Ben Cotton
TE, 6-6, 230
Ames, Iowa (Ames HS)
Cotton is the son of Nebraska associate head coach/offensive line coach Barney Cotton, who played for the Huskers from 1975-1978. He is the first scholarship signee from the state of Iowa since 2001. At Ames High School, Cotton caught 44 passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns to earn first-team Elite All-State honors from the Des Moines Register. Cotton was ranked among the top 25 tight ends in the country by SuperPrep and Rivals.com. He was listed as the No. 2 overall prospect in the state of Iowa by Rivals.com and Scout.com. Chose NU over Louisville, Iowa, Kansas, Iowa State and Wisconsin.
Alfonzo Dennard
DB, 5-10, 190
Rochelle, Ga. (Wilcox County HS)
One of five players expected to begin their Nebraska careers in the secondary. The first scholarship player from Georgia since current New England Patriot Le Kevin Smith joined the Huskers in 2001. In his senior season, Dennard played a leading role in helping North Wilcox and Coach Mark Ledford to a 13-2 record and state runner-up finish in Class A. Dennard lined up at cornerback on defense and made 53 tackles, while picking off five passes. Ranked as one of the nation's top 25 cornerbacks by Rivals.com and is listed among the top 40 overall prospects in Georgia. Chose Nebraska over North Carolina and Troy.
Antonio Bell
WR, 6-2, 180
Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland HS)
Bell's signing gives Nebraska at least one signee from Florida in each of the past seven years. A starter since his freshman season, Bell caught 45 passes for 776 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior. That performance earned him first-team all-area honors and second-team class 5A all-state accolades from the Florida Sportswriters Association. Ranked among the top 60 players in the Sunshine State by SuperPrep Magazine. Bell comes from the same high school that produced current Husker offensive lineman Cruz Barrett. Picked Nebraska over offers from West Virginia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Will Compton
LB, 6-2, 230
Bonne Terre, Mo. (North County HS)
One of four linebacker prospects in Nebraska's 2008 signing class. During his senior season, Compton recorded 107 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions, while causing a fumble and recovering another. A SuperPrep All-American, Compton is ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Missouri by Rivals.com and one of the top 40 "athletes" in the country by the recruiting service. ESPN.com and Scout.com both list Compton among the top 20 inside linebacker prospects in the nation. Compton was a defensive captain in the Offense-Defense Bowl Also had offers from Missouri and Illinois.
Khiry Cooper
WR, 6-2, 180
Shreveport, La. (Calvary Baptist Academy)
Khiry Cooper (pronounced KY-ree) is a play-making wide receiver from the
Louisiana prep ranks. He is one of four players in Nebraska's signing class who are expected to begin their career at the receiver spot. Accounted for 42 receiving TDs and more than 1,700 yards over the past three seasons, including 16 trips to the end zone as a senior. His play led Calvary Academy to a 12-1 record and a trip to the state semifinals in Class 2A. For his efforts, Cooper was a first-team Class 2A all-state selection and was also a member of the Baton Rouge Advocate's "Second Dozen" of top players in Louisiana.
Sean Fisher
LB, 6-6, 225
Omaha (Millard North HS)
One of the first players to commit to the 2008 Husker class, announcing his college choice in June of 2007. Fisher was a standout two-way performer at Class A powerhouse Millard North, leading coach Fred Petito's team to the Class A state championship game in 2007. Defensively, Fisher played in the secondary and made 68 total tackles, including 43 unassisted stops. Was named a SuperPrep All-American and is listed among the nation's top 25 linebackers by SuperPrep, ESPN.com and Scout.com. Fisher chose Nebraska over Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado and Arizona State among others.
David Grant
OL, 6-6, 295
Killeen, Texas (Killeen HS)
Part of Nebraska's largest-ever group of recruits from the state of Texas. Grant is one of nine Texans in the 2008 Husker class and one of four offensive line prospects to sign with Nebraska. A relative newcomer to the game of football, playing just two seasons of organized action after moving from New York City. Was named one of the top 100 players in the state of Texas by both Rivals.com and SuperPrep Magazine, while also being recognized as one of the top 60 offensive tackles in the nation. Grant chose Nebraska over Baylor, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Houston.
Ricky Henry
OL, 6-4, 305
Omaha (Burke HS/N.D. College of Science)
One of six Nebraska natives in the 2008 signing class, including three players from Omaha. Henry originally signed with Nebraska in 2006, but has spent the past two seasons at the North Dakota State College of Science, where he was a standout on the offensive line. Attended Omaha Burke High School, where he earned two-time first-team Class A all-state honors. The first Husker scholarship recruit from Omaha Burke since Adam Julch and Aaron Wills signed with the Huskers in 1995. Will have three years to complete two seasons of eligibility at Nebraska. Also had offers from Colorado and Houston.
Tyson Hetzer
TE, 6-6, 245
Redding, Calif. (Anderson HS/Citrus College)
One of two members of the 2008 Nebraska recruiting class who joined the program in January, he has two seasons of eligibility remaining at Nebraska. Caught 13 passes for 152 yards and a TD for a 6-5 Citrus College team. Ranked among the top 100 junior-college prospects according to Rivals.com. Began his college career at Shasta (Calif.) College in 2005-06, where he played on the basketball team and helped the squad to a 21-11 record. Committed to Nebraska last summer and also received offers from Louisville, Kansas State, Arizona State and Utah State.
Micah Kreikemeier
LB, 6-3, 210
West Point (West Point CC HS)
One of six in-state products in Nebraska's 2008 scholarship class. Kreikemeier was the first player to commit to Nebraska after Bo Pelini's hiring as head coach on Dec. 2. His father, Keith, played for the Huskers as a walk-on from 1981-1983. Totaled 125 tackles, three sacks, an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries on defense as a senior at West Point Central Catholic. Ranked as one of the nation's top 70 linebacker prospects according to ESPN.com, and was listed among the top 10 prospects in Nebraska by Rivals.com. Kreikemeier is also accomplished in the classroom, carrying a 4.0 grade-point average.
John Levorson
DB, 6-3, 190
Crete (Crete HS)
Levorson comes to Nebraska after leading Crete High School to back-to-back Class B state championships, starring at quarterback for the Cardinals. Expected to begin his Husker career in the defensive backfield, but has the athleticism to line up at multiple positions. In his senior season, Levorson rushed for 1,158 yards and averaged better than 10 yards per attempt, while also racking up 92 tackles and six interceptions. Ranked among the top 100 athlete recruits in the nation and listed as the No. 6 in-state prospect by Rivals.com and No. 5 by Scout.com. Also received scholarship offers from Wyoming and Ohio.
Tim Marlowe
WR, 5-10, 160
Youngstown, Ohio (Cardinal Mooney HS)
The first player from the state of Ohio to commit to Nebraska since DeJuan Groce and Matt Shook joined the Husker program in 1998. Marlowe showed his versatility last season as a senior at Cardinal Mooney High School the same high school head coach Bo Pelini attended beginning the season at receiver, before being pressed into service at quarterback and leading his team to the state championship game. He ran for nearly 300 yards on 42 carries and scored four touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 216 yards and three more touchdowns.
Cameron Meredith
DL, 6-4, 225
Santa Ana, Calif. (Mater Dei HS)
One of three players from California who are part of Nebraska's 2008 signing class. Meredith committed to the Huskers last August and is one of three players projected to start their Nebraska career on the defensive line. A three-year starter at Mater Dei High School, annually one of the nation's powerhouse prep programs. Hampered by injury during his senior season, but still managed to be listed as one of the top 70 prospects in California by Rivals.com, Scout.com and SuperPrep Magazine. Chose Nebraska over a host of other schools, including Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma and Arizona State.
Collins Okafor
RB, 6-1, 195
Omaha (Omaha Westside HS)
The first scholarship signee from Westside since Ira Cooper signed with Nebraska in 2000. Rushed for 1,525 yards on 205 carries and found the end zone 17 times for coach Marty Kauffman. His play helped Westside to a 7-3 record and a trip to the state playoffs. Okafor is ranked as one of the top five players in the state by Rivals.com and Scout.com and among the top 25 players in the Midlands Region by SuperPrep Magazine. Okafor also excels on the track for Westside, qualifying for the state meet as a junior in the 100 meters, 400-meter relay and 1,600-meter relay. Chose Nebraska over Stanford, Kansas and Iowa.
Courtney Osborne
ATH, 6-3, 175
Garland, Texas (South Garland HS)
Joins his twin brother, Steven, in the Huskers' 2008 signing class, marking the second set of twins to sign with Nebraska. They join the Bullocks brothers Josh and Daniel who signed with the Huskers in 2001. Made his biggest impact on defense for South Garland High School and coach Mickey Moss. He also excelled on the special teams units where he utilized his hard-hitting style. Listed as the No. 50 prospect on the Dallas Morning News' Area 100 list. In addition to Nebraska, Osborne also received scholarship offers from UNLV and Kansas.
Steven Osborne
WR, 6-4, 185
Garland, Texas (South Garland HS)
Osborne provided a big receiving target for South Garland High and coach Mickey Moss at the wide receiver position, helping the school to a district title and a 10-2 record. As a senior, he caught 38 passes for 601 yards and 10 touchdowns. His play did not go unnoticed as the Dallas Morning News ranked him as the No. 49 prospect on its Area 100 list. In addition to Nebraska, Steven also visited UNLV, and received scholarship offers from Utah, Kansas and SMU among others. One of a record nine Texas natives in Nebraska's 2008 signing class.
Kyler Reed
HB, 6-3, 220
Shawnee, Kan. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS)
Reed helped voach Kevin Kopecky's team to an 8-4 record and a trip to the Class 5A state semifinals. Reed rushed for 350 yards out of the backfield, but made his biggest impact as a receiver with 500 receiving yards and seven TD receptions. Reed's versatility is evident in his rankings from recruiting services. ESPN.com ranks him as the nation's No. 1 fullback, while Rivals.com lists him among the nation's top athlete prospects and Scout.com lists him among the top 20 weakside linebackers in the country. Comes from the same high school that produced 2007 senior linebacker Lance Brandenburgh.
Justin Rogers
DB, 5-11, 180
Birmingham, Ala. (Vestavia Hills HS)
Rogers is the first scholarship player from the state of Alabama since Brett Byford joined the Husker program in 2003. Rogers racked up huge rushing numbers for coach Buddy Anderson, helping his school to two straight state semifinal trips. In 2007, Rogers helped Vestavia Hills to an 11-3 record by rushing for 2,110 yards and 28 TDs. Boasts great speed, having won the 2007 Class 6A indoor 55-meter dash title with a time of 6.57 seconds. Rogers is ranked among the top 30 players in Alabama and among the top 50 running back prospects in the country. Chose Nebraska over Auburn, Clemson, UCLA and Kentucky.
P.J. Smith
DB, 6-2, 205
River Ridge, La. (John Curtis HS)
One of two players in the class from the state of Louisiana, both of whom committed to the Huskers in the past week. Smith was a four-year starter for
voach J.T. Curtis and helped the school to Class 2A state titles each of the past three seasons. Made 85 tackles, added four interceptions and forced a pair of fumbles for a 12-2 state championship team in 2007. Regarded as one of the top 15 players in Louisiana and among the top 50 safeties in the country by Rivals.com. Picked NU after also visiting Arkansas, Baylor and Southern Miss.
Kody Spano
QB, 6-2, 205
Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville HS)
One of two members of the 2008 Nebraska recruiting class to join the Huskers at mid-semester. A dual threat from the quarterback position. During his senior season, Spano passed for 2,263 yards and 23 TDs, while completing better than 62 percent of his passes to lead Stephenville to a 10-2 record and a trip to the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs. He also rushed for 366 yards and 11 TDs. Ranked as the nation's No. 9 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com and among the top 50 players in the Lone Star State. Also received scholarship offers from TCU and Tulsa.
Baker Steinkuhler
OL, 6-6, 290
Lincoln (Lincoln Southwest HS)
One of the most decorated members of Nebraska's 2008 signing class after a standout prep career at Lincoln Southwest High School. The son of 1983 Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner Dean Steinkuhler, Baker was ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 2 offensive tackle according to both Rivals.com and Scout.com. Put his skills on display at the U.S. Army All-American Game in January, where he played on the defensive side of the ball. Committed to Nebraska at the start of his junior season and did not take any additional visits.
Brandon Thompson
OL, 6-6, 295
The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)
Despite battling injuries during his senior season, Thompson's play earned him first-team all-district honors in the 5A ranks in Texas. Was ranked among the top 80 players in the Southwest region according to SuperPrep Magazine and is listed among the nation's top 50 offensive tackles by both ESPN.com and Scout.com. In addition to his talents on the football field, Thompson also excels for the Highlander track team, throwing the shot put and discus. Thompson chose Nebraska over Purdue, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Colorado.
