ORLANDO, Fla. — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini confirmed that defensive tackle Todd Peat, Jr. — one of the top signees of NU’s 2011 recruiting class — didn’t make the bowl trip and will not return to the program.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Peat redshirted in 2011, struggled after back surgery in the offseason and hasn’t been a factor in NU’s defensive line rotation. The Tempe, Ariz., star picked the Huskers over Arizona State on Signing Day 2011, citing divine intervention. Peat said he saw a Nebraska license plate the night before his decision and took it as a sign from God.

His brother, offensive lineman Andrus Peat, picked Stanford over Nebraska on Signing Day 2012. He cited the Cardinal’s ability to develop pro linemen as a reason.

Todd Peat, Jr. joins Tyler Moore, Aaron Green and Ryan Klachko as four-star players who signed in the 2011 class, but later left for various reasons. Bubba Starling was a part of that class, as well, but he chose to play professional baseball.