Kearney athlete Stalbird gives NU their 15th walk-on commit

The Nebraska football team continues their strong recruiting push for the class of 2018, and on Wednesday the Huskers added another quality walk-on commit from Kearney (Neb.) athlete Isaiah Stalbird.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Stalbird was a key two-way player on the Bearcats Class A runner-up team, and he gives the Big Red now 15 confirmed walk-ons in their class of 2018.

"I let Nebraska know of my decision Tuesday night," Stalbird said. "It just felt like home there for me. I had an amazing experience there when I visited and was impressed with everything they did with us.

"They want to bring back the winning tradition, and the walk-ons are a big part of what they want to do. I want to be a part of the turnaround."

As a strong safety, Stalbird finished with 77 tackles, two interceptions, and four fumble recoveries, to go along with 22 catches for 393 yards and six touchdowns on offense.

He was also considering a walk-on offer from Wyoming and South Dakota State was talking to him about a possible late spot opening up in their 2018 class.

"The walk-on event in December really won me over," Stalbird said. "Honestly, before that night I was dead set on going to Wyoming. After that night, it was super hard. I kind of waited and thought about everything before making it official last night. "

Stalbird was originally born in Chicago, before eventually moving to Kearney in junior high.

Another factor in Stalbird's decision was the personal touch head coach Scott Frost put on things.

Stalbird said back in December Frost told him he and multiple members of the staff watched his film several times and labeled him a prime target in this walk-on class.

"That really got my attention," Stalbird said. "The fact he was so interested in me and studied my film told me they really wanted me."

The walk-on decision caps off a magical year for Stalbird, as the Bearcats were Class A runner-ups in football and he was just recently invited to the Nebraska Shrine Bowl that will take place in Kearney this June.

"This has been a special season," Stalbird said. "Everybody doubted us, and didn't think we could do what we did. It's been a fun ride."