SEC programs are hot in pursuit of 2028 Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day four-star wide receiver Derrell Hines Jr., but Nebraska football is a Big Ten program giving the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder reason to consider leaving the Southeast.
Hines made his first visit to Nebraska in the spring and spoke highly of his first impression of the Huskers’ facilities and coaching staff. This offseason, he played on the 7-on-7 circuit with 24K, the same organization 2027 Nebraska five-star quarterback commit Trae Taylor plays for.
He’s heard a lot about game days in Memorial Stadium from Taylor and Nebraska’s coaching staff. After experiencing it for himself, he understands what the hype is about.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “The atmosphere was different than anything I’ve experienced before, and you can really feel how much Nebraska football means to the people there. The passion from the fans definitely stood out to me.”
Taylor unofficially served as Hines’ host on Saturday, showing the four-star around the stadium and doing his part to convince the junior to join him at Nebraska. The two have already developed some chemistry on the 7-on-7 circuit and Hines knows more than most what the five-star quarterback is capable of.
“Trae was basically telling me about what we could do together and how much we could help each other,” Hines said. “Playing with a quarterback like that would be special, especially knowing the type of talent he has and what he can do with the ball.”
Hines had been in regular communication with the coaching staff in the weeks leading up to his weekend visit. While on campus, he connected with Matt Rhule, wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts Jr. and Director of Player Personnel Keith Williams, among a few others.
“Since my first visit, we’ve built a real relationship and stayed in consistent communication,” he said. “I feel like they’ve gotten to know me beyond football, and I’ve gotten to know them better too.”
Nebraska’s authenticity and the plan the staff laid out for the four-star left a lasting impression coming out of the weekend.
“The biggest thing that stood out was how genuine they were and how clear their vision is for me,” he said. “They’re showing me how I could fit into what they’re building.”
Hearing Nebraska’s plan for him was one thing; after seeing the Huskers wide receivers in action Hines can envision himself in Dana Holgorsen’s offense, catching passes from Taylor.
“I liked what I saw,” he said. “The receivers play physical, they’re making plays and they’re being put in positions to make an impact. I can see how my game could fit in that room and in that offense.”
Coming out of his second visit with the Huskers, Nebraska is in a “good spot” for the four-star wide receiver.
“This visit only made me more comfortable with the coaches, the program and the overall fit,” he said. “I’m taking my time with everything, but Nebraska is definitely a school I’m serious about.”
Florida is considered the trending program in Hines’ recruitment, with the likes of Auburn, Texas and Nebraska also battling for the four-star. He hears the noise, but he doesn’t have a set timeline for a decision.
“I don’t really have a set timeline right now,” he said. “I’m just focused on taking my visits, building relationships and making sure I make the right decision for me and my future.”
As a sophomore at Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough, Hines recorded 534 yards and three touchdowns on 27 receptions. Four games into his junior season at Carrollwood Day, Hines has recorded 174 receiving yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 21 yards per reception, along with a 51-yard rushing touchdown and 202 return yards on three kickoff returns.
