Nebraska Football lands legacy commitment in Keelan Smith

Nebraska football added to the 2024 class again on Friday. Tight end Keelan Smith committed to the program, making the announcement on Twitter. The Missouri native is a three-star recruit. He is the 44^th overall tight end in the 2024 class, and the 14^th overall player in his class from the state of Missouri per the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

He had a small offer sheet, as Nebraska and Missouri were the only programs to extend an offer.

However, there is no denying his skill. Smith caught 50 passes for 850 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. He averaged 17 yards per reception in 12 games for Liberty North High School. Those numbers were improved upon from his 2021 season, when he tallied 16 catches for 321 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.

Smith played both the wide receiver and tight end position in high school. He lined up on the outside as a receiver, and was able to play at a high level, partly due to his ability to run after the catch. Smith knows what to do with the football in his hands as soon as he gets it. He immediately turns upfield and then it is off to the races. Smith gets out of his break quickly, and runs sharp routes in order to get to the football.

Smith will function well in a Big Ten setting and in this offense. He gives the Huskers another deep threat, and affords them the opportunity to have flexibility at both tight end and wide receiver. Nebraska football already has a tight end in 2024 class in Ian Flynt. Now, they have at least two in the class itself.

BREAKING: Class of 2024 ATH Keelan Smith has Committed to Nebraska!

The 6’3 210 ATH from Liberty, MO chose the Cornhuskers over Missouri and Kansas State.

“I have no doubt this is where I belong. Coach Rhule and his staff have something special in the works. I’m home and ready… pic.twitter.com/8gXrS009Kd

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 5, 2023

Nebraska football ’24 class taking shape

Currently, the 2024 Nebraska football recruiting class ranks 29^th overall nationally per the 247 sports composite rankings. This is a Nebraska legacy commit, as Keelan is the son of Neil Smith, who was a prolific pass-rusher for Nebraska in the mid-1980s.

This is another solid edition for the Nebraska football program, as they continue to expand the 2024 class. The younger Smith will undoubtedly be able to find a role at the very least in the tight end room. Nebraska has focused heavily on the position for the future classes, and it will be exciting to see how it all unfolds.

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