Nebraska recruiting has big day!

Nebraska got a solid verbal and a recommit today. Doesn't sound like much but it is huge.

If Collins Okafor would have decided to go with Stanford, it would have been a big psychological disadvantage for Nebraska. Instead NU got a solid verbal from its only running back recruit so far this year. The need at running back is very high and Collins Okafor is a very solid back that will contribute at Nebraska. Okafor is a big fan of Marlon Lucky and the fact that Lucky is staying at Nebraska for his senior season could have been a big factor in keeping Okafor. Okafor spent a lot of time with Lucky on his visit.

Then we have Josh Williams who is a very talented defensive end from Texas. He had committed but then changed his mind when the coaching change took place. He committed to Colorado. After a surprise visit to Nebraska Saturday, he has decided to be a Cornhusker. This will be a psychological lift to the rest of our recruiting season. Josh has now joined a team that will show it has the best defensive coaches in the nation. Defensive end was another high need for recruiting.

James Dobson has been hired as the new strength coach for Nebraska. He was the assistant strength coach for Iowa.

Pelini is putting together a staff that has tremendous upside potential to be stars some day. Examples of those that fit this mold are Ekeler, Papuchis, and Beck. Tom Osborne now has hired Dobson as strength coach. None of them are household names but they are up and coming stars. Pelini is taking men who have enthusiasm for the game. They want to get better. It is exciting to see this approach versus taking a group of coaches that may not have this same passion for the game. Pelini has said many times "We have a lot of work to do." He now has the staff to get it done. There is no doubt they will work hard.

Nebraska has 18 recruits now. With the excitement today, look for this number to grow in the next two or three weeks to about 24. We will probably pick up two or three players after the signing period. Now if we can get Will Compton to make a solid commitment..................