Recently hired coaches try to save recruiting classes

New Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini has done a good job of salvaging Nebraska's recruiting class thus far. AP

By Mike Farrell, Special to SI.com, Rivals.com

With all the firing and hiring of college football coaches, there has been a lot of interest in the status of prospects already committed to certain schools. It's still early, but it appears as though the new coaches at Nebraska, Texas A&M and Ole Miss might be able to hold their classes together.

Bo Pelini, Mike Sherman and Houston Nutt probably haven't had a chance to talk to all of the high school seniors committed to their programs, but many of those prospects already have given good reviews to the hires.

Pelini was the most recent hire of the three, though there had been speculation for weeks that he was in line for the Nebraska job. Pelini had spoken with Nebraska commitment Eric Harper, a defensive end from the New Orleans area, in his capacity as LSU defensive coordinator. Harper is excited about the hire.

Fellow defensive end commit Josh Williams may be leaning toward going elsewhere, but he likely will give Pelini a chance to talk to him before he makes his decision. That's also what offensive tackle Bryce Givens plans to do.

Linebacker Will Compton is considering several other schools, including Illinois and Missouri, but he is excited about the Pelini hire. On the other hand, before the hire, it seemed as though Compton was leaning toward going elsewhere.

The reaction to the hiring of Mike Sherman in College Station has been overwhelmingly positive, and he has had a chance to talk to many of Texas A&M's recruits.

Athlete Derrick Hall was impressed with Sherman's NFL credentials, though he may end up taking an official visit to LSU before National Signing Day. Defensive lineman Tony Jerod is another recruit who may take another visit or two before making a final decision, though he remains a soft commitment for the Aggies.

Sherman has been up-front with recruits, telling offensive lineman Chris Lathrop that he plans on putting the players through a tough period of physical training. That's fine with Lathrop, who seems to be a solid commitment.

Defensive end Matt Moss had a lengthy phone conversation with Sherman, who stressed his NFL credentials and what he plans on doing at A&M. Moss is solid to the Aggies as well.

Offensive lineman Joe Villavisencio, linebacker Kyle Mangum and athlete Andre Wolridge also have spoken with Sherman and appear set to enroll down the road. Athlete K.J. Williams seems satisfied with the hire and doesn't expect to have a change of plans, either.

1 of 2