Nebraska working to steal Colorado's No. 1 prospect away from Deion Sanders

While there are still quite a few questions about the direction of the Nebraska football recruiting class for 2027, the Huskers have their quarterback. Now they're hoping to pull in some protection for Trae Taylor in the form of Reis Russell.

Russell is the top player in the state of Colorado according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Despite being the best player in the same state where Deion Sanders is still trying to build his program, it doesn't appear that Russell is all that fond of the Buffaloes.

How Trae Taylor is using peer recruiting to lure Reis Russell to Nebraska football

Speaking to Rivals' Greg Smith, Russell said that the primary fight for the interior offensive line prospect has come down to the Nebraska football program and the Washington Huskies. Interestingly enough, just a few years ago, it would have meant the Big Ten vs. the Pac-12, but now it's a fight between conference rivals.

At a still growing 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Russell projects best as a center at the next level. He has extensive experience playing the position at Valor Christian, the alma mater of former Washington star Roger Rosengarten. It's almost a sure thing that Rosengarten will be used liberally to try to entice Russell to follow his path to the West Coast.

For the Huskers, Taylor is already trying to work his peer recruiting magic. He even commented on the Greg Smith post announcing that Russell is deciding between NU and UW, saying, "Come on home my guy, and let me know what game you come to so can catch up with you."

Russell took an unofficial visit to the Nebraska football program this past spring. It's a safe bet as Taylor said that he'll also be in Lincoln for a game. Hopefully, Matt Rhule and Co. will be able to show why the heartland is better than the Pacific Coast when it comes to playing football.