Tony White says reaction to Nebraska brand on recruiting trail is 'amazing'

Matt Rhule is attempting to bring back multiple different aspects of the Nebraska program. One of those is the overall brand, especially on the recruiting trail. The Cornhuskers plan to attack more than just their surrounding area, launching a nationwide approach under Rhule.

Early on, the strategy seems to be working. Associate head coach and defensive coordinator Tony White has been amazed at how excited high school programs are to welcome Nebraska in. Everyone seems to have a story about the Huskers back in the day.

“It’s amazing,” White said via Sean Callahan of On3’s Husker Online. “The first they do is ‘Nebraska?’ That’s the one where they say ‘okay, excuse me, excuse me. Nebraska, come on in.’ That kind of deal. It’s been awesome. What surprises me is you go into pockets that you didn’t even really know and all of a sudden, it’s ‘so and so went to Nebraska. Hey, he played for Nebraska.’

“It’s just truly amazing. Not only that they went to Nebraska but then how much they want to be connected to Nebraska. So, it’s truly a different experience.”

White was recently in Central Texas, the old stomping grounds of Rhule. They were hosting a camp at Mary-Hardin Baylor, giving prospects from the Lone Star State the opportunity to show out in front of Nebraska coaches. Rhule has good connections in the area but is now attempting to reel in recruits to Lincoln.

Nebraska brand paying off in 2024 recruiting class

The 2024 recruiting cycle will be Rhule’s first as the Nebraska head coach. There are nearly six months until National Signing Day but the Huskers brand is already paying off in a big way.

Nebraska currently has seven players committed in 2024, with four different states being represented. Texas has had a big influence thus far, with three prospects coming from the area. Rhule was even able to haul in Willis McGahee IV, the son of NFL running back legend Willis McGahee, from SEC country via Miami, FL.

Now, Rhule and White need to keep up the trend. Of course, recruiting kids from Nebraska will always be a priority and something they want to completely lock down. But it does not produce enough on a consistent basis to compete for a national championship.

The Nebraska brand will have to be revolutionized to get back to the highest level. So far, so good from White’s perspective.