Quentin Toailoa
DL, 6-4, 300
Highland, Calif. (Redlands East Valley HS)
Toailoa (pronounced toe-uh-loa) is one of three native Californians in Nebraska's 2008 signing class. The 6-4, 300-pounder has good speed for his size and is expected to line up on the interior defensive line for the Cornhuskers. Racked up better than 90 tackles during his senior season, including three sacks. Regarded as one of the nation's top 50 defensive tackles by both Scout.com and ESPN.com, while SuperPrep Magazine lists him among the top 150 players in the Far West region. Toailoa chose Nebraska over offers from Oregon State, Utah, Arizona and Fresno State, among others.
Lester Ward
RB, 6-3, 215
Brenham, Texas (Brenham HS)
Ward is a talented all-around athlete, who has outstanding speed and versatility. He was slowed by injury during his senior season, but managed to help coach Glen West's team to an 8-3 record and a district title by rushing for 1,200 yards. Ward is listed as the No. 43 prospect on the Houston Chronicle's Greater Houston Top 100, as well as being a member of the newspaper's Texas Top 100. He is also listed among the top 70 players in Texas by SuperPrep Magazine. Ward also visited TCU, Baylor and Missouri before deciding on Nebraska. His father, Lester Sr., played collegiately at Baylor and professionally for Dallas.
Alonzo Whaley
LB/FB, 6-1, 225
Madisonville, Texas (Madisonville HS)
Whaley racked up 162 tackles during the 2007 season, helping Madisonville and coach Greg Morgan to a 9-2 record. In addition to his huge tackle numbers, Whaley also forced eight fumbles, recovered five and scored on an interception return. Whaley is ranked among the top 100 players in the state of Texas by Rivals.com and among the top 100 players in the Southwest region by SuperPrep Magazine. He also ranked among the nation's top 50 weakside linebackers by Scout.com. Whaley visited Oklahoma State and Louisiana Tech and drew strong recruiting interest from Baylor, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arizona State.
David Whitmore
DB, 6-2, 185
Port Arthur, Texas (Memorial HS)
Whitmore was named to the Austin-American Statesman's Fabulous 55 in Texas, and is highly regarded by recruiting services. He is ranked among the top 50 prospects overall in the state of Texas according to Rivals.com and among the top 70 players in the Southwest region by SuperPrep Magazine. He is also a consensus choice as one of the nation's top 25 cornerback prospects. Whitmore also received offers from Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Missouri. He is the son of David Whitmore Sr., who played in the NFL as a defensive back for six seasons from 1990-95 with the Giants, 49ers, Chiefs and Eagles.
Josh Williams
DE, 6-4, 225
Denton, Texas (Ryan HS)
During his senior season, Williams made 75 tackles, including 25 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Williams is regarded as one of the top 20 defensive ends in the country by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com. Williams is listed as the No. 19 prospect by the Dallas Morning News on its Area 100, while Rivals.com lists him among the top 50 players in Texas and SuperPrep Magazine ranks him among the top 60 players in the Southwest region. Also visited Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky and Missouri, and received offers from Texas and Texas A&M before selecting Nebraska.
Nebraska 2008 Walk-Ons
Player Pos. Ht. Wt. High School
Kenny Anderson DE 6-2 235 Millard West
Damon Bechtold TE 6-4 215 Omaha Westside
Jase Dean FS 6-0 180 Bridgeport
Taylor Dixon DB 5-11 170 Wauneta-Palisade
Justin Jackson DL 6-3 255 Norris
Jordan Makovicka RB 5-10 170 East Butler
Matt Manninger LB 6-1 225 Omaha Creighton Prep
Mychael McClure LB 6-5 210 Wisner-Pilger
Colin McDermott LB 6-2 225 Omaha Creighton Prep
Conor McDermott DE 6-2 230 Omaha Creighton Prep
Sam Meginnis LB 6-2 210 Lincoln East
Josh Molek DE 6-3 235 Omaha Skutt
Brent Moravec FB/LB 6-0 180 Grand Island CC
David Pillen FB/LB 5-11 230 Stephen F. Austin (Texas)
Zach Ruiz QB/ATH 6-3 210 Beatrice
Steve Spratte WR 5-11 180 Waukesha West
(Wis.)
Graham Stoddard LB 6-2 215 Lincoln Southwest
Jeremy Wallace RB 6-1 220 Omaha Bryan
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