Addition of Keeston Terry Could Signal Start of Summer Recruiting Run

2 comments so far May 18, 2009 by Darren K. Carlson

Keeston Terry, a wide receiver prospect from Blue Springs Missouri, verbally commited to NU on Friday. Terry becomes the fourth prospective member of the Husker class of 2010. Terry's four-star credentials are enough to make many fans excited. And, Terry's choice to play at NU might be the start of the summer recruiting run that NU needs to lock up the foundation of their 2010 class.

The Prospect
Terry is a well regarded player. He's considered one of the top players in the state of Missouri by many analysts. And, both of the public recruiting services rank him as a 4-star prospect. Many fans see Terry - the third 4-star player in four commitments - and get excited about the 2011 class. Beyond stars, Terry passes my amateur litmus tests with flying colors.

He is a productive player. As a junior, Terry caught 50 passes for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 500 yards. He also had three games in which he caught two or more touchdowns. Those are the kind of numbers that make a fan's heart sing. He was clearly the top player on his team. He played both offense and defense. He's also a good kid with good grades, according to his high school coach.

He's physically talented enough. Terry passes the eye ball test, at 6'2'' and 180 pounds. Yes, he will need to gain some good weight. Most prospects do. He should have plenty of room on his frame to do so without losing his speed. He's got the ability to play safety for Nebraska if things don't work out at wide receiver for some reason. He also "fits" what NU is trying to do offensively. He is good in the wide receiver screen game and works very well out of the slot position.

Other major programs wanted him. Nebraska beat out most everyone in the Big 12 North to gain Terry's verbal commitment. That's very good to see. Beating conference foes head-to-head for players makes a big difference. Terry also passed on offers from Wisconsin and Illinois out of the Big 10. Oklahoma was showing interst, but did not make an offer yet.

Start of a Recruiting Run?
Nebraska has four commitments at this point. That may concern some fans who look over the metaphorical fence and see the long list of players that Texas and other Big 12 South schools have locked up already. No doubt, recruiting gets earlier and earlier each year. While NU can't keep up the pace with Texas and a few other schools located in talent-rich areas, the do have a better start than most of the Big 12 North brethren. That's solid. And, I think it's about to get even better for NU.

Nebraska is in on a number of highly-regarded prospects. In Bo Pelini's second year at the helm, they have offered scholarships more aggressively. This is only natural considering they are more aware of their team needs and comfortable evaluating talent to fit what they want to do. Now, they need to close.

Summer camp season is coming. While many of NU's top targets (including Terry) visited for the Spring Game, the camps are the best place for coaches to evaluate players first hand and to solidify budding relationships with these players. Players also talk to each other and meet at camps. Terry choosing NU might also have sway with some players, including highly-regarded quarterback Tyler Gabbert. It's the nature of young people (or all people) to consider what their peers are doing.

Factor it all together, and I'm not afraid to guess that NU's recruiting 2010 recruiting class may double in sized between now and August. Lets just hope they are all high-quality prospects like Keeston Terry.

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