LINCOLN — Did he or didn't he?
Quarterback Brion Carnes of Bradenton, Fla., according to his hometown newspaper, accepted a scholarship offer during a weekend visit to Western Kentucky, picking the Hilltoppers over Nebraska.
Yes, Western Kentucky, which will bring a nation-high, 20-game losing streak into the season opener next fall at NU.
The Bradenton Herald reported Carnes' pledge without a comment from the prep star or his coach. Carnes started 51 games in four years at Manatee High School and threw for 2,245 yards and 24 touchdowns in 15 games as a senior.
The 6-foot-1,185-pound quarterback disputed the report Sunday night in an interview with InsideHilltopperSports.com.
“I'm just in between WKU and Nebraska,” he said.
Carnes still plans an announcement Wednesday on signing day.
He visited Lincoln last weekend and presents the Huskers, apparently, with their final opportunity to add a sure-fire quarterback to this class of recruits. NU plans to sign QB Bronson Marsh of Millard South, though Marsh might play defense in college.
Carnes' connection to Western Kentucky involves new coach Willie Taggart, an ex-Manatee quarterback, and assistant Raymond Woodie, a former high school coaching fixture in the Bradenton area.
Rated as a four-star prospect by rivals.com, Carnes would be as a huge recruiting catch for the Hilltoppers — especially considering his longtime commitment to South Florida and Nebraska's interest.
South Florida pulled its scholarship offer to Carnes last week.
Chris Conboy, the quarterbacks coach at Bradenton Manatee, did not return messages left on Sunday.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1031, mitch.sherman@owh.com
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