Prior to Nebraska’s 10-7 victory over Oklahoma two weeks ago, the 2009 recruiting class stood at 11 committed prospects. Following that momentum-swinging game, the total now rests at 16.
A recruiting class once thought to be low on committed prospects has enjoyed a resurgence. Three defensive linemen, a defensive back and a tight end have helped that resurgence.
Tobi Okuyemi, Joshua Mitchell and Jay Guy committed to Nebraska after their official visit during the Oklahoma game. In the days that followed, little-known in-state prospect Jake Cotton of Lincoln Southeast made his commitment, and junior college tight end Chase Harper made his.
Of the three prospects who committed while on their official visit, Guy heads the list. The Aldine, Texas, native will become the first true defensive tackle in a class that features predominately defensive players.
“It just felt like a perfect fit,” Guy said. “It was the people, the fans, the coaching staff, the facilities, the university. Everything put together just made it one special place.”
Originally a soft commitment to California, Guy chose Nebraska over a host of other schools that also included Michigan, UCLA and Arkansas. Choosing Nebraska, however, did not turn out to be nearly as difficult as Guy thought it would be. According to Guy, it was a combination of many things, but the game itself certainly didn’t hurt.
“It was just an awesome game,” Guy said. “One of the greatest games I’ve seen in a long, long while.”
With Nebraska’s upset win over the Sooners and the environment that surrounded the game, the Husker coaches still pulled an ace out of their sleeve in pursuit of Guy.
“I got a chance to talk to Coach Osborne, which was awesome,” Guy said. “I also got a chance to talk to all the coaches and hear about their schemes and what they would expect out of me.”
Even with five other commitments from defensive lineman in the class already, Guy represents the only true defensive tackle of the group. Prospect Chase Rome, a Husker commitment, is listed as a defensive end but has stated that his plans are to eventually turn himself into another tackle to play opposite Guy.
Guy’s high school coach Ray Evans was not shy in his assessment of his star defensive player.
“He’s one of those big kids who plays every down,” Evans said. “You don’t find too many kids like that. His motor runs all the time. He’s a competitor, he can’t stand to get beat. His work habits are just a phenomenon. In four years here, he has not missed a single workout. He’s here every day after school working out. He’s a team captain and just a great football player. (Nebraska) got a truly great player here. You just can’t measure the kid’s heart.”
That extreme work ethic is what Guy believes sets him apart from everyone else. In fact, it’s what he prides himself on.
“I’m just going to fight to the end. I’m a hard worker. Whatever the coaches expect, I’m going to do,” Guy said. “You have to take pride in your work ethic because that’s what separates me from all the other players.”
Another differentiation between Guy and most other prospects is the fact that he is a December graduate. By graduating from high school this winter, he will join the Nebraska football team for spring practice. With his work ethic solidly behind him and his early arrival planned, Evans was quick to dismiss the idea of Guy needing a redshirt season.
“I’m going to tell you right now, Jay is going to push to play his first year,” Evans said. “He’s going to push to play. Let me tell you, he packs a wallop. He’s really looking forward to being there in a few months.”
With Guy on the way, along with 10 other defensive commitments, one would think the Husker coaches will focus on the offensive side of the ball with only a couple of spots left in the class.
But five-star defensive end prospect Owamagbe Odighizuwa of Portland, Ore., plans on making his official visit to Lincoln this weekend when the Huskers take on Kansas State. Odighizuwa has already visited Oregon, UCLA and California and has plans on a Florida visit, as well.
One player that will likely help in Odighizuwa’s recruitment is current Husker Ndamukong Suh. Both Suh and Odighizuwa are from Portland, and it is widely thought that the Husker defensive tackle will host the high school senior on this weekend’s official visit.
One last selling point for Bo Pelini and his assistants in luring Odighizuwa to Nebraska was also a selling point for Guy. The play of this year’s defensive line.
“The defensive line is the best in the country that I’ve seen so far this season,” Guy said. “There’s going to be a lot of draft picks coming out of the defensive line.”
tomgrant@dailynebraskan.com
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