PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Turner Corcoran had pretty much seen and done it all in Lincoln.
The four-star offensive tackle from Lawrence, Kansas, has seen campus. He’s got to know Nebraska’s entire coaching staff and many of its players. Heck, he told the Journal Star recently that he drives down a different street each time he’s in town — and he’s been here at least eight times now on various unofficial visits — just to get a better feel for the place.
"It’s a great feel and a great atmosphere," he told the Journal Star this spring.Â
There was really only one step left that Corcoran could take.
The prized recruit verbally committed to the Huskers during his weekend on campus and announced it via Twitter shortly after the Red-White Spring Game wrapped up at Memorial Stadium.Â
New lesbian-owned lounge opening in Lincoln hopes to foster 'authentic' atmosphere
Nebraska principal placed on administrative leave
WWE star Hulk Hogan promoting beer’s introduction to Nebraska
No. 2 Nebraska volleyball wins 13th straight match; No. 1 Pittsburgh falls to SMU
Papillion dog, who loved pears and a select few, euthanized after tough life
Winter outlook not favorable to drought relief in Nebraska
Cover Five: Is the running back carousel sustainable? And, Nebraska not closing book on Merritt
Hulk Hogan, WWE Hall of Famer, visits Lincoln to promote new beer
Lincoln couple dies in Grand Canyon accident
Rare, 'very, very bright' comet expected to make an appearance for Midlanders
Amie Just: How Nebraska volleyball beat Purdue on a night the Boilers had it rolling
Lincoln Journal Star 2024 Election Voter's Guide: Local candidates on the issues
After tumultuous upbringing in Nebraska, new state IT head hired to 'be a change agent'
Grand Island, the largest high school in Nebraska, cancels girls varsity basketball season
Large wildfire in northern Lancaster County prompts evacuations
Corcoran, listed at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, is arguably NU’s top overall prospect for the 2020 class. Certainly, he’s been in a small group at the very top of the list for the Huskers.
The Lawrence Free State High standout checks in as the No. 32 overall prospect in the nation and the No. 3 offensive tackle in the nation per 247Sports, and Rivals holds him in similarly high regard, pegging him at No. 50 and No. 8, respectively.
Simply put, he’s one of the best in the country in his class and he was one of the most coveted prospects in the Midwest for the cycle. Corcoran originally planned to visit Ohio State this weekend for the Buckeyes’ spring game, but decided against it a couple of weeks ago. He visited Oklahoma last weekend, at least his second trip to Norman. In addition to those schools, Corcoran had offers from Clemson, Georgia, Auburn and many more.
Before the game, Corcoran was on the Husker sideline along with the large host of recruits on hand for the spring game. When he and some of the other priority prospects moved out to midfield during pregame warmups, Corcoran was seen snapping photos with family members and coaches and future teammates including 2020 quarterback verbal commit Logan Smothers (Muscle Shoals, Alabama).Â
2020 Husker football recruits
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown (School)
Stars
Zavier Betts
WR
6-2
190
Omaha (Bellevue West)
****
Marquis Black
DL
6-4
280
McDonough, Ga. (Eagle's Landing)
***
Alante Brown
WR
6-0
190
Chicago (Simeon)
****
Jimari Butler
OLB
6-5
215
Mobile, Ala. (Murphy)
***
Alex Conn
OT
6-6
280
Derby, Kansas
***
Niko Cooper
OLB
6-5
220
Memphis, Tenn. (Hutchinson C.C.)
***
Turner Corcoran
OT
6-6
280
Lawrence, Kan. (Free State)
****
Ronald Delancy III
DB
5-11
190
Miami (Northwestern)
***
Marcus Fleming
WR
5-10
160
Miami, Fla. (Northwestern)
****
Jaiden Francois
CB
6-0
185
Homestead, Fla.
