Huskers Sign 2006 Class

2006University of Nebraska Football Signees

Alphabetical Listing:

Name                         Pos.      Ht.           Wt.          Hometown                         High School/Junior College

Pierre Allen               DE         6-5          222         Denver, Colo.                     Thomas Jefferson HS

Steve Allen                LB         6-2          230         Delray Beach, Fla.            Fresno City (Calif.) College/Atlantic HS

Cruz Barrett               OL         6-4          315         Daytona Beach, Fla.         Mainland HS

Major Culbert            DB         5-11        198         Harbor City, Calif.              Nathaniel Narbonne HS

*Victory Haines        OL         6-7          285         Logan, Utah                       Snow College (Ephraim, Utah)/Logan HS

Ricky Henry              OL         6-3          280         Omaha, Neb.                      Omaha Burke HS

Will Henry                  WR        6-5          195         El Paso, Texas                   J.M. Hanks HS

*Jacob Hickman       OL         6-3          270         Bakersfield, Calif.              Centennial HS

Menelik Holt              WR        6-4          215         San Diego, Calif.               St. Augustine HS

Seth Jensen              DT         6-3          275         Fort Morgan, Colo.            Fort Morgan HS

Brandon Johnson    DT         6-3          312         Chicago, Ill.                        Compton (Calif.) CC/Graceland Univ./Marshall HS

Andre Jones             DB         6-0          192         Fort Walton Beach, Fla.    Fresno City (Calif.) CC/Kentucky/Choctawatchee HS

D.J. Jones                 OL         6-5          300         Omaha, Neb.                      Omaha Central HS

Ben Martin                 DE         6-4          265         Lincoln, Neb.                      Lincoln Southwest HS

Mike McNeill             TE         6-4          215         Kirkwood, Mo.                    Kirkwood HS

Carl Nicks                  OL         6-5          325         Salinas, Calif.                     Hartnell JC/New Mexico St./North Salinas HS

Maurice Purify          WR        6-4          210         Eureka, Calif.                     San Francisco (Calif.) City College/Eureka HS

Mike Smith                DE         6-6          260         Las Vegas, Nev.                Palo Verde HS

*Tyrell Spain             WR        6-3          190         San Diego, Calif.               San Diego (Calif.) Mesa College/Hoover HS

Ricky Thenarse        DB         6-0          185         Los Angeles, Calif.            Jordan HS

Anthony West           DB         6-0          195         San Diego, Calif.               Point Loma HS

Keith Williams           OL         6-5          310         Florissant, Mo.                   McClure North HS

Kenny Wilson           RB         6-0          220         Liberal, Kan.                       Butler County (Kan.) CC/ Liberal HS

Corey Young            DB         6-0          190         Omaha, Neb.                      Millard North HS

 

(*) Indicates mid-year signee

 

The Class Breakdown:

Total: 24

Freshmen: 16

Junior College Transfers: 8

By State: 

      California (8): Culbert (Harbor City); Hickman (Bakersfield); Holt, Spain, West (San Diego); Nicks (Salinas);

      Purify (Eureka); Thenarse (Los Angeles)

      Nebraska (4): R. Henry, D.J. Jones, Young (Omaha); Martin (Lincoln)

      Florida (3): S. Allen (Delray Beach); Barrett (Daytona Beach); A. Jones (Fort Walton Beach)

      Colorado (2): P. Allen (Denver); Jensen (Fort Morgan)

      Missouri (2): McNeill (Kirkwood), Williams (Florissant)

      Illinois (1): Johnson (Chicago)

      Kansas (1): Wilson (Liberal)

      Nevada (1): Smith (Las Vegas)

      Texas (1): W. Henry (El Paso)

      Utah (1): Haines (Logan)

     

By Position (First Position Listed): 

      Offense (13): Barrett (OL); Haines (OL); R. Henry (OL); W. Henry (WR); Hickman (OL); Holt (WR); D.J. Jones (OL);

      McNeill (TE); Nicks (OL); Purify (WR); Spain (WR); Williams (OL); Wilson (RB)

      Defense (11): P. Allen (DE); S. Allen (LB); Culbert (DB); Jensen (DT); Johnson (DT); Jones (DB); Martin (DE); Smith (DE);

      Thenarse (DB); West (DB); Young (DB)

 

Pierre Allen

DE, 6-5, 222, Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson HS)

