OL Gottula always knew that he wanted to be a Husker
The Huskers picked up their second commitment in the 2023 class on Saturday when Gunnar Gottula from Lincoln (Neb.) committed following his unofficial visit to Nebraska. The 6-foot-6 and 255-pound offensive tackle knew Nebraska was where he wanted to be after his third visit in June
“After my visit yesterday went really good, I just know that this is where I wanted to be so I committed,” Gottula said. “I was at Nebraska for the Friday Night Lights when I was offered, the BBQ and yesterday. It was my third time there this month.”
The camp and BBQ provided insight to some things, and there were those things like on-campus living, what a typical day is like for an athlete, as well as some film study that was needed to seal the deal.
“I had a few questions. I had questions about the dorms and where guys lived. I also had questions about the day-to-day life. I also had an hour of film study with coach Austin and coach Frost, too. The visit went great and I knew it was where I wanted to be.”
Nebraska is not ruling out any spot on the offensive line for Gottula. He's only a junior and they know he's still growing. They feel like he could play any of the spots on the offensive line.
”They said it’s really pretty early to tell,” Gottula said. “Like coach Frost said, they really aren’t sure on how big I am going to get so there’s no way to know right now. They think that I have flexibility and that I can probably be able to play anywhere.”
The Huskers will miss on some in-state talent for the 2022 class, but they are doing a great job with the 2023 group so far. Gottula says he will reach out to other guys now that he's a commitment.
“I didn’t commit to just go to recruit other guys. Now that I am committed, obviously, I am going to work to try and get some other guys on board that I want to play with and can help Nebraska. At the end of the day, it’s their decision.”
One guy who will likely get some attention from Gottula is Southeast teammate Teitum Tuioti. Tuioti is a 2023 OLB and he is already holding an offer from Nebraska.
“He’s obviously excited for Jake Appleget and myself. He knows how hard we have worked to get here. I think that he has his eye on Nebraska.”
Gottula did not mince any words about his pledge to Nebraska. This is a dream come true for him being a hometown, homegrown product.
"Yeah, I always knew growing up that I wanted to be a Husker.”
Gottula's summer is cleared now for him to really get back to work. He was in the gym minutes after going public with his commitment on Saturday.
“Really, my strength for the most part. Just trying to get that up as much as possible before the season, I would say. I am working on everything, though. I am not a finished product.”
