When Nebraska’s new offensive line coach starts following you on social media, you notice. When he slides into your DMs and asks for a phone call the next day? That’s when things get real.
That’s exactly how it went down for Barrett Kitrell, a rising offensive line prospect out of Ashland-Greenwood. His recruitment had already been picking up steam-South Dakota State was the first to offer, followed by a string of Big 12 schools.
Then came Iowa, which extended an offer after watching him lift. Safe to say, it’s been a whirlwind.
But the latest twist might be the most eye-opening yet: a direct connection with Geep Wade, Nebraska’s newly hired offensive line coach, who joined Matt Rhule’s staff in December after a strong run at Georgia Tech.
Kitrell, a self-described “late bloomer” when it comes to both physical development and football progression, has clearly hit his stride at the right time. And when Wade hit that follow button on X (formerly Twitter), Kitrell felt the impact.
“It definitely is like a dopamine spike,” he said. “It’s like, ‘Well, this is awesome.’”
That initial follow led to a long conversation between the two-a conversation that ended with Wade extending a scholarship offer from Nebraska on Jan. 10. For the 6-foot-4, 270-pound lineman, it was another major step in a recruitment that’s gone from under-the-radar to full-speed-ahead.
Wade’s arrival in Lincoln has brought a renewed energy to Nebraska’s offensive line recruiting. He’s known for his player development chops, and his work at Georgia Tech didn’t go unnoticed. Now, he’s making it clear he’s ready to build something in the trenches for the Huskers-and Kitrell is firmly on his radar.
For Kitrell, the timing couldn’t be better. His frame, athleticism, and upward trajectory are starting to catch the eyes of Power Five programs, and Nebraska’s interest only solidifies that he’s trending in the right direction. Whether he ends up in Lincoln or not, one thing’s clear: Barrett Kitrell is no longer flying under the radar.