How Commitment of 4-Star QB Tristan Gebbia Impacts Future of Nebraska Recruiting

Two weeks ago, Nebraska fans were happy with their two 3-star commitments in wide receiver Jaevon McQuitty and linebacker Willie Hampton. But there were those who silently wondered when the class would have its breakout opportunity.

On March 23, the Cornhuskers were excited to have 4-star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. commit. The buzz followed.

Monday was another huge day for Nebraska fans, as the program landed a 4-star quarterback in Tristan Gebbia. Ranked the nation's No. 8 pro-style quarterback, Gebbia chose the Cornhuskers over West Virginia, Washington, Washington State and Ole Miss—the school where his father, Rich Gebbia, played tight end.

"I've spent a lot of time with Coach Lang [offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf] and [head] Coach [Mike] Riley," said Gebbia, a 6'3", 180-pound quarterback. "I've gotten to see them practice up close and personal. Plus, Keyshawn loves it there. He'd been telling me he wants me to come with him. We've had a pretty good connection the last three years, and he said, 'Why not take it to the next level?'"

Nebraska picked up a quarterback who had great numbers as a junior, according to MaxPreps. He threw for 4,435 yards and 45 touchdowns and completed 63 percent (278 of 442) of his passes. Additionally, Gebbia rushed for five touchdowns.

Credit: 247Sports.com

Quarterbacks like Gebbia tend to be keystone commitments for programs. Offensive athletes want to make plays with him. Defensive athletes want to get better practicing against him. In Nebraska's case, Gebbia's commitment is a huge win for a variety of reasons.

First, Gebbia gives Nebraska a quality option at one of recruiting's most competitive positions. There are only 14 pro-style and 10 dual-threat quarterbacks nationwide listed as at least a 4-star prospect. Of those 24 total quarterbacks, prior to Gebbia's commitment, only four were uncommitted targets.

Second, Gebbia's pledge helps establish what appears to be a budding pipeline between Nebraska and Calabasas High School. Safety Marquel Dismuke signed with Nebraska in February, and the Cornhuskers are expecting to add Johnson and Gebbia next February.

And you can bet that Nebraska is doing all it can to add more Calabasas players in the near future. Among that short list are 5-star cornerback Darnay Holmes and 2018 cornerback Brendan Radley-Hiles.

Perhaps one of the more intriguing discussions of Gebbia's commitment involves depth at the position. Nebraska, upon Gebbia signing his national letter of intent, will enter the 2017 season with three players competing for the starting QB job. Gebbia, early enrollee Patrick O'Brien and A.J. Bush, who just finished his redshirt freshman year and was listed as the team's third-stringer last season, will compete for playing time. If Gebbia doesn't start as a freshman, he'll definitely push his competition to be better, which will help Nebraska in a tough Big Ten Conference.

Credit: 247Sports.com

Having Gebbia as a part of the Nebraska roster is huge for Riley and his program. Now it's all about keeping Gebbia committed. Look for Ole Miss to continue recruiting him, as he is a Rebel legacy. Before committing, Gebbia took an unofficial visit to Ole Miss over the weekend.

"The trip's been great," Gebbia said Saturday. "I've spent a lot of time with the coaches and watched their scrimmage. I just wanted to see the SEC up close and personal. As an athlete who wants to get better, you look forward to seeing all you can and getting as much out of it as possible."

Gebbia's recruitment will be one to watch, but for now, all arrows point to him becoming a Cornhusker when it's time to sign his letter of intent.

"It's pretty great," he said of Nebraska. "You get great football, and the life outside of football is great. That's what I wanted."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles