Nebraska recruiting mailbag: What does Owen Pappoe’s commitment date mean?

Welcome to the Nebraska recruiting mailbag. Each Tuesday, Land of 10 Nebraska recruiting reporter Chris Bumbaca will tackle the latest recruiting questions from readers. Ask your question for a chance to be featured in the next mailbag by tweeting him @BOOMbaca. As always, thank you for the questions. You can read all previous editions of the Nebraska recruiting mailbag here. 

Technically, yes, but I’m getting the feeling Owen Pappoe is slipping away from the Huskers. Nebraska has been in contention the whole time, but other schools, such as Clemson, Georgia and Auburn, have occupied higher spots on his list throughout his recruitment. Texas is now making a splash with him as well.

Pappoe, a 5-star outside linebacker from Loganville, Ga., announced last week he plans to announce his decision on May 5. He only has one visit scheduled — to Texas — for the weekend of April 27, one week ahead of the scheduled announcement.

It’s unknown if Pappoe will visit Lincoln before that date. Of course, he could visit unofficially for any of the junior days Nebraska has planned or even for the spring game. Taking an official visit to a school is not a prerequisite to a commitment. Pappoe, who is the No. 1 outside linebacker in the 2019 class, told me just after National Signing Day that he planned on taking an official visit to Nebraska during the season. He could be committed to a different school and still take an official visit with the Huskers on a game day in the fall.

Since Pappoe, the No. 7 overall prospect in the class, has announced his commitment date without a visit, the Huskers’ chances of landing him and pulling another key recruit out of Georgia took a serious blow.

 

The offensive line is going to be a priority position for Nebraska in the 2019 class. I’d expect them to bring in three or four signees on the line — same deal on the defensive side of the ball.

Nebraska could, and should, hold court with any recruit in the country in this cycle — at least until it takes for the field for the first time in 2018 — because of what the coaching staff accomplished at UCF and the fact they’re trying to replicate that success at Nebraska.

The offense Frost led at UCF — and the style of the scheme — has recruits’ attention, that’s for sure. The skill position players are taking notice, so Jeffrey is right about that part.

I’m not so sure if top-notch offensive linemen are not looking at Nebraska, though. The Huskers might not have blue-chip, 5-star prospects within reach, but the Huskers have built a quality board across the line in 2019. Offensive line coach Greg Austin should be just fine on the recruiting trail this cycle.

If Nebraska redshirts Adrian Martinez, it won’t be because of his health.

Disclaimer: Unless he gets hurt during spring ball or training camp. 

I believe what Justin is inquiring about stems from the partially torn labrum in his right shoulder he sustained about 13 months ago now, which kept him sidelined during his senior football season. However, quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco has said that he’s completely healthy. In talking to Martinez, he told Land of 10 in December he was throwing the ball with zip just fine. I don’t think this injury is holding him back at all.

As for whether he could benefit from a redshirt campaign, that’s a different story. The depth chart would remain crowded and it always will be at quarterback, especially if Nebraska signs one quarterback per class as the coaching staff intends to do.

What’s your favorite color?

— Matt Bloch (@theblochparty) March 20, 2018

Great question, Matt.

I’m going to go with blue. It’s can be both calming and powerful — kind of like me.

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