Nebraska football adds two walk-on defenders

Statesboro (Ga.) defensive end Leslie Black and Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) linebacker Jacob Bower both joined Nebraska’s 2023 recruiting class as walk-ons within the last week. Both players are multi-sport athletes who had not yet decided upon their college plans.

Also a basketball player, Black has an impressive athletic profile at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds. Black recorded 34 tackles and two sacks during his senior year and had recruiting interest from schools at the FCS, Division II and junior college levels. With room to grow in his pass-rushing skills, Black will add depth to a Nebraska defensive line that has fewer scholarship players than many other position groups.

Nebraska’s other recent walk-on addition, Bower, is a player known for his physicality. In his MaxPreps profile photo, Bower is sporting two black eyes — the physical embodiment of his status as a talented rugby player in California.

Practicing tackling in both rugby and football turned Bower into an extremely productive high school linebacker as he racked up 174 tackles in the last two seasons. Bower also recorded 6 1/2 sacks and came down with four interceptions in his junior and senior years combined, showing a play-making ability no matter where he lines up. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, Bower likely fits best as a hybrid outside linebacker/safety who closes ground quickly.

The additions of Black and Bower continue a busy six weeks of walk-on additions for Nebraska. After starting April with nine walk-ons in its 2023 recruiting class, Nebraska’s addition of Black and Bower means NU now has 15 total walk-ons set to join the program in the fall.