On The Trail: West Region: Terrell Newby II

Four-star RB chooses Nebraska

January, 9, 2013
WEST HILLS, Calif. -- Running back Terrell Newby (West Hills, Calif./Chaminade) took himself off the uncommitted list on Wednesday afternoon, as the four-star running back ended a heated recruiting battle between Nebraska and several Pac-12 programs, including California, Oregon, UCLA and Washington.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound back was one of the more highly-recruited tailbacks in the region and proved why during his senior season, as he rushed for 2,305 yards and 45 touchdowns in guiding his team to a 12-2 record.

The Pac-12 programs looked to keep Newby closer to home, and the tailback eventually limited his choices to Nebraska and UCLA, but the Cornhuskers came out ahead, earning a verbal commitment from Newby on Wednesday. That actually came several days after he made his mind up officially, as Newby committed to the Nebraska coaching staff during an in-home visit this past Friday.

“I was thinking about Nebraska for a while, but UCLA came into my recruiting process pretty late,” Newby said. “They really struck me. I was thinking about going [to Nebraska] for a long time, even these past few days I was really contemplating what I’d be able to base this decision off of, and I just felt like they were there from the beginning and truly, truly wanted me.”

It was a strong early push from Nebraska that played a big role. Newby took an unofficial visit to Lincoln over the summer and used his first official visit there in September. He very much enjoyed his time on campus and said repeatedly that he liked the way he could fit into the Nebraska offense.

“I went through a lot of times where I felt like committing to other schools because other guys were committing, but I feel I waited the right amount of time and did the right thing,” Newby said.

He is commitment No. 20 in the 2013 recruiting class for Nebraska, and gives Pelini nine four-star recruits this year. He said he doesn’t have any more official visits scheduled, but is trying to prepare himself for any unforeseen events that can often pop up as signing day approaches.

The Cornhuskers have always looked to make a recruiting impact in California, and this year they earned commitments from two high school standouts, including quarterback Johnny Stanton (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita). Newby is the second tailback to commit to Nebraska, joining Adam Taylor (Katy, Tex./Katy).