LINCOLN — A high school wide receiver has pledged to join Nebraska's 2010 recruiting class for the second time in five days, a sign that the Huskers' stretch of offensive futility might be one of the program's top selling points.
Of course, it could simply be just coincidental timing, an irrelevant parallel.
But Quincy Enunwa, from Moreno Valley, Calif., said he certainly likes the idea of competing immediately for a chance to play. He was on hand for Nebraska's 31-10 loss to Texas Tech two weeks ago.
And two days after a seven-point, eight-turnover performance against Iowa State, Enunwa announced he would be joining the 2010 NU class, becoming the 11th known member.
Enunwa is the second receiver to make an oral commitment since the Huskers' offensive skid began. Curtis Carter, from Stonewall, La., made a nonbinding pledge to the NU program Thursday.
Signing day isn't until February, but assuming that both receivers keep their commitments, they might have a chance to audition for early playing time once they join Nebraska next fall. The Huskers will be without contributing seniors Menelik Holt and Chris Brooks.
That was something that caught Enunwa's attention.
“It really is (intriguing),” he said. “I want to be able to get there and be a part of the team.”
But if not for Enunwa's recent development on the field, Nebraska may never have been interested.
Rancho Verde High School coach Pete Duffy said that Enunwa's improvement during the past six months has been incredible. He's stronger and more explosive, Duffy said.
“It's just kind of been a two-year process for him, as a sophomore and junior, figuring out what to do and how to do it,” Duffy said. “But he's come into his own.”
Enunwa is now a top target for an undefeated Rancho Verde team that likes to throw the football. The Los Angeles Times' recent Top 25 rankings of its metro-area high schools placed the Mustangs at 23rd.
Enunwa has spent most of the season in the slot receiver position, even though he could play at any spot, Duffy said.
Every week, Enunwa said, he simply feels more and more confident.
“(It's) being able to catch the ball over the middle — not being scared to catch it,” he said. “And once I catch it, just go make a move and get upfield.”
Rancho Verde is the school that produced NU linebacker Eric Martin, a true freshman who primarily has been a special teams contributor this year.
Enunwa said he spoke to Martin a couple of times, but he needed little persuasion.
“I just liked Nebraska,” said Enunwa, who also took an official visit to Washington State. “I liked the surroundings, the fans, the facilities. (The coaches) gave me a warm welcome. They were straight up with me. They didn't beat around the bush.”
Contact the writer:
402-473-9585, jon.nyatawa@owh.com
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