Nebraska Football November Recruiting Update

While Nebraska fans are hip-deep in the 2013 season, they know that recruiting is still underway to fill up the coffers for seasons to come. So while Nebraska fans hope to grow a few more fingernails back after the last two weeks, they also should be keeping an eye on how the in-season recruiting is coming along.

Nebraska currently sits No. 49 nationally in terms of the 2014 class, according to 247Sports.com, with 13 total commits. Obviously, Bo Pelini and his staff have some work to do if Nebraska is going to get where it needs to be to remain competitive in the Big Ten. Here’s a quick snapshot of how Nebraska’s recruiting is looking as we head towards the final stretch of the 2013 regular season.

(All star rankings and measurables are from 247Sports.com)

Key Needs

Nebraska’s biggest recruiting needs this offseason really focus on the trenches, both offensively and defensively. Injuries along the offensive line this season have really highlighted the need for both talent and depth along the offensive line. And on defense, Nebraska has been struggling to make up for earlier recruiting classes that have not produced as hoped, particularly at defensive tackle.

Other than along the line, Nebraska will be looking to shore up in the secondary, particularly at cornerback with the looming graduation of Stanley Jean-Baptiste. Wide receiver is also an important target, as Kenny Bell and Jamal Turner will both be seniors next season.

Most Important Commits

Peyton Newell	4-star	DT	6'2"	285
Tanner Farmer	4-star	OG	6'3"	302
Monte Harrison	4-star	WR	6'3"	200
D.J. Foster	3-star	OG	6'1"	300

Newell and Farmer are, at this point, the two most important commits for the 2014 class. Both players fill positions of need. Additionally, Nebraska demonstrating it can sign four-star talent is critical for its ability to bring other players of that caliber to Lincoln. Signing a high-profile upside offensive skill player like Harrison is also important not only for his own talents, but also in his ability to help bring others to Nebraska. And signing Foster, a Nebraska native from Lincoln Southeast, helps Nebraska in an area of need but also helps to secure the instate borders.

Most Important Targets

Brian Wallace	4-star	OT	6'6"	305
Kalen Ballage	4-star	ATH	6'2"	215
Cory Thomas	3-star	DE	6'6"	270
Claudeson Pelon	4-star	DE	6'4"	275

With the class currently rated at No. 49 nationally, which ranks No. 8 in the B1G, there clearly is a lot of work left to be done. Wallace might be the most important target on Nebraska’s board at this point, given the need to stock the roster at defensive tackle. Ballage is an interesting prospect who could end up at running back or wide receiver and is being chased by Michigan and Michigan State as well as Oregon.

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