Huskers Land Another Defensive End Commitment
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December 21, 2008 by
Nebraska’s late recruiting momentum continued this week, as the Huskers secured a verbal commitment from 4-star rated defensive end prospect Jason Ankrah. Ankrah is the 23rd known member of this year’s Husker recruiting class. His presence bolsters the Husker class on the defensive front, while also raising a couple questions about how many spots NU may have left to fill and who they may be targeting.
The Prospect
Here are the facts we know on Ankrah. He’s a 6’4’’ defensive end who weighs in at just under 250 pounds. There are some who speculate he could grow in to a defensive tackle role, but I suspect he’ll stay at his more natural strong side end position. He’s rated as a 4-star prospect by both of the major public scouting services. He had offers from Michigan, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Maryland and Nebraska.
I’m excited by this addition to the class. Defensive end was an area of need for the Huskers with this class. Combining Ankrah with fellow 4-star rated player Kevin Young addresses that need very nicely. As always, I don’t think it is likely for this player to have an immediate impact next season (though you can never rule it out entirely…). A redshirt season would serve him well and put him in line to be a part of NU’s long defensive end tradition.
Geography is Destiny?
Ankrah comes from Maryland, and the Huskers beat out the Terrapins of his home state for his services. Geographically, this is a bit of an anomaly for this class and NU in general. The Huskers typically don’t work that portion of the country extensively or hardly at all. I can’t name the last player NU got from Maryland. So, how did this happen? John Papuchis – the lead recruiter for Ankrah, is from Maryland and really worked his relationships in that area hard.
The Husker coaches knew they had a real shot when they were able to get Ankrah on campus for a visit. It's fair to say the ferver of Husker football is a bit more intense than what Maryland offers. Then, it came down to Bo Pelini showing an impressive ability to "close" on a player and get them to choose NU. He's a straigh shooter, and kids notice. Ankrah has been quoted as saying the choice came down to liking the environment and liking coach Pelini.
Class Filling Quickly
Assuming that everyone currently committed to NU stays that way and is able to qualify academically (both big assumptions, I know…), this Husker class is filling up fast. Ankrah would be the 23rd player in the group. Analyzing the current roster as best we can, that is about what we at BRN had estimated the Huskers would sign this season. I don’t think NU is done quite yet. There is time left and some big players still on the board. So, I suspect NU may “over sign� a bit and go as high as 25 or 26 commitments if necessary.
The top targets still on the NU radar are defensive tackle prospect Latu Heimuli and another defensive end, Jason Pierre-Paul. Either one (or both?) of those players would send the defensive profile of this class through the roof. For now, Husker fans can be very happy to have gotten a pledge from a possible stud in the making like Ankrah.
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Greg Morrow Dec 22 08
Bo Pelini "sealed the deal" -Rivals.
"He's a great person." "The facilities are amazing." -Jason Ankrah
You, of course, can't count on any one player, but at this point, it looks like Bo and co. are getting numbers of players whom they want to get, who they think can win for Nebraska.
The team is getting seriously restocked, with solid developmental prospects, across the board.
I can't think of a position that isn't getting adressed, with last years class and this. You'd always like more interior line prospects, both sides of the ball, sure.
On the rivals vid, he's assuming he'll stay at DE. I don't think so. That kid has "three technique" written all over his face. A kid like that'll gain 30 pounds by the time he
turns 20, just naturally growing, not to mention the "performance buffet," sure to be a pleaser and of course, the athletic training staff and facilities.
It didn't occur to me that every recruit save two, is out of state. With almost 40% from
Texas, to the (deserved) pride of the Texas Husker fans.
Good prospects from all around, one JC whom I'm pretty sure Bo thinks can play well.
If everyone stays the course, I think this is the best class, off the hoof, since 97's!
Bo's recruiting solid kids. He's mentioned that a couple won't make it, due to academics. But, that's always the case.
What I like is, there's no over the top (hype) big splash kids. No "throw away" offers either, just for numbers. Cody Green's the "marque," but he seems to have that ethic
Bo wants. That fight to win, ethos.
They'll all come in with expectations. Working hard, to the brink, will be one of those.
I'm not trying to hype *'s btw, but on the rivals site, almost every guy is a 3*, with 5 4*'s, which is actually pretty good.
The one 2*, Zimmerer should be a good developmental guy. When he's ready to play, I'm sure he'll do well.
In the finest tradition of hardworking local kids!
Ankrah mentions atmosphere, too. Always nice to know that's still in effect!
bnahusker Dec 22 08
Wow!
All of this AND a bag of Cheetos? Did we really redshirt 50 this year? 50?
Kids that are sold on the atmoshere and Bo show me that we could be seeing some very sweet years ahead! Young men that want to be a part of something instead of getting in the "Pipeline" is The Power of Red.
GBR!
Bob
WyHuskerFan Dec 22 08
This is good news indeed. The class is filling fast and with more than 50 redshirts coming out next year things could get interesting. Some of these freshman could contribute next year. Scout.com nows has NU at 19th, which is tops in the North. I hate the comparison, but the top 3 in the South avg top 5, while the top 3 in the north avg 35. Not looking good for the north overall, however for Huskers the future looks bright. GBR Crush the Kitties!
sweet D Dec 23 08
NU will quickly dominate the North. And when it does, it will carry over and we'll dominate the BIG XII again.
(There is a Track guy from Gaithersburg/ D.C. area...years ago.)
Tony Dec 30 08
If you get a chance take a look at Andrew Green on Youtube. Won't turn 18 until Aug. 21. With some polishing from Bo and Coach Saunders I think you got a winner.