Recruiting roundup: New visits, QB offers, and more for Nebraska Football

There’s much to discuss regarding Nebraska football recruiting and here are some highlights from the past few days.

The biggest topic of conversation over the weekend for Nebraska football was the commitment of Keelan Smith on Friday to the Huskers.

Like his dad, Neil Smith, Keelan Smith isn’t highly ranked. At least not right now, but if you look at his body, watch his highlights, taking into consideration his NFL bloodlines, and his productivity — it feels like a really good get for Matt Rhule and company.

One thing I like about Rhule and his staff is that they trust their evaluation once they identify a kid. They have taken commitments from recruits that didn’t have many other offers. But they know what they are looking for and frankly, they aren’t worried about what outsiders think, which they shouldn’t.

Smith is one I feel confident will out-play his ranking. I also think he’s a candidate to get a big boost in ranking before he winds up signing.

Alabama offers Gatlin Bair

Gatilin Bair is one of the top targets on the board for Nebraska football in the 2024 class. The Huskers are the favorite according to the On3 prediction machine, but Alabama jumped into the mix this past weekend, which could change the recruitment.

Bair ran a 10.25 in the 100-meter dash over the weekend and his best time is 10.18. This kid is also 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. He might be the best athlete in the entire 2024 class.

You can see why Nebraska football wants him. The Huskers did make the top five but we’ll have to see where Alabama stands. Michigan is in the mix too and in my opinion, the official visits will tell the story.

If Bair takes an unofficial visit to Alabama and then gives them an official visit, which is easier to do for all teams with no limits anymore, the Tide should be considered a real contender.

A new 2025 QB offer

Many Nebraska football fans are focused on 2024 quarterback recruiting and we learned last week that the Huskers will host three-star QB Kamari McClellan for a visit early in June.

Yet, there was some more news in regards to quarterback recruiting over the weekend as the Huskers offered Blake Hebert in the 2025 class. Hebert isn’t ranked in the 247 Sports composite rankings yet, but 247 Sports has him ranked as the No. 19 quarterback in 2025. He’s also rated as an 89.

After a great conversation with @Coach_Satt I am very excited to have received an offer from the University of Nebraska!!! @CoachMattRhule @BrianDohn247 @RivalsFriedman @QBHitList @CCRaider_FBall @M2_QBacademy @BxB_training371 #ETC pic.twitter.com/FQ3AxxrUyn

— Blake Hebert (@BlakeHeberttt) May 8, 2023

Even though he’s a three-star right now via 247 Sports, he’s clearly going to be in four-star territory. Out of Lawrence, Massachusetts, he’s 6-foot-3, 205 pounds. UConn, Massachusetts, Rutgers, and Virginia are the other teams that have offered.

Also in case you were wondering, Dylan Raiola got another expert projection from a Georgia insider from On3.com, so it’s looking more and more like he will be a Bulldog.

2024 Nebraska Football RB target schedules official visit

Things are fluid right now for Nebraska football when it comes to running back. Nathaniel Fraizer is the top target but the Huskers need more than one. Plus, landing Frazier, a top-10 running back nationally who plays at Mater Dei in California is going to be tough. USC is already viewed as an early leader.

But if Frazier comes back for an official visit this summer, Nebraska football will have a better chance. At any rate, another name to know for running back is Kewan Lacy.

#Nebraska will host Lancaster (Texas) RB Kewan Lacy (@kewanlacy22) for an official visit in June. Two Nebraska assistant coaches stopped by to see Lacy last week. #Huskers

Story Link: https://t.co/CXE4TJnLSl

— Bryan Munson (@BryanMunson_) May 8, 2023

The three-star running back out of Lancaster, Texas is ranked 526th overall in the On3 industry rankings. Nebraska football made his top six along with Arizona State, Ole Miss, TCU, Baylor, and Miami.

Lacy visited Arizona State this spring along with Ole Miss and Miami. Lacy hasn’t visited Lincoln yet but will be taking a multi-day trip for an official visit and with no clear leader, it seems like the Huskers have a real shot here.

We know that Rhule and Nebraska do well in Texas. Lacy is a bit raw. He only carried the ball 70 times last season according to MaxPreps but scored eight touchdowns and averaged 5.6 yards per attempt. Lacy also caught nine passes for 135 yards.

After running the 100-meter dash in 10.79 earlier this spring, Lacy fits the mold of the typical Rhule skill guy. He is ranked 533rd overall by 247 Sports and it will be interesting to see if an official visit to Nebraska will be enough for the Huskers to try and close because this a talented player with upside who feels under-recruited.

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