****
Henry Gray
DB
6-0
175
Miami (Central)
****
Keyshawn Greene
LB
6-3
205
Crawfordville, Fla. (Wakulla)
****
Blaise Gunnerson
OLB
6-5
250
Carroll, Iowa (Kuemper)
****
Nash Hutmacher
DT
6-5
305
Chamberlain, South Dakota
***
Tamon Lynum
DB
6-2
170
Orlando, Fla. (Evans)
***
Omar Manning
WR
6-4
225
Lancaster, Texas (Kilgore College)
****
Eteva Mauga-Clements
ILB
6-2
210
Pleasant Hill, Calif. (Diablo Vall. College)
***
Sevion Morrison
RB
6-0
200
Tulsa, Oklahoma (Edison)
****
William Nixon
WR
5-11
185
Waco, Texas (Midway)
***
Pheldarius Payne
DE
6-3
270
Suffolk, Va. (Lackawanna CC)
***
Jordon Riley
DE
6-5
300
Durhan, N.C. (Garden City C.C.)
***
Marvin Scott III
RB
5-9
205
Port Orange, Fla. (Spruce Creek)
***
Logan Smothers
QB
6-2
180
Muscle Shoals, Ala.
****
That pair plus four-star in-state wide receiver Zavier Betts (Bellevue West) are the first three on board for NU in its 2020 class and, though the talented receiver wasn't on campus Saturday, Corcoran and Smothers were clearly working other prospects on hand for the game.Â
For instance, when Corcoran was on campus last month for a spring practice, he happened to be here on the same day as three-star in-state standout wide receiver Xavier Watts (Omaha Burke) and three-star outside linebacker Blaise Gunnerson (Carroll, Iowa), each coveted by NU in his own right and both back on campus for this weekend along with a big host of offered and unoffered players.
Watts is coming off back-to-back visits to Notre Dame and Wisconsin, and is scheduled to see Michigan soon, too, while Gunnerson is being pursued heavily by in-state schools Iowa State and Iowa and has a rising profile in the Midwest.
Now the Huskers have three offensive players as the bedrock for what they think can be a special recruiting class. Smothers quickly rose to the top of quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco's wish list, while Betts and Corcoran are exactly the types of regional talents NU puts an emphasis on landing.Â
The coaching staff will be back on the road recruiting as early as Monday and, even if Corcoran is the only player who actually commits out of the spring game, the coaches will undoubtedly feel good about where the Huskers stand heading into the summer.Â
Watch: Scott Frost, Husker players talk about Nebraska's play in the Red-White Spring Game
Watch: Ben Stille leads the Huskers in the Tunnel Walk holding the Nebraska state flag
Wyatt Mazour: Want to be season guy, not spring game guy
Cameron Jurgens: The position change to center has been fun
Matt Farniok: On the road to where we want to be
Watch: Frost's thoughts on the spring game and end of spring practice
WATCH: Adrian Martinez talks QB room and improving on last season
WATCH: Darrion Daniels on adjusting to Nebraska and competing with the O-Line
Watch: Parker Gabriel and Steven M. Sipple answer all of your questions
Watch: Quarterback Adrian Martinez warms up prior to the spring game
Photos: Huskers showcased at Saturday's Red-White Spring Game
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska's Brody Bolt (38) carries the ball for the Red team during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska football head coach Scott Frost (center) runs onto the field with his team to start the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws during the first half of the Red-White Spring on April 19, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska Red Team defensive back Deontai Williams (8) brings down White Team running back Miles Jones (26) during the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg waves to the crowd during the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks to pass during the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost watches the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg waves to the crowd during the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Ashton McNally of Hickman picks a balloon to release at the first touchdown of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Evelyn Vanek (left) leads LaRue Ochsner through an inflatable obstacle course prior to the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, outside Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Former Husker Rex Burkhead signs a football for Teegan Anderson prior to the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, outside Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska Red Team linebacker Collin Miller (31) pulls down White Team running back Jaylin Bradley on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Running back Wyatt Mazour scores a touchdown for the Red during the first half of Nebraska's Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
White Team offensive linemen John Raridon (50) and Will Farniok (68) hold back Red Team defensive lineman Darrion Daniels on April 13, 2019, during the Nebraska spring game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
White Team quarterback Luke McCaffrey carries the ball April 13, 2019, during the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost walks off the field following the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Fans pack Memorial Stadium during the Red-White Spring Game in April 2019. The attendance figure for the game was 85,946.