Defensive end Pierre Allen joins Nebraska from Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, Colo., the same school that former Husker Cory Ross attended. The 6-5, 222-pound speedster runs a 4.6 40-yard dash and earned three stars from Rivals.com. He helped Coach Dan Trumble's Spartans into the Class 5A state football playoffs the past three seasons, including a 6-5 record this season. Rivals.com ranks Allen as the 34th-best weakside defensive end in the country. He was named to the SuperPrep All-America 277.  A tremendous athlete, Allen also plays basketball for Thomas Jefferson, and helped lead the team to a 4A (second largest classification in Colorado) state basketball title as a junior, earning MVP honors in the state tournament. He posted a triple-double in the championship game. Allen was the 4A player of the year as a junior, averaging more than 20 points per game and led class 4A in rebounding (14.3) and blocked shots (5.3). Through 15 games this season, Allen ranks eighth in Class 4A in scoring, averaging 20.2 points per game, and leads the class in rebounds (224), and is second in blocks (65). On the football field, Allen led his team in tackles and was named team defensive MVP as a junior. Allen only visited Nebraska, but also had offers from Colorado, Colorado State, Michigan State, Syracuse, Washington and Wyoming. Allen earned two stars from Scout.com, while Scouts, Inc. ranked him among the Top 100 defensive end prospects in the country. Allen earned Denver Post first-team All-Colorado honors as an athlete. Allen, the son of Tara Jenkins and Destry Allen, was born on November 18, 1987.

 

Steve Allen

LB, 6-2, 230, Delray Beach, Fla.

(Fresno City (Calif.) College/Atlantic HS)

Steve Allen, a 6-2, 230-pound linebacker, is one of eight junior college recruits to sign with the Huskers, and one of three Florida natives in the class. Allen, ranked No. 44 on the Rivals.com Junior College Top 100, runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and chose the Huskers after also receiving offers from Michigan State and Central Florida. Allen, who like fellow commit Andre Jones attended Fresno City (Calif.) College, earned a four-star rating from Scout.com and a three-star rating from Rivals.com. As a freshman playing for Coach Tony Caviglia at Fresno City, Allen recorded 66 tackles, including one sack and nine tackles for losses, while also adding two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown. As a sophomore, he recorded 81 total tackles, including five tackles for losses, five quarterback hurries, two sacks and a forced fumble in earning honorable-mention Junior College Wire All-American honors. College Football News ranks Allen as the 30th-best junior college prospect in the country, and the third-best junior college linebacker in the nation. Allen is ranked No. 37 on the SuperPrep JUCO 100. Allen attended Delray Beach (Fla.) Atlantic High School, where he recorded 108 total tackles including 35 tackles for losses and eight sacks. He originally committed to Iowa State in 2003. Allen will have three seasons to play two at Nebraska. He was born on December 3, 1983.

 

Cruz Barrett

OL, 6-4, 315, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland HS)

Offensive lineman Cruz Barrett of Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland High School is one of three recruits from the state of Florida to sign with Nebraska. Barrett is one of three signees from the state of Florida, giving the Huskers seven commits from the Sunshine State. The 6-4, 314-pound Barrett ranks as the 36th-best offensive guard prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com, while also ranking as the 60th-best player in the state of Florida. Barrett earned three stars from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. Barrett also received scholarship offers from Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, Oklahoma and West Virginia. PrepStar placed Barrett on its All-Southeast region team. Barrett is ranked among the SuperPrep Florida Top 96. Barrett was a two-year starter for Coach John Maronto at Mainland, which finished 8-3 in 2005 in Florida’s second-largest classification. Mainland currently has 41 players in college football at all levels. He is ranked as the 55th-best prospect in the state of Florida on the Tallahassee Democrat’s Sunshine 75. Barrett also plays basketball for Mainland. Barrett was born on April 30, 1988. He lives with guardian Janice Wilson.

 

Major Culbert

DB, 5-11, 198, Harbor City, Calif.

(Nathaniel Narbonne  HS)

Defensive back Major Culbert was one of Nebraska’s final commitments, pledging to the Huskers in mid-January. The 5-11, 198-pound Culbert ranks as the 39th-best athlete in the nation according to Rivals.com, which also ranks him as the 34th-best player in the state of California. As a junior, Culbert ran for 1,116 yards and 12 touchdowns, while recording 90 tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He earned first-team all-league honors and second-team all-area honors for his efforts in leading Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City (Calif.) to a 10-3 record. As a senior Culbert enjoyed a breakout year. Coach Manuel Douglas' Narbonne squad finished 6-5 as Culbert ran for 1,955 yards and 17 touchdowns and added 10 receptions for 123 yards, while recording 106 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions. Culbert received a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com, which listed him as the 30th-best cornerback prospect in the country. Culbert chose Nebraska after also receiving offers from Oregon, UCLA, Washington, California, Fresno State, San Diego State and UNLV. Culbert holds the Narbonne school record for most yards rushing in a single game with 332 yards, and rushed for more than 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns during his high school career. He was selected as player of the year by the Daily Breeze Newspaper in Torrance, Calif. Culbert was named second-team all-state as a defensive back by CalHi Sports. Culbert is ranked on the SuperPrep All-Far West team. Scouts, Inc. has Culbert ranked as the No. 57 safety prospect in the nation. PrepStar placed Culbert on its All-West region team. Culbert also runs track at Narbonne, participating on the 4×100 meter relay team. Culbert, the son of Renee Culbert, was born on December 29, 1987. His godparents are Orlando and Maria Pile.

 

Victory Haines

OL, 6-7, 285, Logan, Utah

(Snow College (Ephraim, Utah)/Logan HS)

Victory Haines, a 6-7, 285-pound offensive lineman from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, officially signed his letter of intent to attend Nebraska in December and enrolled at the University of Nebraska in January. He is the first Nebraska scholarship recruit from the state of Utah since Manaia Brown inked with the Huskers in 2000. Haines was ranked 77th on the Rivals.com Junior College Top 100, earning three stars on the recruiting service’s five-star rating system. Originally from Logan, Utah, Haines chose Nebraska over Duke, Hawaii, Illinois and New Mexico State. Haines graduated from Logan High School in 2001, where he led his squad to a state title in 2000, and then enrolled at highly-ranked Snow College in the fall of 2001. After redshirting his first year at Snow College, Haines embarked on a two-year mission to Hungary in 2002 before returning to Snow College. Haines was named the team MVP for Coach Steve Coburn at Snow College, the school that recently produced defensive end C.J. Ah You of Oklahoma and offensive tackle Taitusi Lutui of Southern Cal, in leading his team to a 10-2 record and a victory in the Top of the Mountains Bowl, where Snow College defeated Butler, 17-14 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Snow College finished 2005 with a No. 7 national ranking. Haines also helped Snow College to a Top of the Mountain Bowl win in 2004. Haines is ranked among the SuperPrep JUCO 100. Haines, who also earned three stars on Scout.com’s five-star rating system, was a 2005 All-Western States Football League first-team honoree. Haines was named a third-team Junior College Wire All-American in 2005. College Football News ranks Haines as the 20th-best junior college offensive lineman in the country. Haines, the son Barbara and Keith Haines, was born on March 3, 1983.

 

Ricky Henry

OL, 6-3, 280, Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Burke HS)

Ricky Henry, a 6-3, 280-pound offensive lineman from Omaha Burke High School is one of four in-state players to sign with Nebraska and was NU’s first commitment in the 2006 class, pledging to be a Husker in April of 2005. Henry ranks as the seventh-best offensive center prospect in the nation according the Rivals.com, while also ranking as the second-best overall prospect in the state of Nebraska. Henry was a first-team all-state selection as a junior and a senior after earning honorable-mention all-state honors as a sophomore. He was named to the 2005 Lincoln Journal Star Super State team and the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska team. Playing defensive line for Coach Jack Oholendt's Bulldogs, Henry logged 84 total tackles as a senior, including 27 tackles for losses and three sacks after amassing 107 total tackles as a junior, including 12 tackles for losses and 10 sacks. Henry, who earned a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com, can play either interior position on the offensive line as well as defensive tackle. PrepStar placed Henry on its All-Midlands region team. Henry is ranked No. 32 on the SuperPrep Midlands Top 77. Henry chose Nebraska after also receiving offers from Kansas and Kansas State and garnering interest from Iowa. Henry is the first scholarship recruit from Omaha Burke High School since Adam Julch and Aaron Wills in 1995. Henry was the Class A state runner-up as a heavyweight wrestler as a junior. As of January, Henry ranked as the second-best Class A heavyweight wrestler in the state. Henry, the son of Maria Henry, was born on July 27, 1987.

 

Will Henry

WR, 6-5, 195, El Paso, Texas (J.M. Hanks HS)

Will Henry adds impressive size and speed to the wide receiver position for Nebraska. The tallest receiver to sign with the class, Henry stands 6-5 and weighs in at 195 pounds runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. The 6-5 Henry matches Wilson Thomas (1998) as the tallest receivers to sign with the Huskers since at least 1974. Henry plays for Coach Ron Durks at J.M. Hanks High School in El Paso, Texas, and chose Nebraska after also receiving offers from Missouri, New Mexico State and UTEP. As a junior, Henry caught 16 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Henry enjoyed a breakout season as a senior, totaling 52 receptions for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns while earning Class 5A First-Team All-State honors from TexasHSFootball.com and Honorable-Mention Class 5A All-State honors from the Associated Press. Playing defense as a junior, Henry recorded 35 total tackles and intercepted two passes. Henry is ranked among the SuperPrep Texas Top 102. Henry also runs track for Hanks. Henry, the son of William and Vernette Henry, was born on December 10, 1987.

 

Jacob Hickman

OL, 6-3, 270, Bakersfield, Calif. (Centennial HS)

Jacob Hickman was a member of Nebraska’s 2005 recruiting class, but delayed his full-time enrollment until January of 2006.  Hickman was a two-way standout for Coach Brian Nixon at Centennial High in Bakersfield, playing defensive tackle and offensive line. Hickman earned second-team CalHi Sports all-state honors as a senior in 2004, and was a first-team all-state underclassmen selection as a junior, when he also earned all-area and all-league honors. Hickman had 56 tackles and 13 sacks as a junior in helping Centennial to a 10-3 record. Hickman was ranked as the 28^th-best offensive guard in the nation by Rivals.com in 2005 and the No. 43 overall prospect in California by the service. SuperPrep Magazine listed Hickman as the No. 61 player in the state of California, while Scout.com listed him as the No. 64 player on its West Hot 100 and the No. 46 overall offensive lineman in the country. Hickman only visited Nebraska, but also received offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Washington and UCLA. Hickman is the son of Bill Hickman and Nancy Smith, and was born on Aug. 14, 1986.

 

Menelik Holt

WR, 6-4, 215, San Diego, Calif. (St. Augustine HS)

Wide receiver Menelik Holt was one of the Huskers first commitments in the Class of 2006, committing verbally in June of 2005. Standing at 6-4 and weighing in at 215 pounds, Holt brings size to a position that places a premium on it in the West Coast offense. Holt, who hails from St. Augustine High School in San Diego, the same high school as current Husker Jordan Congdon, ranks as the 44th-best wide receiver in the nation according to Rivals.com. The same publication ranked his as the 57th-best prospect in the state of California. Holt earned first-team all-league honors as a junior, catching 42 passes for 726 yards and 12 touchdowns, and also adding an interception return for a touchdown. As a senior, Holt caught 62 passes for a league-leading 790 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense, Holt recorded 17 tackles, including a league-leading 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He also played special teams, returning seven kickoffs for 127 yards. As a senior, Holt earned first-team Medium School all-state honors, as Coach Jerry Ralph's St. Augustine Saints won the CIF 2005 Division III title. Holt received a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. PrepStar placed Holt on its A, ll-West region team. Scouts, Inc. has Holt ranked as the 31st-best receiver prospect in the country. Holt is ranked on the SuperPrep All-Far West team. Holt plays center for the St. Augustine basketball team, and as a junior, he averaged 10 points and 16 rebounds a game, while setting the school record for rebounds in a playoff game with 22, leading St. Augustine to both San Diego Section and Southern California Regional Division III titles before losing in the state finals. Holt, the son of Mary Holt and Joseph Holt, was born on August 19, 1988.

 

Seth Jensen

DT, 6-3, 275, Fort Morgan, Colo. (Fort Morgan HS)

Seth Jensen, a 6-3, 275-pound defensive tackle from Fort Morgan (Colo.) High School, was another one of the Huskers’ early commits, pledging to join the 2006 class in June 2005. Jensen ranks as the 36th-best defensive tackle prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com and the fourth-best prospect in the state of Colorado. Playing for Coach Rick Kahl at Fort Morgan, Jensen recorded 70 tackles in earning first-team all-conference and honorable-mention all-state honors as a junior. As a senior, Jensen logged 89 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for losses and two fumble recoveries. On offense, he recorded 30 pancake blocks. Jensen earned four stars from Scout.com and three stars from Rivals.com. Scout.com ranks Jensen as the 24th-best defensive tackle prospect in the nation. He also made the Insiders Midlands Top 50 list. Jensen was named to the Denver Post’s “Best of the Best” team, making the offensive line in Class 3A. Jensen only visited Nebraska, but also received offers from Oklahoma, UCLA, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, Colorado State and Wyoming. College Football News has Jensen ranked as the 37th-best defensive tackle in the nation. Jensen also cracked the Fab50Recruiting.com Top Fab50 Defensive Lineman. Jensen is ranked among the SuperPrep Midlands Top 77. Analyst Tom Lemming listed Jensen as one of his “High Risers.” College Football News ranks Jensen as the 37th-best defensive tackle prospect in the country. PrepStar placed Jensen on its All-Midlands region team. Jensen also plays basketball for Fort Morgan, and played baseball early on in his high school career. Jensen, the son of Dean and Jane Jensen, was born on September 1, 1987.

 

Brandon Johnson

DT, 6-3, 312, Chicago, Ill.

(Compton (Calif.) CC/Graceland Univ./Marshall HS)

Brandon Johnson hails from Compton (Calif.) Community College, the same school as current Husker Ola Dagunduro. A 6-3, 312-pound defensive lineman, he ranks as the 84th-best Junior College prospect according to Rivals.com, and received a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. As a freshman, the Chicago-native played for NAIA school Graceland University in Lamoni, Ill., and totaled 51 tackles and eight sacks before transferring to Compton for his sophomore season. As a sophomore playing for Coach Cornell Ward at Compton, Johnson recorded 79 tackles, including 10 sacks and 15 tackles for losses, earning First-Team All-Western State Conference Southern Division honors. Johnson also received offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. College Football News ranks Johnson as the 54th-best junior college prospect in the country and the eighth-best junior college defensive tackle in the nation. He attended high school at Marshall High School in Chicago, Ill. Johnson was born on September 2, 1985.

