Nebraska has already impressed with their 2024 class, but their commits keep on impressing.
Player ratings serve as a valuable tool for coaches and recruiters in evaluating potential recruits. There are many different scouting services, media outlets, and recruiting websites that assess players based on their skills, athleticism, performance on the field/camps, and growth potential.
However, it is important to note that player ratings are not perfect indicators of future success, which has been especially true for the Huskers. There have been numerous instances where lower-rated recruits have exceeded expectations and become standout performers at the collegiate and even pro levels.
On the other hand, highly rated recruits may only sometimes live up to their potential proving that factors such as player development and coaching have just as much if not more impact than just nabbing the highest rated recruits.
Nebraska has had a recruiting class ranking from around 20-25 from 2017-2021. Their record during that time was 19-37.
That said, high recruiting ratings have, for the most part, had a positive outcome when it comes to on-field performances in general.
Here are five 2024 commits that have had positive ratings increase this summer.
1. Daniel Kaelin - Quarterback - 89 (3-Star) —> 90 (4-Star)
Kaelin's efforts have been recognized after showcasing his skills at the Elite 11 finals and emerging victorious in the accuracy challenge. According to the 247Sports rankings, Kaelin has received a fourth star, gaining a point in his total rating. He now ranks as the 15th overall quarterback in the 2024 class, the 233rd-ranked player nationally, and the second overall player from the state of Nebraska (Only fellow Husker commit Carter Nelson ranks higher). If his rating stays the same by the time he enrolls, he will be tied for the third highest-rated QB since 2010, when 247Sports launched.
For starters, Daniel Kaelin just looks like a prototypical pro-style quarterback as he stands at 6 '3” and weighs 200 pounds. Also, Kaelin not only has the accuracy to be a top talent but has arm strength as well. On his tape, he is shown effortlessly flicking the ball 40-50+ yards down the field with incredible accuracy but looks like he could go even farther. He has the potential to have one of the bigger arms in the Big 10.
2. Kewan Lacy - Running Back - Not Ranked (3-Star) —> 298th (4-Star)
Kewan Lacy recently got a bump in rating from On3 this July as he gained a 4th star. Hailing from Lancaster, Texas, Lacy was previously not included in On3’s top 300 list, but now is listed as the 298th-ranked recruit in the country, and is now the 25th-ranked RB in the class of 2024. Being that he plays Texas high school football, it's safe to assume that he will not be intimidated by the talent level when he makes his way to college. He will join what is predicted to be a solid running back room.
Lacy is an absolute bruiser when he carries the rock. You can see him bounce off (or run over) countless defenders in his film. Lacy's ability to run downhill and break tackles showcases his strength and determination on the field. That makes him a prototypical Big Ten running back who will be able to gain those hard-earned yards and move the chains. Additionally, he is excellent when it comes to catching the football as well, which adds another dimension to his game. Combining his strength, speed, and agility, Lacy can make things happen after the catch, creating opportunities for big plays.
3. Carlon Jones - Defensive Lineman - 473rd (3-Star) —> 258th (4-Star) (On 3)
Carlon Jones is another Nebraska commit that got an upgrade in rating from On3’s latest update. Like Kewan Lacy, Carlon Jones is a Texan as well. From Bay City, Jones experienced a significant jump in his ranking within the On3 Top 300 list. Previously ranked 473rd, he jumped up to 258th in their national rankings. Also like Lacy, Jones is ranked 25th nationally in his position ranking. Especially since Nebraska was weak on the defensive line in 2022, Jones Is a welcomed addition to the 2024 class.
Jones is an imposing figure and will fit in well in the Big 10. He stands at 6’3“ and weighs 280 pounds going into his senior year. Jones possesses the size and strength necessary to excel on the interior of the line for the Huskers. His ability to close space in interior gaps makes him a valuable asset for the Huskers. Additionally, his agility allows him to seamlessly transition to the outside when needed, showcasing his versatility. His ability to disrupt plays and create pressure from within can significantly impact an opponent's quarterback.
4. Mario Buford - Cornerback - 374th —> 203rd (On3)
Nebraska commit Mario Buford has also received a ratings boost courtesy of On3. Although Mario took a slight downgrade from last year, he is starting to climb back up to where he was rated in 2022. Buford is the third Texan (DeSoto) on this list, he could be the second Buford in the Blackshirts’ secondary, joining his brother and safety Marques Buford Jr. Previously ranked at No. 374 overall, Buford has made an impressive leap to No. 204 in the latest rankings update while ranking as the 23rd best corner in the country.
Mario is 5’11” and weighs 165 pounds. He certainly has the proper height to defend Big 10 wide receivers, and will almost certainly gain the weight needed to play corner at this level too. But Buford has a lengthy 6'3.5“ wingspan right now. During the spring camp circuit before his junior year, this recruit showcased his athleticism with a 30-inch vertical jump and nearly a 10-foot broad jump. Buford was also a standout athlete in his freshman track and field season. He recorded an impressive time of 23.85 seconds in the 200m race and achieved a remarkable long jump of 20 feet and 4 inches.
5. Gibson Pyle - Interior Offensive Lineman - Anticipated Upgrade
Okay, I lied about this list having 5 rating boosts. But while Gibson Pyle hasn’t officially been upgraded by any websites, I will guarantee it is coming sometime soon. Pyle is ANOTHER Texas (Houston) prospect to make the list (I swear I didn’t plan for that to happen). Currently, Pyle has been identified as a three-star prospect with a rating of 88 by 247Sports. Pyle's rating places him as the 35th-ranked interior offensive lineman in the country. Perhaps the position group that needs the most improvement is the offensive line, so Pyle will be a much-anticipated recruit to have on campus.
Gibson Pyle is another 2024 commit with the height to compete as a Big Ten offensive lineman, as he stands at 6’5” tall. He also weighs 285 pounds going into his senior year, which should surely increase once he gets to Lincoln. I suspect he will get a ratings increase because he showed out at the “Football University” camp, and earned an invite to play in the prestigious All-American Bowl. Pyle received offers from several Power 5 schools such as Arizona State, BYU, Cal, Colorado, Kansas State, Stanford, and USC.
Bonus: Grant Brix - Offensive Tackle - 75th —> 52nd (On3)
While Grant Brix hasn’t committed to the Huskers (yet) he’s still worth adding to the list. He was already impressively ranked as the 75th-rated player in the nation according to On3, and now he’s staggeringly ranked the 52nd. He is currently ranked as the 2nd best offensive tackle and the top player in Iowa. While the offensive line in general needs work, offensive tackle in particular is the position of most need. He has not set a date for his announcement yet.
For more details on Grant, look at another article featuring him.
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