Husker Camp Countdown: No. 17 Nate Boerkircher

10 hrs ago
We are counting down the top 50 Nebraska football players you need to know heading into the season.
No. 17 Nate Boerkircher
6-5, 230 • Sophomore • Tight end
Heading into the 2022 season, Boerkircher's role was that of many other walk-ons — adding depth to his position and contributing on special teams. One year later, Boerkircher is now a scholarship player who is expected to hold a major role in the offense as one of Nebraska's top tight ends. So, what happened?
Boerkircher earned that role by making the most of his opportunities as a freshman. Filling in for the injured Travis Vokolek early in the season, Boerkircher caught his first career touchdown. He only hauled in four more catches over the remainder of the season — mostly for short gains — but Boerkircher still logged over 220 snaps as he learned the position. Success as a blocker also helped Boerkircher stay on the field, and his craftiness in that area impressed Husker coaches in the spring.
None of Nebraska's other tight ends have caught a pass as a Husker, so Boerkircher's experience gives him a path toward playing time. Considering Boerkircher is now on scholarship, it's clear he's firmly in the plans for a big role at tight end this fall.