Bob Wager reveals what he's learned about Nebraska tight ends

There’s been plenty of change for Nebraska football this offseason with new coaches trying to turn over a roster. The tight end room has been no different, but tight ends coach Bob Wager is pleased with where his young group is at.

Outside of transfer Arik Gilbert — who may not be eligible — Nebraska only has one tight end on the roster with any career receptions: Nate Boerkircher. Nevertheless, Wager has learned that this group of tight ends has plenty of potential.

“Well, in a three month period of time, we’ve learned a great deal. Learned it’s a highly competitive room. They root for each other. They’re building a great bond with one another. And they’re eager to be developed and eager to get better. I’m proud of the way they’ve immersed themselves into the playbook and proud of the way that they come out to compete every day,” Wager said.

Boerkircher played in all 12 games for Nebraska in 2022, catching six passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. He’s a player the previous Nebraska staff was high on and would likely be the first in line to get starting snaps if Gilbert isn’t eligible.

Having transferred twice prior to coming to Nebraska, Gilbert is in need of an NCAA waiver to have immediate eligibility. If that is not granted — more waivers tend to get granted than denied under the current paradigm — Gilbert will have to sit out the 2023 season under the old-school transfer eligibility rules. The outcome is still a mystery as far as head coach Matt Rhule is concerned.

“I don’t know that yet, I don’t know the timing. Honestly those things are always — I don’t want to say anything about it. I just don’t know. It’s completely out of my hands. I’ll just say this, when I took Arik, I told him, I said ‘Hey, this is a long-term play for you and your future.’ So if it works out where he can play this year, which I believe he should be able to, then great. If he can’t then we’re going to help him get ready for next year or for the NFL,” Rhule said.

The hope is Gilbert can play, as the former five-star recruit could quickly be among the most fearsome offensive weapons in college football. And Wager had high praise for the transfer.

“He’s had four really good days. And again, another player with great versatility. He’s 6-foot-5, 275 pounds. Runs really, really well. And so just trying to find the things that he does best and put him in those roles. He’s a great guy to have in the team room. He’s spending a lot of extra time up here studying and trying to master the playbook. And I’ve been proud of the transition that he’s made,” Wager said.