LINCOLN — Nebraska pulled an unlikely double this weekend in recruiting.

Two pledges for two classes. And both players shunned scholarship offers from reigning national champion and top-ranked Florida — among an impressive list of other suitors.

Defensive end Chase Rome of Columbia, Mo., switched his commitment from Oklahoma State to Nebraska, joining the Huskers' 2010 class. He's the ninth known member and plans to enroll in December.

Offensive tackle Tyler Moore of Clearwater, Fla., committed as the second high school junior to say he'll sign with NU in 2011. Moore is the son of ex-Husker walk-on Brian Moore and cousin of former star defensive end Jay Moore.

Together, they boost the Huskers' rising profile in recruiting after a 27-12 NU win Thursday at Missouri. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Rome attended the game, which was played in his hometown. Moore, 6-6 and 290 pounds, watched on television.

It made an impression on both.

“That's when I made my final decision,” Moore said. “I saw it, and I just knew I wanted to play for coaches like that.”

Moore called to commit after his game Friday for Clearwater Countryside, the school that sent quarterback Harrison Beck to Nebraska in 2005.

The big lineman talked to head coach Bo Pelini and offensive line coach Barney Cotton. Assistant Tim Beck also played a role in landing Moore, an early favorite to rank among the top senior prospects nationally next year.

Moore's father lettered under Tom Osborne in 1985. The younger Moore grew up in Florida — but as a Husker fan.

“I've always loved Nebraska and wanted to go there,” he said. “When they offered (in September), I knew it was closer.”

Moore attended NU camp last summer and hit it off with the coaching staff. He said he expects the next 1½ seasons against competition in Florida's second-largest class to prepare him well for the college game.

In addition to the Gators, Moore received offers from Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Michigan, Tennessee, Cal and others.

“I never really liked Florida schools, so it wasn't a hard decision for me,” he said.

Rome's list of favorites included Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee and UCLA. He was a longtime commitment to OSU but visited Lincoln to watch the Huskers play Louisiana-Lafayette and began to think seriously about switching his pledge.

“Oklahoma State is a great program,” Rome said. “I think I would have done well there. But you've got to follow your heart. It didn't feel 100 percent. It's a big decision, where you're going to spend four years.

“And it's not just four years. I'm going to be a Nebraska graduate for the rest of my life.”

Rome attends Rock Bridge High School, for which he earned all-state honors last year and averaged nine tackles per game. His father, Wade, is a former mixed martial arts competitor and owns a gym to train fighters.

Chase Rome said he didn't much consider hometown Missouri. The Rome family moved to Columbia three years ago from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“I just didn't feel like I clicked with the coaches.”

At Nebraska, he expects to begin next spring as an end but grow into the defensive tackle position.

Defensive ends coach John Papuchis handled Rome's recruitment.

“I just fit into the scheme real well,” he said. “And I hit it off with coach (Papuchis). He knows his players. When we talk, it's not even usually about football. That's special in recruiting.”

Contact the writer:

402-473-9587, mitch.sherman@owh.com