There is still plenty to play for over the next few weeks of December for Nebraska football as a date with Boston College awaits in New York City.
While there is still plenty of focus on that game, bowl practices are also taking place with an eye toward building to the 2025 season.
That’s particularly the case for quarterback Heinrich Haarberg, who head coach Matt Rhule confirmed has made the move to tight end.
«He’ll still be available as a quarterback in the bowl game,» Rhule said. «Jaylen (Gramstad) has been working as the number two quarterback and Heinrich is pretty much full steam ahead getting ready for next year as that kind of guy.»
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Haarberg appeared primarily as a wildcat quarterback option for the Huskers this year. Haarberg appeared in 11 games, carrying the ball 25 times for 102 yards and one touchdown. He also caught one pass for eight yards.
Haarberg played 96 total snaps in the regular season according to Pro Football Focus. Of those 96 snaps, 18 came either in the backfield or split out wide. Haarberg also appeared on punt coverage in a pair of games this season.
The Husker tight end position is in a state of flux going into next season. Thomas Fidone has one season of eligibility remaining, while No. 2 tight end Nate Boerkircher entered the transfer portal this week with one season of eligibility remaining.
Toward the end of the season, Luke Lindenmeyer also saw a bigger role after Dana Holgorsen took over as offensive coordinator.
Rhule said that Haarberg has the kinds of athletic traits that will allow him to make a strong transition to the position in the spring.
«He’s probably one of the best athletes I’ve had the opportunity to coach,» Rhule said. «He’s big, he’s explosive, he’s athletic. He can catch the ball. He’s really smart. He can go out there and play tailback on one play, receiver on the next in terms of knowing what to do. With a play designer like Dana, guys who can run and catch, they can do it. I think he’s going to have a real, real chance there.»