Offer No. 1 in for Keystone LB

Scranton (Pa.) West Scranton linebacker Shawn Bodtman hauled in his first scholarship not too long ago. The offer came as a surprise to the 6-foot-0, 205-pounder as he landed it from the Big 12.

"I got my first offer this week by Nebraska," he said. "I was completely shocked by it. I had no idea they were considering me, but my head coach got the call from their linebackers coach and they said they are really interested and were ready to offer."

Does anything stand out about the Cornhuskers?

"I know their new coach was the defensive coordinator at LSU and they had a top defense there," he said. "I know they play defense well and have great tradition as well."

Nebraska may be the first to pull the trigger on an offer, but plenty of other colleges are interested including Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Duke and Boston College.

Is there a longtime favorite for Bodtman?

"I don't have a specific favorite school," he said. "The big thing for me is academics first of all. I'm just looking to get into a program with a lot of tradition and pride. I want a close knit type of family. It would also be nice to be close to home. I'm not taking that as much of a factor. I would like to play early since I've never sat before."

The Keystone State prospect has plans for one visit this spring to Nebraska on April 19th for the spring game.

Last season Bodtman earned first team all-region and all-conference after accounting for over 2,000-yards of offense and 28 touchdowns along with 80 solo tackles, four interceptions and four sacks.

"I came into this year a lot faster and bigger than my sophomore season," he said. "I was much tougher and more durable. I just have to work on my footwork and getting faster."