Bob Wager sees crossover in tight end, fullback position

Almost no position is more synonymous with a football team than the fullback is to Nebraska. However, in the modern college game, there’s very little call for fullbacks. Despite that, new Cornhuskers’ tight ends coach Bob Wager sees a connection between the two positions.

Now, it looks like the fullback is returning to Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers are going to cross-train some players for the position. It’s a challenge that Wager spoke about during spring ball.

“A lot of it’s with our running back coach, of course,” Bob Wager said. “That period of time that those guys are working on that, they’re with him.”

The biggest thing for Nebraska is making sure that guys have enough time to learn both positions. Luckily, there are enough similarities that it makes this task easier.

“But, there is a lot of crossover in regard to the two positions. So, we’re trying to balance our time. We’re trying to maximize our skill set and utilizing those guys in multiple ways helps us learn about who they are and what they can do.”

This spring is the first time Bob Wager and the rest of the Nebraska coaches have been able to work with the players on the field. Because of this, there is still a lot to learn about each other.

“Well, in a three month period of time, we’ve learned a great deal,” Wager said.

“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.”

Bob Wager on Arik Gilbert

Arik Gilbert started his college career at LSU as a highly touted tight end recruit. He struggled to get on the field, though, and transferred to Georgia. There too, he struggled with his eligibility. Now, Gilbert is at Nebraska, still figuring out how to get eligible.

At the same time, as Bob Wager explained, Arik Gilbert is a genuinely good person that could potentially become an excellent offensive weapon.

“He’s had four really good days,” Wager said.

“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.”