Ethan Piper

6-4, 275, DT

Norfolk Catholic High School

247Sports composite: 3 stars

Rivals: 3 stars

ESPN: 3 stars

Other key offers: Iowa, Ohio

How he got here: Piper was the first in-state player Scott Frost offered and received a commitment from, a versatile big man who will begin working on the defensive line but could switch to offense. Frost offered Piper in March before meeting him — going off a strong character reference from Piper’s elementary school principal, Bill Lafleur, who was a former Husker punter and Frost teammate. The move helped fend off strong interest from Iowa. Piper will graduate in May after finishing basketball season, track and the school musical of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Our take: The son of two former college athletes, Piper offers a variety of skills for wherever he eventually settles. Speed and sure tackling on defense. Good hands and leverage on offense, likely at guard or center. That Iowa extended a scholarship is further reason to believe a few years of weight training and technique refinement could turn Piper into a steal down the road.

They said it: “Growing up, you look up so much to these (Huskers). To get the opportunity, I couldn’t describe it to you, but it’s beyond words. It makes me want to work that much harder. I’m very blessed and very happy I get a chance to play for the Huskers.” — Ethan Piper