NEW YORK – It didn’t happen in just a New York minute. It’s been fluid, Heinrich Haarberg said, of his move to the tight end position that he’s been focusing more on for Nebraska’s bowl game against Boston College.
«This has been a thing even going back to this last winter,» Haarberg said after Thursday’s practice at Fordham University. «Just thinking about it in my head. I didn’t know exactly how the transition was going to move but wanted to do my due diligence to the game and be the best team player I could. Just talking with Coach Rhule, especially after Dylan was named the starting quarterback this year. Wanted to be more involved in the offense.
«It’s been a theme throughout the season I think trying to get me more involved, but I think these bowl practices have allowed me to really kick that into full gear.»
The former Kearney Catholic standout, who started eight games at quarterback last year and has been the backup behind Dylan Raiola this year, even tried a few snaps on defense as he tried to find the best fit for him to continue his career.
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.
«He’s probably one of the best athletes I’ve had the opportunity to coach,» Husker head coach Matt Rhule said earlier this month. «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.»
Haarberg said it’s a big thing to him to help this team, which he’ll try to do from that tight end spot on Saturday against Boston College.
«At the same time I have dreams and aspirations to go play at the next level,» he said. «Hopefully this transition gives me the best opportunity to do that.»
The 6-5, 225-pound Haarberg said the coaches have done a tremendous job as he’s made the move.
«We’ve kind of simplified the offense, not because of me. Just trying to narrow our focus a little bit. So that’s made it a lot easier is we aren’t changing terminologies. As a quarterback they could’ve put me at any one of those positions, I think I could have ran any of the routes, known where to go. Just that knowledge of being a quarterback has helped me a lot.»