys getting on the field as soon as possible.