 

Andre Jones

DB, 6-0, 192, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

(Fresno City (Calif.) CC/Kentucky/Choctawatchee HS)

Andre Jones, a 6-0, 192-pound defensive back prospect, earned a five-star rating from Rivals.com and ranks as the fourth-best junior college prospect in the country, regardless of position. Jones, who originally hails from Choctawatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., recorded 50 tackles and three interceptions as a senior in high school, following up a junior campaign in which he tallied 44 tackles and four interceptions. Originally committing to Kentucky out of high school, Jones played in three games for the Wildcats in 2003 before suffering a season-ending leg injury. Jones was awarded a medical redshirt season for 2003, and transferred to Fresno City (Calif.) Junior College to start the 2004 season. As a freshman for Coach Tony Caviglia at Fresno City, Jones recorded 50 tackles and five interceptions. As a sophomore, he totaled 54 tackles and two interceptions, along with 13 pass breakups. Jones also added 15 kickoff returns for 392 yards, earning California Community College Football Coaches Association First-Team All-American honors and Region II First-Team All-California honors at defensive bank, along with Junior College Wire First-Team All-American honors. Jones selected Nebraska over Southern Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, Arkansas and Utah. Jones earned a four-star rating from Scout.com. Jones is ranked No. 8 on the SuperPrep JUCO 100. College Football News ranks Jones as the eighth-best junior college prospect in the country and the top junior college cornerback in the nation. Jones, the son of Jerilin Jones, was born on August 16, 1983.

 

D.J. Jones

OL, 6-5, 300, Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Central HS)

Offensive lineman D.J. Jones is one of four in-state commitments for the Huskers, and was the Huskers first commit for the 2006 class, pledging to the Huskers in April of 2005. The 6-5, 300-pound Jones ranks as the 16th-best offensive tackle in the nation according to Rivals.com, and is rated as the top prospect in the state of Nebraska. Jones chose Nebraska over Iowa State, Kansas and Houston. Jones earned first-team all-state honors as a senior playing for Coach Joe McMenamin at Omaha Central after earning honorable-mention honors as a junior. He was named to the 2005 Lincoln Journal Star Super State team and the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska team. Jones earned a four-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. Scout.com ranks Jones as the 48th-best offensive lineman in the country. Scouts, Inc. ranks him as the 30th-best offensive tackle prospect in the nation. College Football News ranks Jones as the 31st-best offensive lineman prospect in the country. PrepStar placed Jones on its All-Midlands region team. Jones is ranked No. 7 on the SuperPrep Midlands Top 77 and was named to the SuperPrep All-America 277. Jones is Nebraska’s fourth signee from Omaha Central High School in the past five years. Other Omaha Central graduates on NU’s 2006 roster include Cortney Grixby, and Chris LeFlore. Jones, the son of Bridget Brown and David Jones, Sr., was born on May 8, 1988.

 

Ben Martin

DE, 6-4, 265, Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Southwest HS)

Defensive end Ben Martin of Lincoln Southwest High School is one of four in-state commitments for the Huskers. The 6-4, 265-pound Martin helped Coach Mark King's Silverhawks to an undefeated regular season record and a runner-up finish to Millard North for the Class A State Championship. He was named to the 2005 Lincoln Journal Star Super State team and the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska team. Martin, who was rated as the sixth-best prospect in the state of Nebraska, earned two stars from Rivals.com. PrepStar placed Martin on its All-Midlands region team. He chose the Huskers after also receiving interest from Colorado State, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kansas, Wyoming and Ohio. Martin was an all-city selection as a junior, recording 63 tackles and six sacks. As a senior, he earned first-team all-state honors, tallying 66 tackles and six tackles for losses. Martin received a two-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. Martin is ranked among the SuperPrep Midlands Top 77. Martin, the son of Michael and Viann Martin, was born on April 6, 1988.

 

Mike McNeill

TE, 6-4, 215, Kirkwood, Mo. (Kirkwood HS)

Mike McNeill, a 6-4, 215-pound tight end prospect from Kirkwood (Mo.) High School, is one of two signees from the state of Missouri in 2006. Playing for Coach Larry Frost at Kirkwood, McNeill earned first-team Class 6A All-State honors in both his junior and senior seasons. McNeill, who earned a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com, caught 20 passes for 345 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore, had 44 catches for 806 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, and caught 33 passes for 665 yards and four touchdowns in 2005. McNeill is ranked as the 37th-best tight end prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com, and the 11th-best player in the state of Missouri. Scout.com has him ranked as the 44th-best tight end prospect in the nation. McNeill is ranked No. 19 on the SuperPrep Midlands Top 77 and was named to the SuperPrep All-America 277. Scouts, Inc. ranks him as the 47th-best tight end prospect in the nation. PrepStar placed McNeill on its All-Midlands region team. McNeill chose Nebraska over Colorado, Wisconsin, Missouri, Texas Tech, Kansas, Indiana and Northwestern. McNeill, the son of Allen and Sally McNeill, was born on March 7, 1988.

 

Carl Nicks

OL, 6-5, 325, Salinas, Calif.

