Nebraska football was able to land an offensive line commitment late to end the weekend. Four-star offensive lineman Preston Taumua committed to the program.
Taumua was the 11th overall interior offensive lineman in the class, and the top player in the 2024 class from the state of Hawaii per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was recruited by offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. He took a visit to Nebraska on June 19.
This is a massive commitment for Nebraska football for several reasons. For one, he is currently the programs highest-rated offensive line commitment since Turner Corcoran in the class of 2020. Corcoran had a 95 overall numerical rating from 247Sports. Taumua has a 90 overall numerical rating.
What can he bring to Nebraska football?
Taumua is a very sturdy offensive lineman. He played guard, tackle, and defensive tackle for Aiea High School in Hawaii. He is extremely solid at the point of attack, and uses his strength to get the upper hand on his defender. Taumua does a good job of getting leverage as soon as the football is snapped. This allows him to drive his man back immediately.
Taumua is going to be the type of player that Nebraska football can develop. He is not completely raw, as he has a solid foundational skill set. Nevertheless, the Huskers could have the opportunity to develop him into something really special and build on the traits he already has.
We have seen the traits that Nebraska football wants their lineman to have. They want this offensive line to be aggressive, and they want this offensive line to be physical. Raiola is really putting his stamp on this class in that regard. He knows what he wants to look for on the recruiting trail, and it helps when the coaching staff appears to share the same vision.
Raiola has done a solid job of recruiting the position in the last couple of months. Gibson Pyle and Landen Davidson are just some of the names he has recruited in the last year alone. His highest-rated commitment was Gunnar Gottula in 2021. Taumua now holds the title.
Currently, the 2024 Nebraska football recruiting class has 24 overall commitments. One has to wonder how many more names Nebraska football will take in this cycle. There are still some names out there that Nebraska football wants to pursue.
Taumua is undoubtedly a big get for the program. He is the type of player that they can build an offensive line around. Here’s to hoping they can continue this good recruiting momentum.
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