LINCOLN - One got a TV spot for his declaration, the other had to wait until after the high school all-star game. Both had the same message.
They want to be Huskers.
Avery Moss, a defensive end from Arizona, and Jared Afalava, a linebacker from Utah, announced their oral commitments to Nebraska at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix on Tuesday night, becoming the 10th and 11th members of NU's 2012 recruiting class.
Moss made his pledge to the Huskers during the fourth quarter in front of a CBS Sports camera crew.
"I just love Nebraska and everything about it," said Moss, who reportedly was strongly considering Purdue. "The academics and coaches were crucial to my decision. Coach John Papuchis is the man. I love talking to him and can't wait to play for him."
Afalava announced his oral commitment after the game. He said he's done taking official visits.
"This is it for me," he told Huskers Illustrated, a World-Herald recruiting partner.
Afalava, who picked NU over Washington and Utah, is a 6-foot-1, 210-pounder from just outside Salt Lake City. He's one of four known linebacker prospects who've made nonbinding pledges to Nebraska. Afalava already knows where he'll play, too.
"I love the coaches and they want me to play middle linebacker," Afalava said. "I think that is a good fit for me and I can't wait to get out there and get to work."
Same goes for Moss, though he'll have a familiar face around to make sure he keeps working.
Todd Peat Jr., a defensive tackle at Nebraska, is Moss' cousin. He's the one who persuaded Moss to start playing football 18 months ago. The two were on the sideline together in Phoenix before Moss announced his decision Tuesday night.
"I know having Todd there to guide me is a good thing for me," Moss said. "I'm glad I have somebody to push me and make me better."
Peat's brother Andrus is a 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle who is also considering Nebraska.
Andrus will participate in the Under Armour all-star game Thursday. He told The World-Herald on Tuesday that he likely will not make his college plan public until signing day.
Nebraska's recruiting class won't be official until then. The Huskers could get another pledge Thursday — linebacker Quanzell Lambert, from Sicklerville, N.J., is planning to make an announcement around 1 p.m.
NU has seven prospects on that side of the ball in its class.
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