(Hartnell JC/New Mexico St./North Salinas HS)

Offensive lineman Carl Nicks is one of eight junior college recruits to join Nebraska in the class of 2006. Standing 6-5 and weighing in at 325 pounds, Nicks received a four-star rating from Rivals.com, ranking as the 35th-best overall junior college prospect. After graduating from North Salinas High School in Salinas, Calif. in 2003, Nicks attended New Mexico State playing for then head coach Tony Samuel, a former Husker player and assistant coach. At NMSU, he started his career as a defensive tackle and switched to the offensive side of the ball, before transferring back to Salinas to attend Hartnell Junior College. As a sophomore, Nicks earned 2005 California Community College Football Coaches Association first-team All-American honors and Region II first-team All-California honors as an offensive lineman playing for Coach Larry Souza. Nicks also was named a third-team JC-Gridwire/JCFootball.com All-American as he helped lead Hartnell to a 7-4 record and a conference championship. Nicks received a four-star rating from Scout.com. College Football News ranks Nicks as the sixth-best junior college offensive lineman in the country, and the 25th-best junior college prospect in the nation. Nicks is ranked No. 9 on the SuperPrep JUCO 100. Nicks chose the Huskers after also receiving offers from California, Washington, Wisconsin and Louisville. Nicks also throws shot put and discus for Hartnell. Nicks has a wife, Bridget, and a two-year old daughter, Serena. He will have two seasons to play two at Nebraska. Nicks, the son of Carl Nicks, Sr., was born on March 5, 1983.

 

Maurice Purify

WR, 6-4, 210, Eureka, Calif.

(San Francisco (Calif.) City College/Eureka HS)

Maurice Purify, a 6-4, 210-pound wide receiver from City College of San Francisco (Calif.) Community College comes to Nebraska as one of the nation’s highest touted junior college wide receivers. He is one of eight Californians in the recruiting class. Husker senior offensive tackle Cornealius Fuamatu-Thomas also attended City College before coming to Nebraska. Purify, originally from Eureka (Calif.) High School, earned 2005 California Community College Football Coaches Association first-team All-America honors and Region I first-team All-California honors at wide receiver in helping lead Coach George Rush's City College squad to a 10-2 season that ended with a 41-38 loss in the junior college state championship game, a game in which Purify earned offensive MVP honors. Purify earned a five-star rating from Scout.com, while earning four stars from Rivals.com. He also ranks as the 17th-best junior college prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com. As a freshman, Purify had 24 receptions for 444 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he recorded an impressive 68 catches for 1,318 yards and 19 touchdowns in earning first-team JC-Gridwire All-America honors. Purify is ranked No. 5 on the SuperPrep JUCO 100. College Football News ranks Purify as the sixth-best junior college prospect in the country and the top junior college wide receiver in the nation. He chose Nebraska after also receiving offers from Arizona, Kentucky, Oregon State and Washington. Purify is an uncle of former Colorado tailback Bobby Purify. Purify, the son of Mary Purify-Skillman, was born on January 17, 1986.

 

Mike Smith

DE, 6-6, 260, Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde HS)

Defensive end Mike Smith is the first Nebraska scholarship recruit from the state of Nevada since Albert Lewis, Jr. in 1982. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 260 pounds, Smith ranks as the 25th-best weakside defensive end prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com, and ranks as the fifth best player in the state of Nevada. As a junior at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, Nev., Smith recorded 71 tackles and state-leading 17 sacks in leading Coach Darwin Rost's Palo Verde squad to a 14-0 record and the 2004 Southern 4A Title. He also logged six catches for 122 yards in earning second-team all-state honors. As a senior, Smith recorded 56 tackles and five sacks in earning first-team all-state honors. As a tight end, he added eight receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown. Smith received a three-star rating from both Scout.com and Rivals.com. Scout.com ranks Smith as the 32nd-best prospect in the nation at defensive end. Smith is ranked on the SuperPrep All-Far West team. Smith is a three-sport star for Palo Verde, playing basketball and baseball as well as football. He earned second-team all-state honors as a first baseman as a junior. PrepStar placed Smith on its All-West region team.. Smith chose Nebraska over Oregon, Oregon State and UNLV. Smith, the son of Michael and Pattie Smith, was born on March 17, 1988.

 

Tyrell Spain

WR, 6-3, 190, San Diego, Calif.

(San Diego (Calif.) Mesa College/Hoover HS)

Tyrell Spain originally signed with the Huskers in 2005, but did not enroll at Nebraska during the fall semester. Spain re-joined the Husker program after signing a letter of intent in December and is enrolled in classes for the spring semester. Spain spent 2003 and 2004 at Mesa College in San Diego, where he starred for Coach Martin Moss. Spain caught 46 passes for 858 yards and eight touchdowns in 2004, helping Mesa to a 6-4 record. Moss ranked second in the Foothill Conference in receiving yards and was fourth in receptions, helping him to first-team All-Foothills conference honors. Spain posted similar numbers as a freshman at Mesa, hauling in 46 catches for 724 yards and seven touchdowns. Spain originally signed with New Mexico State out of San Diego’s Hoover High School. At Hoover High, Spain was a three-year starter, including the last two seasons at quarterback. As a senior, Spain was voted his team’s offensive MVP, and was a first-team all-conference pick. In his final high school season, Spain threw for 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns and also ran for nine touchdowns. In his junior season, Spain helped Hoover High to a 9-4 record and a berth in the CIF San Diego Section semifinals. He was a three-star prospect in the Rivals.com ranking system in 2005. Spain is the son of Michael and Moni Spain, and he was born on July 19, 1984.

