LINCOLN — Donovan Vestal said he didn't feel bad about calling Nebraska assistant coach John Papuchis at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday.

Vestal works late and has called around midnight before. Plus, this time he had good news for Papuchis.

“I said, ‘Coach JP, I want to be a Husker,'” Vestal said.

The defensive end from Bowie High in Arlington, Texas, waited until minutes after it became his 18th birthday to officially commit to Nebraska. Vestal said the decision came after a talk with his grandmother and a lot of prayer.

Now his senior season can start Friday night with some important business out of the way.

“I don't want it to be late in the season and I have no clue where I want to go,'' Vestal said. “So now I have things in my mind where I'll be.''

The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder is the Huskers' sixth commitment and first from Texas. Nebraska signed eight Texans last February.

With Vestal coming down to Nebraska and Kansas, it also was a measure of recruiting revenge for the Huskers. Receiver Keeston Terry committed to NU in May only to change to the Jayhawks three weeks ago.

Vestal is a returning starter for Bowie and is ranked as the No. 33 strongside defensive end nationally by rivals.com. He also carries a 3.7 grade average at the Texas Class 5-A school.

“I just had a feeling that Nebraska was meant to be for me,'' he said. “It'll bring me to a great place, make me a better man.''

Contact the writer:

444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com