Junior college standout linebacker commits to NU

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By BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star

Shaun Mohler has committed to a football team. This time, for good, he says.

The California junior college linebacker, who six weeks ago gave California his oral commitment, said his most recent decision is permanent.

That decision is Nebraska.

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The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Mohler, from Orange Coast Community College in Costa Mesa, Calif., gave Husker coaches his word late Saturday night. It came after a weekend visit to Lincoln, and then a visit with his mother after returning home.

He said it’s the last recruiting visit he’ll take.

“I loved it,” Mohler said. “Players were really cool. And the facilities were unbelievable. It just seemed like the perfect fit for me.”

That appeared the case with California, too. Mohler said at the time the Bears were his top choice, and that his family preferred the school, too.

What changed?

“It just didn’t seem like a good fit for me,” Mohler said.

Nebraska, he said, was a better fit, from the players to coaches to opportunity for immediate playing time. The Huskers lose four linebackers off their 2007 team.

“Big factor,” Mohler said.

Rated a four-star weakside linebacker by Scout.com, Mohler will have three years to complete two years of eligibility. He’s on schedule to graduate from Orange Coast in May, he said.

Mohler is the third linebacker and 12th overall member of Nebraska’s 2008 recruiting class. In addition to Cal, he had offers from Colorado, Louisville and San Diego State. Nebraska assistant coach Bill Busch was Mohler’s main recruiter.

Mohler played at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, Calif., and enjoyed a standout freshman season at Orange Coast. He led all California juco players with 108 tackles, including 16 for loss and five sacks. He forced four fumbles and recovered one.

That was before he put on 25 pounds this offseason. He’s been timed at 4.62 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Mohler plays the WILL position in junior college and plans on the same position at Nebraska.

“I can do it all, drop back, line up one-on-one, blitz,” he said. “Whatever, I can do it.”

Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.