The Nebraska football team has made the cut for one of the more intriguing offensive weapons in the 2020 class. Jonathan Odom, a three-star tight end out of Tampa, Florida announced his final 11 schools and the Huskers were among the pack. The team also made an offer to defensive end Ali Gaye.

It's an important first step for a Huskers team that has been focusing quite a bit on the defensive side of the ball of late. The Cornhuskers have also been focusing quite a bit on the JUCO ranks in the last week or so. This announcement is a recharge when it comes to getting back on track with the high school class.

Nebraska football among a select group

Alongside the Huskers, Odom named Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, LSU, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Penn State, and Miami. When trying to read the tea leaves on just where the tight end might be leaning, there are several signs, but it's hard to know which one to follow.

247 Sports believes Jonathan Odom is going to be a lock to land with the Gators. Not only is Florida his home territory, but his father played offensive line in the Swamp years back. On the other hand, the three-star prospect said he would have named 10 teams but he had to include LSU.

That would seem to indicate that the Tigers have a special place in his heart. Of course, it didn't have enough of a special place to knock any other teams out of the rankings. There is also a sort of tie to Miami. It's a deep dive, but it's there and it might show some kind of mental standpoint.

Jonathan Odom's Twitter handle is @shockey_80.

The prospect is most likely paying homage to in that handle is Jeremy Shockey, the supremely talented former NFL tight end, who helped reshape what exactly tight ends can do in that particular league. Shockey happened to play for the Hurricanes. Odom has said following in his father's footsteps isn't necessarily the most important thing to him.

Could following what appears to be his childhood hero be more important?

Nebraska football could have unknown asset

When looking at that list, and seeing Florida and Miami be included in the top 11, it's hard to see a path where the Huskers could win out. On the other hand, one of the truly nice things about the coaching staff's background is that they have a lot of ties to the state of Florida.

Scott Frost and company are obviously folk heroes because of what they did at UCF. It's possible that could at least get them a visit from Jonathan Odom. Once he sees Memorial Stadium, the Nebraska football team could see their odds go up.
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