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Often, Pelini said, it was his job to close the deal on defensive recruits.

"I feel that it's one of my strengths to be able to go into a home," he said. "One thing I think they know is that I'm going to be honest. I'm not going to try and sell something that isn't true. I'm going to lay it on the line and let them know how it is."

Linebacker Will Compton of Bonne Terre, Mo., met Friday at his school with Osborne, Nebraska's interim athletic director. Osborne may continue to help Pelini recruit away from campus until the coach's new staff is filled with nine assistants.

Compton plans to visit Missouri and Illinois this month and NU in January.

"I thought (Pelini) was their best option for a defensive recruit like myself," Compton said. "I think it's great. I know he's done a great job at LSU, and he's a defensive-minded coach."

Still, Compton, recruited by former defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, remains hesitant.

"I was closest to Coach Cosgrove of any coach who recruited me," Compton said.

Levorson said he watched Pelini's press conference on television.

"I liked pretty much everything I heard," Levorson said.

Omaha.com Sports Section