Published Oct 1, 2015
Rivals150 power forward Horne commits to NU
Robin Washut
HuskerOnline.com Senior Writer
[rl]Nebraska head coach Tim Miles had made it clear for some time that Kansas City (Mo.) Barstow power forward Jeriah Horne had become the focal point for the Huskers' 2016 recruiting efforts, and his all-in approach paid off big time on Thursday.
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After taking his fourth and final official visit to Lincoln this past weekend, the three-star Rivals150 prospect tweeted that he would be announcing his decision on Thursday among finalists NU, Kansas State, DePaul, Pepperdine and Wichita State. True to his word, Horne made it official that he would become Nebraska's second verbal commitment in its 2016 class.
"I took four of my five visits and with the info presented I felt like I had enough information to make my decision," Horne told Rivals.com. "I've decided to select the University of Nebraska.I believe that the program will help develop me as a player, provide a valaubale academic experience, present a challenge and help me to become a responsible young adult."
When HuskerOnline.com spoke to Horne earlier this week following his official visit, he said he immediately hit it off with Miles as well as the rest of NU's staff and players, particularly the newest group of true freshmen on the roster. But maybe as much as anything, one of the biggest selling points the Huskers had for Horne was an overwhelming support from the fan base, particularly the love he received as a basketball recruit attending a football game.
"I had a great time in Lincoln," Horne said. "It was my first time there. Getting a chance to go to the football game was a great experience. It was sold out, 90,000 people. Just a sea of red everywhere. It was very impressive, and the pride that they have for the Huskers, it's unbelievable.
"One thing that stuck with me was just the fan support. I mean, everywhere you go, someone is wearing a Nebraska shirt, someone is chanting 'Go Big Red!' I even had a couple people who knew me. That was cool. When we were walking on the sideline the student section was chanting my name as I walked by before the game. That was really cool."
Horne's versatility and high basketball IQ helped earn him at least 20 confirmed scholarship offers over the course of his recruitment. Along with his final five schools, the No. 129 player in the 2016 class held offers from Iowa State, Minnesota, Rutgers, Clemson, West Virginia and several others.
This past high school season as a junior at Barstow, Horne averaged roughly 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, and his play on the AAU circuit this summer with KC Run GMC program - where he earned an invite to the Under Armour All-America Camp and helped his team with the Mullen's High Profile Tournament - only further bolstered his recruiting profile.
"I think Nebraska is landing a potential mismatch problem with Jeriah," said Rivals.com national basketball recruiting analyst Eric Bossi said. "His ability to shoot from mid-range and deep along with his passing ability make him a tough cover for traditional bigs. He is a strong kid which will help him defensively, and he's an outstanding rebounder."
Along with the impressive fan support and strong bond with the coaches and players, Horne was also drawn to Nebraska because of the opportunity to make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus as a true freshman.
With an obvious need for help in the low post, Horne joins Dixon (Ill.) forward and fellow Rivals150 member Isaiah Roby in what should be strong boost in talent to the Huskers' front court in 2016-17.
"Nebraska's coach gives freshmen an opportunity," Horne said. "Although there is a transition from high school to college, I epect my work ethic, my size which causes mismatch problems, my ability to pass and my versatility to make the most of the opportunity that coach gives me. I plan to work on strength, shooting, explosivness and defense."
Both Horne and Roby plan to sign their National Letters of Intent during the early signing period in November. With Horne and Roby now on board, Nebraska has now added six Rivals150 prospects since the 2015 class. Prior to that, the Huskers had never signed a Rivals150 player since the rankings debuted back in 2003.
The Huskers now have one available scholarship remaining for the 2016 class.
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