Cozad standout joins NU's '07 class
Three years ago, as a freshman at Cozad High School, Jared Crick began to understand his potential as a football player. “I started to realize that, ‘Hey, I’m the real deal,’ ” Crick said Thursday.
Further affirmation arrived two weeks ago, when Nebraska coaches offered him a chance to join their 2007 recruiting class as a scholarship player.
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Crick informed Husker coaches Thursday morning that he accepted their offer, becoming the fourth player to give a non-binding oral commitment to come aboard NU’s class of 2007.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a Husker,” Crick said. “Once I got the opportunity, I jumped all over it.”
A tight end/defensive end prospect, Crick turned down scholarship offers from Kansas, Colorado State, Iowa State, Wyoming and Ohio.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Jay Norvell played the lead role in Crick’s recruitment. Crick called Norvell with news of his commitment.
“He was pretty pumped,” Crick said. “He said he loves my videotape. He said having me jump on board would build momentum for other recruits they have targeted.”
Crick is the second in-state player to announce plans to join Nebraska’s 2007 class, joining wide receiver Niles Paul of Omaha. Other players known to have forwarded oral commitments to NU are defensive tackle Demetrious Davis of St. Joseph, Mo., and defensive back DeAndre West of Oakland, Calif.
As a two-way player last season for Class C-1 Cozad, Crick made about 70 tackles, including four sacks, while catching 20 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He said he was unsure which position he’d play in college and really had no preference.
“Both have their advantages,” he said. “Tight ends, they can score a lot of touchdowns. But defensive ends get to make all the hits and make a lot of plays.”
Craig Haake, head coach at rival Gothenburg, said Crick is a tremendous athlete.
"They beat us twice and didn't have to throw the ball much to get it done," Haake said. "He's a good defensive end ... we couldn't block him. He's big, athletic, moves well."
Also a three-year starter in basketball, Crick played some tackle as a sophomore to help improve his blocking.
Although Crick enjoyed the recruiting process, he’s ready to move forward.
“It’s been fun getting all the mail and calls and knowing people want you to play college football for them,” he said. “But now I can focus on playing my senior year, and then moving on and getting a chance to play for the Huskers.”
If other teams continue to try to recruit him, Crick said, “I’ll tell them, ‘Thank you for your interest, but I’m a Nebraska kid, and I’m sticking to my decision.’ ”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
Further affirmation arrived two weeks ago, when Nebraska coaches offered him a chance to join their 2007 recruiting class as a scholarship player.
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Crick informed Husker coaches Thursday morning that he accepted their offer, becoming the fourth player to give a non-binding oral commitment to come aboard NU’s class of 2007.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a Husker,” Crick said. “Once I got the opportunity, I jumped all over it.”
A tight end/defensive end prospect, Crick turned down scholarship offers from Kansas, Colorado State, Iowa State, Wyoming and Ohio.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Jay Norvell played the lead role in Crick’s recruitment. Crick called Norvell with news of his commitment.
“He was pretty pumped,” Crick said. “He said he loves my videotape. He said having me jump on board would build momentum for other recruits they have targeted.”
Crick is the second in-state player to announce plans to join Nebraska’s 2007 class, joining wide receiver Niles Paul of Omaha. Other players known to have forwarded oral commitments to NU are defensive tackle Demetrious Davis of St. Joseph, Mo., and defensive back DeAndre West of Oakland, Calif.
As a two-way player last season for Class C-1 Cozad, Crick made about 70 tackles, including four sacks, while catching 20 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He said he was unsure which position he’d play in college and really had no preference.
“Both have their advantages,” he said. “Tight ends, they can score a lot of touchdowns. But defensive ends get to make all the hits and make a lot of plays.”
Craig Haake, head coach at rival Gothenburg, said Crick is a tremendous athlete.
"They beat us twice and didn't have to throw the ball much to get it done," Haake said. "He's a good defensive end ... we couldn't block him. He's big, athletic, moves well."
Also a three-year starter in basketball, Crick played some tackle as a sophomore to help improve his blocking.
Although Crick enjoyed the recruiting process, he’s ready to move forward.
“It’s been fun getting all the mail and calls and knowing people want you to play college football for them,” he said. “But now I can focus on playing my senior year, and then moving on and getting a chance to play for the Huskers.”
If other teams continue to try to recruit him, Crick said, “I’ll tell them, ‘Thank you for your interest, but I’m a Nebraska kid, and I’m sticking to my decision.’ ”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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