Now that signing day is over Nebraska is sitting with a top 20 recruiting class in the nation and the 6th ranked recruiting class in the Big 10. That doesn’t seem all that impressive until you take a deeper look and realize that these players are all “his type of guys”, a type of player with a very high ceiling with the right development and Rhule is known for development. Making waves once again in the college football recruiting world, head coach Matt Rhule and his staff have managed to secure a group of talented players who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout recruits and what they bring to the table.
Dawson Merritt (LB, Blue Valley, KS): Merritt is a four-star recruit who brings size, speed, and versatility to the linebacker position. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, he has the physicality to play both inside and outside linebacker roles, making him of extreme importance to a 3-3-5 defence that values versatility.
Malcolm Simpson (DL, Hitchcock, TX): Simpson is another four-star recruit who is expected to bolster the defensive line. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 255 pounds, he has the strength and athleticism to eat up opposing offenses and get after the quarterback. Pairing Simpson with Keona Davis could be another Nash/Robinson pairing in the middle for the Blackshirts as both mature.
Christian Jones (DL, Westside, Omaha, NE): Jones is a local product who has been highly touted since his early high school days. At 6’2.5″ and 215 pounds, he has the potential to move outside and play a stand up edge rusher position, providing depth in a defensive line that is losing key players.
Shawn Hammerbeck (OL, Winner, SD): Hammerbeck is a four-star offensive lineman who brings size and athleticism to the offensive line. At 6’6″ and 260 pounds, Hammerbeck not only has the best name in this recruiting class but is also the number 1 player in the state of South Dakota.
TJ Lateef (QB, Orange Lutheran, CA): Lateef is a three-star quarterback who has the potential to develop into a solid signal-caller for the Huskers. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 200 pounds, he has the arm strength and mobility to lead the offense effectively. Lateef has that “it” factor that so many talk about and after sitting for 2 years behind Raiola, it will be Lateef’s job to loose.
Isaiah Mozee (WR, Lee’s Summit North, MO): Mozee is a four-star wide receiver who has the speed and agility to stretch the field and create separation from defenders. His ability to make big plays downfield will be a valuable asset to the Huskers’ passing game. Mozee flipped from Oregon this year to join his father (coach) at Nebraska.
Juju Marks (OT, Olathe South, KS): Marks is a three-star offensive tackle who brings size and strength to the offensive line. At 6’6″ and 290 pounds, he has the potential to anchor the line and protect the quarterback, as well as open up running lanes for the backs. Marks could move into a vital spot as soon as his sophomore year on the Huskers O-line.
Pierce Mooberry (LB, Millard North, Omaha, NE): Mooberry is a three-star linebacker who has the instincts and tackling ability to make an impact on defense. His presence in the middle of the field will help shore up the Huskers’ run defense and provide support in pass coverage. Pierce is a Nebraskan, and historically linebackers at Nebraska who are from Nebraska do very well in their Jr. and Sr. seasons.
Cortez Mills (WR, Homestead, FL): Mills flipped from the Sooners late. This four-star recruit is extremely talented and will most likely end up playing his freshman year with Nebraska leaving an immediate impact. One of the biggest gets in this class, Mills will be one to watch.
Jamarion Parker (RB, Saint Louis, MO): Parker is a three-star back with the ability to grow into an impact playmaker for Nebraska. As Parker grows, we will see him take on a very Emmett Johnson type every down back. Out of all of the players in this class i do believe that Lateef and Parker have the biggest upside.
Rhule and staff are very excited about this recruiting class, and i had just mentioned the highlights above so you can see why. With a total of 8 four-star recruits and 12 three-star recruits the Huskers seem to be on solid footing with the 2025 recruiting class.
