Bellevue West isn’t known for producing power-conference offensive linemen. In fact, it has two power-conference tight ends in the 2022 class. Henry Rickels could change that. 

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound interior lineman is gaining interest from new schools every day. Nebraska speaks to him almost every day, whether it’s offensive line coach Greg Austin, inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud or NU Director of Player Personnel Sean Dillon. 

With the NCAA’s suspension of in-person recruiting ending on May 31. NU is working quickly to get Rickels on campus. 

“I’m going to Lincoln to talk to the coaches and meet everybody on June 1,” Rickels said. “They want me to get down there for a private workout with Greg Austin on June 11.” 

Rickels holds four Division I scholarship offers; Kent State was the first in December of last year. Air Force, Dartmouth and Austin Peay followed suit. 

With camp season starting next week, Rickels will be a hot name to watch as June gets into full swing. He plans to attend the Lindenwood Mega Camp in St. Charles, Missouri on June 4. 

“Nebraska and a few other schools like Kansas State told me they want to see me there,” he said.

Nebraska hasn’t offered but the clear interest is there. 

“I am starting to build a close relationship with all of them (Nebraska),” he said. “Greg Austin told me he wants me to get down there as soon as possible.”

Wyoming is another school that has ramped up the contact with Rickels. “They want me to get out there. I’m not sure when but they are in regular contact.”

California and Ivy League schools Harvard and Princeton have also shown interest, along with regional FCS schools. He is planning on an unofficial visit to Air Force on June 18 and 19. A few MAC schools have also shown some interest. 

“A lot of the MAC schools like Bowling Green and Kent State, along with UNI, want me to come to camp and visit,” he said. “They haven’t seen me so they want me to come to campus.”

A versatile lineman, Rickels played tackle as a sophomore and guard last season as a junior. This fall he will stay at guard. He will likely be an interior lineman at the next level.  

“The main schools that are talking to me are talking to me about playing guard,” he said. “Some are talking to me about tackle and even center. As long as I get to play I will be fine with it.”