Nebraska lands Keona Wilhite on National Signing Day

Three-star defender Keona Wilhite announces for Nebraska on National Signing Day

Sometimes it takes two or at least that was the case for Salpointe Catholic defensive lineman Keona Wilhite, who signed his second National Letter of Intent of the cycle, this one pledging to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, after a whirlwind second recruitment following the departure of Kalen Deboer from Washington to Alaba,.

Wilhite announced on 247Sports his pledge to the Huskers, choosing Nebraska over UCLA. Michigan State was also involved in Wilhite’s recruitment during January.

The Huskers got involved with Wilhite after he was granted his release from Washington in January. The defender had received a Nebraska offer earlier in the cycle, but it was the second wave of interest, spurred on from defensive line coach Terrance Knighton and defensive coordinator Tony White that helped push the Huskers into the picture.

Wilhite made an official visit to Lincoln in the middle of January, braving the cold to spend a few days around Matt Rhule and the rest of the staff. The visit came after Wilhite had made a trip up to East Lansing to see Michigan State, as its new coach, Jonathan Smith, recruited the defender while at Oregon State.

The official visit and subsequent home visits made a big impression on Wilhite and his family. James Wilhite, Keona’s father, was particularly impressed by Matt Rhule as he told Blair Angulo:

“The top thing with coach Rhule was the faith, loyalty and family aspect,” James Wilhite said. “Getting to know him was a highlight of the trip, just getting to know him as a person and coach. What he believes is what he puts into those players and he has surrounded his staff with former players and colleagues from his days in the NFL, so that speaks volumes that he has those connections.”

Wilhite is the latest defensive lineman added to the class, joining Elkhorn South lineman Ashton Murphy and Castle View defender Jordan Ochoa.

Here’s the most recent scouting report of Wilhite from 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins:

“Classic edge frame at 6-5, 240 pounds with plenty of room to add good weight. Long arms, fluid athlete and can run. Was timed at 18.72 MPH this season on the Catapult GPS and shows the ability to make plays outside his area. Pursues very well to the football and has the athleticism to run down plays from behind. Shows some natural pass rush skill, uses his hands well and can beat an opposing tackle right off the snap. Can continue to improve his get-off and initial burst and when he does, he’ll take his game to another level. Shows a consistent motor as well, is physical at the point of attack and has the potential to be a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level.”

The recruit out of Tucson, Arizona is a three-star as ranked by 247Sports and 247Sports Composite.