 

Ricky Thenarse

DB, 6-0, 185, Los Angeles, Calif. (Jordan HS)

Ricky Thenarse, a 6-0, 185 pound defensive back from Jordan High School in Los Angeles, Calif. was one of the final pieces to Nebraska’s 2006 class, committing to NU in January. Thenarse, who runs a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, received a four-star rating from Rivals.com, ranking as the 15th-best athlete prospect in the nation and being included on the Rivals250 list. Rivals.com also ranks Thenarse as the 18th-best prospect in the state of California. He received a three-star rating from Scout.com, ranking as the 45th-best running back prospect in the nation. As a junior playing for Coach Elijah Asante at Jordan, Thenarse ran for 1,234 yards on 130 carries, scoring 12 touchdowns and earning first-team all-league honors. Thenarse also had 15 catches for 307 yards and four touchdowns, and added 20 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. As a senior, Thenarse carried the ball 112 times for 1,344 yards and 10 touchdowns, caught 19 passes for 628 yards and five touchdowns, returned 11 punts for 231 yards and a touchdown and returned 14 kickoffs for 300 yards in earning first-team all-city and all-state honors. Defensively, Thenarse had 153 tackles and one interception as a senior. Thenarse was also named a 2005 Prep Star All-American, and earned Eastern League MVP honors. He was a CaliFlorida All-Star. Scouts, Inc. ranks Thenarse as the 94th-best prospect in the nation on the ESPN 150 and the 11th-best safety prospect in the country. College Football News ranks Thenarse as the 15th-best safety prospect in the country. PrepStar has Thenarse on its PrepStar Top 200 list, ranking him as the 12th-best athlete prospect in the nation. PrepStar also placed Thenarse on its All-West region team. Thenarse chose Nebraska over USC, UCLA, California, Colorado, Fresno State, Oregon and Washington. Thenarse, the son of Kathy Thenarse and Ricky Thenarse, Sr., was born on August 2, 1988.

 

Anthony West

DB, 6-0, 195, San Diego, Calif. (Point Loma HS)

Defensive back Anthony West from Point Loma High School in San Diego, Calif. is one of eight California commits to join the Nebraska class of 2006. The 6-0, 195-pound West received a three-star rating from Rivals.com and a two-star rating from Scout.com. As a junior, West rushed for 449 yards on 67 carries, scoring seven touchdowns. He also added 13 tackles on defense. As a senior, West rushed for 1,320 yards and 14 touchdowns on 174 carries, and had 17 receptions for 341 yards and four touchdowns. He also tallied 36 tackles on defense in helping Coach Mike Hastings's Point Loma squad finish runner-up in the 2005 CIF Division III championship to St. Augustine High School and fellow Nebraska recruit Menelik Holt. West is ranked on the SuperPrep All-Far West team. PrepStar placed West on its All-West region team. West, a speedster who runs a 4.38 second 40-yard dash, also received recruiting interest from UCLA, Texas Tech, San Diego St. and Utah. West, the son of Robert and Marguerite West, was born on March 29, 1988.

 

Keith Williams

OL, 6-5, 310, Florissant, Mo. (McClure North HS)

Offensive lineman Keith Williams joins Nebraska from McClure North High School in Florissant, Mo. The 6-5, 310-pound Williams ranks as the 55th-best offensive tackle prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com, and the 13th-best prospect in the state of Missouri. Williams received a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. As a junior, Williams recorded 51 total tackles, including five tackles for losses and one sack in earning first-team all-conference honors on defense, and first-team all-metro and all-state honors as an offensive lineman. As a senior, Williams recorded 24 tackles, including one sack and one fumble recovery and earned First-Team Class 5A All-State honors. Williams helped lead Coach Jim Schottmueller's McClure North squad to back-to-back Missouri Class 5A championship game appearances. PrepStar placed Williams on its All-Midlands region team. Scouts, Inc. listed Williams on its Top 40 defensive tackles list. Williams also received offers from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan State and Missouri. Williams, the son of Marnetta Jackson and Keith Williams, Sr., was born on April 8, 1988.

 

Kenny Wilson

RB, 6-0, 220, Liberal, Kan.

(Butler County (Kan.) CC/ Liberal HS)

Running back Kenny Wilson is one of eight junior college recruits in Nebraska 2006 recruiting class, and joins current Huskers Zac Taylor, Frantz Hardy and Justin Tomerlin as former Butler Community College (El Dorado, Kan.) players to commit to the Huskers. The 6-0, 220-pound speedster runs a 4.4 second 40-yard dash and ranks as the eighth-best junior college prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com. Wilson received a four-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com. At Liberal (Kan.) High School, Wilson rushed for 1,499 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries as a junior, and gained 1,189 yards and 16 touchdowns on 211 carries as a senior. Wilson also excelled in track at the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, where his was a state champion in both events and still holds the school record in the 100 and 200-meter dashes. As a freshman playing for coaches Troy Morrell and Aaron Flores at Butler, Wilson rushed for 967 yards and 13 touchdowns on 147 carries in helping the school to the 2004 Junior College National Championship game. As a sophomore, Wilson gained 1,292 yards and scored 14 touchdowns on 126 carries in earning NJCAA and JC Gridwire First-Team All-American honors. Wilson is ranked No. 6 overall on the SuperPrep JUCO 100, while Rivals.com ranks Wilson as the top junior college running back. Wilson chose Nebraska over Florida, Tennessee and Oklahoma State. Wilson also runs track at Butler. Wilson, the son of Eddie Mae Eatmon, was born on July 2, 1986.

