Nebraska legacy and Westside DB Caleb Benning signs NLI to officially become a Husker
Former Nebraska I-back Damon Benning smiled wide as he watched his son, Caleb Benning, sign his National Letter of Intent to officially become a Husker.
The ceremony at Omaha Westside High School was quick unlike Caleb’s recruiting process. Caleb, a three-star defensive back, was very happy to end the long process by committing in writing to Nebraska.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “It feels very surreal. This process started a long time ago so a quick five minutes ceremony to sign and officially be a part of Nebraska feels great.”
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound DB is the fourth best player in the state of Nebraska, according to On3. The Huskers signed five of the top six players in the state.
Westside quarterback Teddy Rezac, the No. 5 player in the state, inked his name with Notre Dame on Wednesday. Additionally, Westside defensive back Preston Okafor signed as a walk-on with Nebraska. Warriors linebacker Beau Ryan inked with South Dakota.
Despite the Huskers having a losing season in 2023, Benning sees a bright future with the coaching staff.
“Coach (Matt) Rhule, ever since he came in, he has hit the ground running both him and I,” he said. “Building relationships with Coach (Evan) Cooper and Coach (Tony) White. I definitely trust those guys and I can’t wait to play for them for the next 3-4 years.”
He and his coaches haven’t decided whether he will play at safety of cornerback at Nebraska. However, the training is the same during the summer. Benning is playing one last season of basketball at Westside before enrolling at Nebraska in June.
Benning was able to choose his own path to the Huskers despite having a strong family connection to the program. Playing at the same school as his parents is clearly special for the class of 2024 players.
“It’s very cool,” Benning said. “My dad, I’m very grateful for him. He and both my mom played soccer there too. Them allowing me to do my own thing and choose Nebraska for myself makes it very special.”
Addition of Dylan Raiola
Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 quarterback in his class, flipped from Georgia to the Huskers a few days before signing with NU. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound QB is one of the biggest recruiting wins for Nebraska in a while. Ainsworth four-star tight end Carter Nelson was also a huge win for NU.
Benning and 2024 quarterback Raoila recently connected even though their families. Dominic Raiola, Dylan’s dad, was an All-American center at Nebraska. Donovan Raiola, Dylan’s uncle, is the Huskers’ offensive line coach.
“I have no doubt we will get pretty close,” Benning said. “It’s been a new brotherhood.”
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The entire class of 2024 is very excited to have Raiola join them. Nebraska also signed Bellevue West QB Daniel Kaelin, the No. 6 player in Nebraska.
“It was really cool,” he said. “We’ve been texting a lot. The group chat has been pretty active, pretty hype getting a talent like him. I think this guy is going to be very special.”
The Huskers class of 2024 ranks 21st nationally and sixth in the Big Ten. Picking up in-state talent has been a huge boost for Rhule and Co.
Benning is confident this class has what it takes to get the Huskers back to a winning program.
“Being Coach Rhule’s first official class, having the whole off-season to recruit, I think we can do something very special at Nebraska and that’s the plan,” Benning said.
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