Journal Star file photo
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska defensive back Chad Alioth is tackled by receiver Jaron Woodyard after an interception during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) scores a touchdown during the the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska's Reid Karel (left) celebrates with Chad Alioth after Alioth intercepted a Red Team pass during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer catches a pass thrown by Matt Masker during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska's Jeremiah Stovall, playing for the White, breaks up a pass intended for the Red's Jaron Woodyard during the second half of the Huskers' spring game April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Matt Masker throws a pass for the White Team during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Luke McCaffrey looks for running room during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey runs the ball during the second half of the Red-Whitte Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska's Barret Pickering kicks a field goal for the Red Team during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch scrambles during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Harper Jones of Omaha plays amongst the columns prior to the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, outside Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Fans stand for a moment of silence before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
The Husker quarterbacks warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.Â
CHRIS BASNETT, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Seven-year-old Khyler Rivers (left) and his 4-year-old brother Marley Rivers wait to get balloons from Isavell Hernandez before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska quarterback Matt Masker puts on his helmet to take the field for the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska recruit Turner Corcoran (middle) watches warmups before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
White Team defensive back Isaiah Stalbird (49) pulls down Red Team running back Wyatt Mazour (37) and defensive lineman Chris Walker joins the fray while quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) looks on during Nebraska's spring game April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska recruits Noa Pola-Gates (left) and Quinton Newsome watch the Huskers warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska's Will Honas watches players warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska recruit Turner Corcoran (middle) watches warmups before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska Red Team tight end Austin Allen (11) can't come up with a pass reception on April 13, 2019, during the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Flags line the sideline before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska assistant men's basketball coach Doc Sadler talks with Husker fans on the sidelines on April 13, 2019, during the Nebraska spring football game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez was a marquee player at the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Red Team wide receiver Jaron Woodyard tries to bring down a pass as White Team defensive back Jeramiah Stovall (24) defends during the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska coach Scott Frost smiles after the end of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13th, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Red Team defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt (5) pushes White Team wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) as he jumps for a pass April 13, 2019, during the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Former offensive coordinator Troy Walters calls out a play during the warmup session before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Andrian Martinez throws a pass during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) coaches Mike Williams during the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Avery Anderson (4) of the White Team prevents Andrew Hunt from catching a touchdown pass during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
The Red Team's Brody Belt (38) runs the ball during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Adrian Martinez runs the ball during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game last April. You'll see no green shirts for quarterbacks — or anything associated with college football — at stadiums this spring, with football activities canceled because of the coronavirus.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Andrew Bunch (left) hands off to Jaylin Bradley during the first half of the 2019 Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska offensive line coach Greg Austin watches warmups before the Red-White Spring Game last April at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg stands on the sideline during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander talks to players during warmups before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Andrian Martinez runs the ball in for a Red Team touchdown during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (right) talks with quarterback coach Mario Verduzco during warmups before the Red-White Spring Game in 2019.
Journal Star file photo
Spring Game, 4.13
Wyatt Mazour (37) of the Red Team evades Ryan Schommer (left) during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Former Nebraska offensive coordinator Troy Walters coaches during warmups before the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Wyatt Mazour of the Red Team scores a touchdown during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Brody Belt (38) of the Red Team runs the ball during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) hands the ball to Brody Belt during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Former Nebraska player and running backs coach Ryan Held was named the head football coach at Nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday.
Journal Star file photo
Spring Game, 4.13
Running back Wyatt Mazour of the Red Team runs the ball during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Wyatt Mazour of the Red Team catches a pass during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Andrew Bunch throws during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Running back Wyatt Mazour (left) is tackled by the White Team's Ethan Cox during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Quarterback Noah Vedral (16) hands the ball off to running back Wyatt Mazour during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 13, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Spring Game, 4.13
Flags line the sideline before the Nebraska spring football game in 2019 at Memorial Stadium.
Julie Koch
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
• Texts from columnists
• The most breaking Husker news
• Cutting-edge commentary
• Husker history photo galleries
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!