2028 Grand Island (Neb.) Central Catholic four-star linebacker Owen Price was back at Nebraska on Saturday for his first visit since picking up an offer from the Huskers at camp in June.
Since landing the offer, the versatile 6-foot-3, 210lb defender has been steadily developing relationships with defensive coordinator Rob Aurich and linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek. Saturday served as an opportunity for Price to re-connect with the two in person.
“It’s definitely gotten closer,” he said of his relationship with Aurich and Dvoracek. “They’re definitely some people I appreciate and respect. They’ve done a great job of contacting me and reaching out, just checking up on me. Definitely have become close with them, they’ve done a great job recruiting me and I like what I see from Nebraska.”
For Price, Saturdays in Memorial Stadium aren’t a new experience but it had been just about a year since he’d experienced a game in Lincoln.
“Fans are always really loud,” he said. “I’ve been to like 5+ games, the rest of the recruits were shocked but I was like, this is Nebraska. I know this place and this is pretty normal to me, but it was cool.”
The four-star is primarily playing EDGE this fall for Grand Island Central Catholic, but at the next level his position designation remains open between defensive end, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and there have even been some discussions about the versatile athlete playing tight end.
Nebraska primarily sees Price on the defensive side of the ball and he had a close eye on two veteran transfers that have provided an immediate impact for the Huskers.
“I would say I was watching Owen Chambliss a lot, kind of seeing what the ‘backers are doing and watching the ends quite a bit,” he said. “No. 5 [Anthony Jones Jr.], we were watching him a lot, just seeing their technique and learning off of it.”
Price added that he’s been able to add little adjustments to his technique after watching Nebraska’s edge rushers in warm ups and in game on Saturday. As conversations with coaches on a future positional home ramps up, the four-star is keeping an open mind.
“Biggest thing for me, whatever gets me on the field,” he said. “I can play anything, that’s just kind of the mindset I have going into it.”
Price admits he’s thought about making an early commitment, but wants to take his time with the process. Nebraska, Iowa, Oregon, Kansas State, Minnesota and Penn State are among programs battling for his commitment. He notes the likes of Missouri, Oklahoma State, Indiana, Wisconsin, Duke and Miami are among programs monitoring.
“There’s definitely been some early consideration but just got to take it slow and take my time,” he said. “I still have two years, so I don’t want to rush into anything and then have to back out.”
The four-star did add that he’ll have a “pretty good idea” when it’s time to shut things down and commit.
Price still has more to learn about Nebraska. He’s set to return twice more, expected back in Lincoln on Oct. 31 to see the Huskers take on Washington and Nov. 21 to see Nebraska take on Ohio State.
“I just want to see the defense go out there and show out,” he said. “I think on my part, I need to be better about asking questions about the program. There’s definitely some blanks I need to learn about.”
Working through his own football season, Price has helped Grand Island Central Catholic to a 4-0 start, leading the team with 24 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and eight quarterback hurries.
“We’re rolling right now,” he said. “Haven’t had a loss so far, every victory has been a blowout so far so morale’s high. We’re just close-knit group of guys, every varsity guy is really good friends. I can’t complain about anything, it’s good so far.”
