Benhart announced his commitment Sunday night, marking a major victory for the future of NU’s offensive line and coach Scott Frost’s staff. He is the nation’s No. 187 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports composite and held offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Michigan, Oklahoma and more.
The Huskers beat them all, father Gene Benhart said, because of their coaches.
“They’re real people,” said the elder Benhart, who played in the NFL and played and coached at Western Illinois. “There’s no pressure. They tell you how it is. They need Bryce. They want Bryce.”
And Frost made sure the Benharts knew it. In January, he took the lead on Benhart’s recruitment. Offensive line coach Greg Austin built a relationship, too.
“Obviously, it meant a lot to Bryce,” said Gene Benhart, who spoke Sunday night because his son was unavailable.
Frost’s approach was a change from former coach Mike Riley’s two-minute “enjoy the process” conversation with the Benhart family at a Friday Night Lights camp the previous summer. The family liked Nebraska’s facilities, fans and tradition. Mom and dad appreciated that the school was within driving distance.