One of Nebraska’s biggest remaining targets on the defensive side of the ball is set to make a decision as IMG Academy defender Cameron Lenhardt is announcing his commitment at 5:30 CT on Thursday evening.
The four-star recruit is deciding between a trio of Big Ten teams in Michigan State, Nebraska and Penn State.
Only the Huskers have hosted Lenhardt for an official visit and that puts Nebraska way out in front on the Crystal Ball. The Huskers like Lenhardt as a defensive athlete, that will more than likely play on the EDGE, but has potential to grow and move around.
Nebraska’s relationship with Lenhardt came through his time as a force in New Jersey, where he played high school ball before transferring to IMG Academy. Lenhardt was recently named a captain for the prep school team.
Nebraska assistant Mike Dawson recruits the northeast hard and there he formed a relationship with Lenhardt and his previous coaches that maintained even after he left for IMG.
That allowed the Huskers to convince the defender to come check out Lincoln in June and the recruit left excited about what he saw.
“I loved it,” Lendhardt said of his time in Lincoln. “I love the staff. I love the coaches. I love the town. You go up to Nebraska and you don’t think it’s much. Just cornfields and stuff like that, but man it’s a great city.”
Should Nebraska land Lenhardt, he’d be the second commitment at the EDGE spot joining Elkhorn South star Maverick Noonan.
247Spots has been high on Lenhardt for awhile. Here’s a portion of the scouting report on the defender.
“Has nice frame and length,” 247Sports wrote in its evaluation of Lenhardt. “Can play weak side defensive end but could develop into strong side player. Smart, intelligent prospect. Quick at the snap. Explosive with very good body control. Able to stack and shed. Uses his hands well for a young prospect. Shows ability to move laterally. Impressive production (35 tackles, five sacks) for a freshman playing high-level competition. Continued strength development throughout the frame needed. Should develop move sets as high school career unfolds. Elite player at Power 5 level.”
Lenhardt is a four-star prospect with an overall rating of 90, according to 247Sports making him the No. 33 overall EDGE rusher in the 2023 class.
