NU grabs linebacker from Oklahoma

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BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL

Nebraska has nabbed a second football recruit from the state of Oklahoma, and the Huskers are eying a third.

What does that say about first-year coach Bill Callahan and his staff's ability to recruit in enemy territory?

"(It shows) that they're really getting the players that they need," Phillip Dillard said, "not only the ones they want, but the ones they need so they can win a championship."

Dillard, a four-star linebacker from Jenks, Okla., on Thursday became the fifth known player to orally commit to Nebraska's 2005 recruiting class, choosing the Huskers over Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Texas A&M and Arkansas.

"I went to a lot of schools, and all of them were very impressive, but the Nebraska staff was most impressive to me," said Dillard, who took an unofficial visit to Lincoln last weekend.

He's scheduled his official visit for Sept. 4, the day Nebraska opens its season against Western Illinois.

"I just like the coaching staff and the facilities and how welcome the players are, how they want the best recruits to come," Dillard said. "You can tell they care about the other football athletes coming in."

Dillard is the second four-star athlete in NU's class, according to Rivals.com's rating system, joining Florida quarterback Harrison Beck. He's also the second player from Oklahoma to accept a scholarship offer from the Huskers. The other is Ada, Okla., offensive lineman Craig Roark, ranked by Rivals.com as the state's No. 4 player.

"Craig, he's a good person," said Dillard, noting the two have spoken over the phone a few times. "He had all those schools to chose out of, and he chose Nebraska, and that says a lot."

TheInsiders.com ranks Dillard as the No. 3 player in its Midlands region. Rivals.com ranks Dillard as the No. 6 inside linebacker in the nation and the No. 3 player overall in Oklahoma, one notch behind Edmond, Okla., defensive back Reggie Smith, another four-star athlete who's considering Nebraska.

Will Dillard now give Smith a call?

"If I can get his number," Dillard said, "I probably will."

The Oklahoman named Dillard its all-state defensive player of the year last season. The 6-foot-2, 247-pound linebacker finished with 94 tackles, six sacks, one interception, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, helping Jenks High School win its seven state championship in eight years.

"I like to play inside (linebacker), but I can play either," Dillard said. "I can guard tight ends and receivers if Ihave to."

Dillard said the fact Nebraska will lose two starting linebackers - Barrett Ruud and Chad Sievers - played a role in his decision.

"Ihave a chance to play as a freshman," he said. "I'm already bigger than the two that are leaving, and I'm as fast, if not faster. That really helped me out (with my decision.)"

Dillard said he's been clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He's attended camps at Florida, Oklahoma and Tulsa, and he's received 15 scholarship offers.

But he's not looking any further than Lincoln.

"I'm firm on Nebraska," Dillard said. "Nebraska ... it was really just the most impressive to me."

Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@;journalstar.com.