Nebraska Tight End James Carnie Discusses New Offer from Iowa

James Carnie was comfortable committing to Miami (Ohio) in May. He connected with the coaches and enjoyed visiting campus in early March.

The Firth (NE) Norris High senior tight end kept working, however. As time went on, he decided he would considering backing away from his RedHawk pledge if increasing interest turned into scholarship offers.

That happened this past weekend. Iowa extended an offer and Carnie de-committed from Miami.

“I told myself once I get two big offers I was going to de-commit,” he told HN. “I have Boise State and now Iowa. The (RedHawk) coaches understood and wished me luck.”

Since the Hawkeyes stepped forward with their opportunity, Nebraska, Kansas State, Iowa State and Pittsburgh have shown more interest in Carnie, he said.

“I think I want to know my decision by Week 5 or 6 (of the high school season). So, I’m taking it one day at a time and really taking everything in,” he said.

Norris High sits at 2-1 so far. If he sticks with his current commitment plan, it would come around the end of the month.

The Hawkeyes appear well positioned as the lone Power 5 offer to date. They also succeed at developing players at his position, which includes the Denver Broncos Noah Fant, who prepped in Omaha.

“The Iowa offer means a lot. Their history of tight ends is something special for sure. They know how to develop tight ends like me and turn them into studs like Fant and (George) Kittle. Both of those guys are great people,” Carnie said.

Assistant LeVar Woods leads Iowa’s recruiting efforts in Nebraska. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz coaches tight ends.

“I haven’t had the chance to talk to coach Woods yet on the phone, but coach Ferentz is a great guy. He’s easy to talk to and super excited about me,” Carnie said.

He’s still researching what the Hawkeyes have to offer. He’s already finding things he likes.

“Their fan base is impressive. Every game they have that place full. And it’s a Big Ten school, which is a very competitive conference,” he said.

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Firth sits about 30 miles south of Lincoln, home to the University of Nebraska, another Big Ten member.

As a junior, Carnie (6-5, 225) caught 32 balls for 478 yards and four touchdowns in 11 contests. As a defensive end, he recorded four tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

Rivals and 247 list Carnie as a three-star prospect. Here’s a look at his junior highlights: