The Nebraska football team has expanded its roster following its summer camp sessions.
Hayes Miller, a wide receiver from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas last season, announced on Saturday that he has accepted a walk-on position with the Huskers.
Miller’s journey to Nebraska underscores the coaching staff’s meticulous evaluation process. The junior college receiver had lined up several camp appearances for the summer, including the Lindenwood University megacamp. It was there that he first caught the attention of linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek and running backs coach EJ Barthel.
Miller, who boasts a 4.58-second 40-yard dash time and a 36-inch vertical leap, impressed enough during his initial workout in front of the Nebraska coaches to earn another opportunity later in the month. Despite not originally planning to attend camp in Lincoln, he participated in the program’s post-graduate camp and secured a walk-on offer there.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 185 pounds, Miller was once a standout athlete at Shawnee Mill Valley High School in Kansas. However, his stint at the junior college level saw limited action, tallying only three receptions for 30 yards during his single season there. Despite this, Miller will bring three years of eligibility to Lincoln, with the possibility of taking a redshirt season if needed.
Miller is expected to bolster Nebraska’s slot receiver corps and might also contribute as a returner on special teams.
This summer, the Huskers have brought in five new players: Miller, lineman David Höffken, quarterback Jalyn Gramstad, kicker John Hohl, and running back Mekhi Nelson.
In other recruiting news:
Brian Tapu, a key offensive line prospect in the Class of 2025, has chosen to commit to Oregon State instead of Nebraska. Following official visits to both schools, Tapu made his decision on Sunday. Nebraska had been in the lead for several months after organizing Tapu’s initial official visit well in advance.
Tapu, who reunited with his parents from New Zealand during his visit to Nebraska and had extensive discussions with his player host, offensive lineman Tyler Knaak, spoke positively about his time in Lincoln.
Nebraska is known for its strong sense of family,” Tapu remarked last week. “Coach Rhule, who has only been there for a year, has really turned the team around, so I believe Nebraska will definitely rise again someday.”
Tapu departed Lincoln without committing and aimed to make a decision during the summer. However, he quickly accepted Oregon State’s scholarship offer during an official visit the following weekend. Despite his commitment to Oregon State, Tapu continues to hold a positive view of Nebraska, leaving open the possibility of further recruitment if the Huskers pursue him in the future.
Currently, Tapu, a three-star recruit, is committed to Oregon State, influenced by the presence of coaches with Polynesian heritage, particularly defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki. His relationship with offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, who understands the Polynesian perspective on family and football, also played a significant role in his decision.
In other recruiting news within Nebraska:
Papillion-La Vista offensive lineman Garin Maley, a three-star prospect, has committed to Texas Tech for the Class of 2025. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, Maley had visited Nebraska unofficially several times but did not receive a formal offer from the Huskers.
Before this summer, his recruitment was led by programs like Eastern Michigan, Harvard, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota State. Maley received scholarship offers from Oregon State and Texas Tech in May and opted to join the Red Raiders following official visits in June.
Looking ahead to the Class of 2027, Nebraska has extended an offer to Millard West offensive lineman Matt Erickson. At 6-foot-8 and 280 pounds entering his sophomore year, Erickson, a legacy recruit with ties to NU through his father Mike Erickson’s playing days in the early 2000s, showcased his skills in front of Husker coaches this month and earned an offer. He is seen as a promising offensive tackle prospect for the future.
