As a point of comparison:
- In 2007 that count was only at SIX at the end of July
- In 2006 there were FOUR
- In 2005 there were FIVE
So there are more early commitments in 2008 (18) than in the prior three years combined (15)!
Part of the reason is the trend of recruits taking more unofficial visits and "getting recruiting out of the way" before their senior year begins. I am also convinced that a big reason for the early commitment wave is that the Internet and other instant communications devices (text messaging, instant messaging, etc.) make it easier for recruits to build relationships - nee bonds - with other recruits. The recruiting of other recruits by committed prospects has led to many of NU's 2008 commitments.
Bryce Givens (6-6/257/5.1/OL) and Blaine Gabbert (6-4/226/4.65/QB) were (early on) the most active "recruiters" for NU, with each contributing to the commitments of Sean Fisher (6-5/210/4.6/LB) and Doug Rippy (6-2/218/LB). They also played a part in Trevor Robinson's (6-6/304/5.2/OL) initial commitment, and (I believe) will be instrumental when he recommits to NU.
The real windfall of other recruits' efforts has been realized in the last month, however. The commitments of Rippy, Will Compton (6-2/214/4.5/LB), D.J. Woods (6-0/169/4.35/WR), and Josh Williams (6-2/220/4.8/DE) were all influenced by Gabbert and Givens' work. Rippy was also instrumental in Woods' decision.
Along with those four, three other highly-ranked recruits are all listing NU at or near the top of their lists.
- Kenny Demens (6-1/224/4.6/LB) and Jonas Gray (5-10/232/4.44/RB) of Detroit (Mich.) Country Day both list NU as their No. 1 school right now, and both may be making their choice public within the next week or two.
- D'Anton Lynn (6-1/177/4.48/CB) of Celina (Texas) also has NU on his short list.
All three of those prospects have mentioned the aforementioned "recruiters" in updates on Rivals.com.
- Lynn mentioned Rippy, Woods, and Compton all by name.
- Demens and Gray are old friends themselves, but each has mentioned Gabbert, Rippy, and Compton
Nebraska has 18 (19 if you count Robinson eventually coming back) commitments already, and will not take more than 28 this year. The class is well past half finished. The coaches can now concentrate on keeping the kids they have committed and can actually start working on 2009 kids.
So THIS is what it feels like to be a Texas fan during recruiting season? I like it!
