Nebraska latest to offer Drake

Detroit Cass Tech has been one of the most prominent producers of Division I football talent among Midwest prep programs over the last five years. Nebraska is putting a strong focus on Midwest recruiting, and has started to make inroads with the school by offering 2014 linebacker Deon Drake.

"My father told me [Nebraska offered] last night," Drake said. "I haven't spoke to the Nebraska coach, but my father had talked to the coaches."

Drake is in the early stages of his research on the Nebraska program, but he appreciates the importance of the offer.

"I never heard Nebraska offer a Cass kid, so I believe I am the first," Drake said. "It's an accomplishment, but I've got to get back to work and keep going hard."

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Drake had previously picked up offers from Cincinnati, Iowa, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Syracuse. Programs like Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are also showing interest, and Drake's most recent visit was to Ann Arbor.

"I went to the BBQ on Sunday," Drake said. "That went good - saw the Big House and got something to eat. The coaches said they really want me there and I should give them a call sometime. They want to talk to me and get to know me."

Drake is taking over at middle linebacker for the Technicians this fall. He and fellow class of 2014 prospect William White will fill the spots left by departing Cass Tech linebackers Royce Jenkins-Stone and Laron Taylor, who both signed with Big Ten programs in February. With summer camp started, Drake's focus is solely on his upcoming junior season.

"Right now we have stopped all visits because we have to focus on our first game," Drake said. "It's going to be a big difference. We are the state champs, so we are at the top and everyone wants to knock us down. We already know there is going to be some competition and everybody has a bulls-eye on us."

Cass Tech is ranked as the No. 43 prep team in the country pre-season by RivalsHigh.com. They will open the season Aug. 25 against Brother Rice, which starts out ranked No. 74 on the same list.

Drake will start making unofficial visits to colleges again in the fall, and is interested in seeing games at Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin.