Linebacker Jackson Hannah

Nebraska linebacker Jackson Hannah officially arrives in Lincoln on June 2nd.

The linebacker, who Nebraska beat out numerous other teams for in the recruiting process, could be walking into a wealth of opportunities of playing time. Nebraska has had several inside linebackers transfer, there’s been injury retirements and recently one of the other inside linebacker signees, Nick Henrich, had shoulder surgery.

So what does Hannah see in front of him? The chance to prove himself early.

“There’s definitely a good opportunity to prove myself,” he said. “I’m not going to say anything yet because I haven’t done anything. I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to show the people at Nebraska what I’ve got, to show coach Barrett Ruud what I’ve got. I’m definitely just excited to go up there and get to work.”

Hannah believes what separates him from other inside linebackers is that he was recruited by some schools to play on the edge. He feels that shows his athleticism and ability to make plays.

As he himself would phrase it on The Recruiting Hour, Hannah believes he’s a new breed of linebacker. One that can run and play with power from inside the box.

“I like to think of myself as a new inside linebacker — a new breed,” he said. “You think of an inside linebacker. You think of 6-foot-2, 250 pounds and a stout guy. The Garrett Nelsons I’ll say. I think I’m fast. I’m quick off the ball. Pretty decent football IQ. I can read a play like none other. I think I’m best in the country at that.”

Nebraska and many other schools obviously agreed with Hannah’s own assessment. The Huskers were late in terms of offering — Hannah already was picking up an offer as a freshman — but something told the linebacker he needed to get to Lincoln and needed to spend time around the coaching staff.

What Hannah found was something he hadn’t experienced anyone where else — not at Alabama or LSU or any of the schools looking at him. He found a home and a coach he instantly trusted in Scott Frost.

“Nebraska kind of came at me late and coach Rudd explained their situation with coming from UCF, and they begged me to come take a look.” he said. “I did. I don’t regret a thing. Right when I stepped foot there I fell in love with the coaches, the people, the players and the facilities. Everything about Nebraska football.

“Coach Ruud is one of the best in the business at coaching with his position. Coach Frost, I’ve just never met a coach like him before. I’ve got to sit down with some of the best, Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and I didn’t feel what I what I felt with them as I did with Frost. I just felt something different with Nebraska. That’s why the decision was so easy for me.”

The Recruiting Show with Mike Schaefer and Connor Happer airs daily from 2-to-3 PM on 93.7 The Ticket.