Bob Wager says Arik Gilbert is a 'great guy' in team room

Nebraska tight ends coach Bob Wager stepped to the podium and sung the praises of Arik Gilbert as the Cornhuskers have settled into spring practice. From his obvious physical abilities to behind-the-scenes work ethic, Wager loves what he’s seen from Gilbert so far.

And above all else, he’s been a good person to be around, Wager said. With the way Gilbert seems to be buying in, it feels as if it’s only a matter of time until Nebraska is bought-in on him.

“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.

The only hangup for Gilbert is that his eligibility could be in question. Gilbert’s move from Georgia to Nebraska was his third transfer in as many college seasons. Thus, he’s had to petition the NCAA for a waiver to get immediate eligibility.

As it stands, that’s no guarantee.

“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,” head coach Matt Rhule said.

As a heralded five-star recruit in the Class of 2020, Gilbert originally committed to and enrolled at LSU under Ed Orgeron. After one season there, he transferred to Florida ahead of spring football. But before he got going as a Gator, Gilbert changed course and picked a bitter SEC rival of Florida: Georgia.

“So, I’ve seen a lot in football. I just think a lot of these guys, they just need somebody to give them a chance, a real chance, and do things the right way,” Rhule said. “I like him a lot, so we’re doing that. He’s doing excellent in school, great kid. So I hope it works out for him.”