Heinrich Haarberg is 6-foot-5, 225 pounds and among the faster players on Nebraska’s football team so, yes, coach Matt Rhule has some ideas about how NU might use the skillset of its backup quarterback.
Rhule just wasn’t going to tip his team’s hand one week before the season opener against UTEP.
“I probably don’t want to give too much out to everybody,” Rhule said Friday, “but I think, in fairness to Heinrich, I’ve just got so much respect for him as a competitor. He can go out and do anything.”
A Kearney Catholic graduate, Haarberg led the Huskers in rushing last season as he started eight games at quarterback. He also appeared, briefly, as a tight end in NU’s loss at Minnesota. Rhule said Haarberg has made a “big jump” in his quarterback play but understands how good true freshman starter Dylan Raiola is. Rhule compared Haarberg to former Nebraska player and coach Scott Frost, who started two seasons as NU’s quarterback before playing safety in the NFL.
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“Heinrich, to me, could be a great safety, he could probably be a great linebacker, tailback, wideout, tight end,” Rhule said. “So we have the opportunity to use him when needed. At the same time, I don’t want to lose my No. 2 quarterback because he ran a dive.”
So Rhule is mindful of the “fine line” Nebraska intends to walk without erring too much on the side of caution.
“We’ve made a decision this year that we’re going to attack,” Rhule said. “We’re going to go all-in on this team and attack for everything we have. And Heinrich’s a big part of that, so we’re going to use him.”
Photos: Nebraska football practice at Hawks Championship Center — Aug. 16
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone picks up a pass during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield coaches tight ends, including Connor Schutt (46), during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White talks with the team during a practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (right) outruns teammate Mikai Gbayor during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher (left) and Keona Davis walk into a patch of light during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule talks with a New York Giants staff during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles as he talks by the sidelines during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (from left), offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield and Thomas Fidone seen during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson catches a pass during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Nate Boerkircher catches a pass during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad looks to make a throw during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
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