 

Corey Young

DB, 6-0, 190, Omaha, Neb. (Millard North HS)

Corey Young, 6-0, 190-pound defensive back from Millard North High School in Omaha is one of four in-state commitments for the Huskers in the class of 2006. Young, who transferred from Millard South to Millard North this past season, helped lead Coach Fred Petito's Mustangs to the Class A state championship, rushing for 1,670 yards and 22 touchdowns on 126 attempts and catching two passes for 104 yards and one touchdown and earning first-team all-state honors. He was named to the 2005 Lincoln Journal Star Super State team and the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska team. Young also participates in track. Young ranks as the 58th-best safety in the nation according to Rivals.com, and ranks as the fourth-best player in the state of Nebraska. Young received a three-star rating from Rivals.com and a two-star rating from Scout.com. Young is ranked among the SuperPrep Midlands Top 77. PrepStar placed Young on its All-Midlands region team. He chose the Huskers over Iowa State and Colorado State. Young, the son of Jan Hoffman-Jones and stepfather Kevin Jones, was born on September 19, 1987.

 

Additional Student-Athletes

The following student-athletes have accepted admission to the University of Nebraska and plan on joining the Husker football program as walk-ons in the fall.
Name                               Pos.                      Ht.          Wt.       High School

Alex Henery           P        6-3    190    Omaha Burke HS

Justin Makovicka  FB      6-1    225    Brainard/East Butler HS

Kyle Moore             LB      6-1    208    Elkhorn HS

Dreu Young           TE      6-5    210    Cozad HS

 

Alex Henery

P, 6-3, 190, Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Burke HS)

Alex Henery, a 6-3, 190-pound punter from Omaha Burke High School earned Omaha World-Herald first-team All-Nebraska honors and Lincoln Journal Star first-team Super State honors in leading Class A in punting, averaging 41.4 yards per punt. Henery also served as place kicker for the Bulldogs, connecting on six of 10 field goal attempts and 37-for-38 on extra points. He helped Burke to a 7-5 finish, losing in the semifinals of the state playoffs to Lincoln Southwest. Henry also earned first-team all-state honors as a junior, averaging 41.7 yards per punt. Henery hails from the same high school as scholarship recruit Ricky Henry. Henery also plays soccer for the Bulldogs.

 

Justin Makovicka

FB, 6-1, 225, Brainard, Neb. (East Butler HS)

Justin Makovicka, a 6-1, 225-pound fullback from East Butler High School twice earned Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star first-team Class C-2 all-state honors. He led East Butler to an undefeated 9-0 regular season before tripping up against Blue Hill in the second round of the playoffs. As a junior, Makovicka rushed for 1,601 yards and 16 touchdowns, while tallying 98 tackles on defense. As a senior, Makovicka gained 1,582 yards rushing and added 17 touchdowns, while leading his team in tackles with 84. Makovicka owns the Class C-2 state playoff record with six touchdowns in a 2004 playoff game against Sutton. Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming ranks Makovicka as the seventh-best fullback in the country. Makovicka is the brother of former Nebraska fullbacks and NFL players Jeff and Joel Makovicka. Makovicka turned down scholarship offers to attend Nebraska, also receiving interest from Iowa State, Kansas State, Air Force and Ohio. A natural athlete, Makovicka plays power forward for the East Butler basketball team and in baseball had a 9-1 record as a pitcher in 2005 while batting .500 for the year. Justin is the son of John Makovicka and Connie Makovicka.

 

Kyle Moore

LB, 6-1, 208, Elkhorn, Neb. (Elkhorn HS)

Kyle Moore, a 6-1, 208-pound linebacker from Elkhorn High School earned Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star first-team Class B all-state honors. Moore helped the Antlers to an 8-3 record and a state playoff appearance. As a senior, Moore recorded 17 receptions for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, he added 49 tackles, two sacks a, nd two interceptions. Moore is the brother of current Nebraska defensive end Jay Moore. Moore also runs track for Elkhorn. Kyle is the son of Jim and Marion Moore.

 

Dreu Young

TE, 6-5, 210, Cozad, Neb. (Cozad HS)

Dreu Young, a 6-5, 210-pound tight end from Cozad High School earned Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star honorable-mention Class C-1 all-state honors. Young helped the Haymakers to a 9-2 record and a quarterfinal finish in the state playoffs. Young averaged over 25 yards per catch as a senior, scoring three touchdowns. He also added 40 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Young also plays basketball, baseball and has run track for Cozad. His full name is Marcus Dreu Young.