Nebraska Football: 4-star DL visiting during loaded March weekend

Nebraska football is set to have a big visit weekend at the end of March, and a new prospect was added to the list. 2024 defensive lineman Nigel Smith II is set to come visit, per his On3 profile.

Smith is the seventh overall defensive lineman in his class, and the fifth overall player in his class from the state of Texas per the 247Sports rankings. Smith has a numerical rating of 92, and is a four-star recruit.

Right now, he is predicted to go to Oklahoma with two top schools in particular vying for his services. Oklahoma and Ohio State appear to be the two leaders for Smith. Most recently, he attended Oklahoma’s Junior Day in January.

Smith had a tremendous high school season for Melissa High School in 2022. The Texas native recorded 103 tackles and 11 sacks in addition to two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He returned one of those fumbles for a touchdown.

Smith’s highlights are impressive. He has the ability to be a pass-rusher and edge defender. Perhaps most noticeable was his ability to get into the backfield seamlessly. He does not waste many motions in his pass rush. He is just able to quickly come off the edge and get into the backfield. Smith also has the ability to play on the inside of the line.

What could he bring to Nebraska Football?

He would give Nebraska football another talented edge rusher, and that is a position that the Huskers have focused on over the last couple seasons. Smith would immediately set the tone at defensive line for Nebraska, and give them a weapon that they haven’t had at the position in quite a while.

Currently, the 2024 Nebraska football recruiting class has zero commitments.  The March 25 visit weekend could be big for kickstarting the class.

It will be intriguing to see what comes of that weekend. At any rate, the star power will be plentiful and it could be a very important day for the program.