Nick Henrich is moving closer to knowing where he'll play college football.
Once wide-open in his recruitment, the standout class of 2019 Omaha Burke linebacker has trimmed the list of schools he’s still considering.
He’s just not letting on as to which ones remain in the race.
“I have narrowed it down, but I’m keeping that just between me and my family and close friends,†Henrich told the Journal Star on Monday evening after wrapping up an unofficial visit to Nebraska.
Henrich’s had a busy few days, spending the weekend at Wisconsin for an official visit before returning in time for a Monday morning workout in Omaha. Instead of relaxing like many of his Bulldog teammates probably did, he then ventured down Interstate 80 to Lincoln to spend the day with the Huskers.
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“It was a fantastic visit,†Henrich said.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder has been to NU’s campus several times, including an unofficial trip during spring ball in April. That day he watched practice and toured facilities. This time around, he actually got to spend most of the day with current players.
Nebraska is in the midst of its own summer workouts and also has representatives from the leadership training group The Program on campus early this week.
It was also an opportunity to catch up with inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud, who’s leading Henrich’s recruitment both as his potential position coach and as NU’s lead in-state recruiter.
“We talk a ton and we have a great relationship,†Henrich said. “I really like him as a person and as a coach.â€
Henrich amassed 119 tackles (31 for loss) and 11 sacks as a junior at Burke, cementing himself as one of the most sought-after recruits in Nebraska in recent years. A four-star prospect by 247Sports, which considers him the No. 83 player overall in the country and the No. 5 inside linebacker prospect in the nation for 2019, he has four official visits remaining at his disposal.
“I don’t have any more set, and I’m still thinking about if I (will use any more),†he said.
If he decides to take any more as the summer moves along, they would most likely be to schools further away — he has offers from Texas A&M, Oregon, Florida and many others that are outside of driving range — since officials allow the school to pay for travel expenses. To date, he hasn't visited many outside the Midwest. A spring tour took him to both NU and UW, along with Notre Dame, Minnesota, Iowa and Iowa State.
Henrich’s never been one to reveal much about his recruitment and has steadfastly maintained that his senior season and Burke’s Class A state title hopes top his priority list. Burke head coach Paul Limongi, not surprisingly, hit the nail on the head this spring when he said, “Nick is pretty much always on and focused. … He dominates the controllables.â€
So how would Henrich see the next two or so months to play out?
“I’m going to continue to focus on being with my team and working hard to prepare for the season,†he said. “And hopefully coming to a decision.â€