PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Heinrich Haarberg threw a touchdown pass on the last play of the Red-White Spring Game, but wasn't done making connections just yet.
After the scrimmage, he made his way outside the stadium to catch up with Hays, Kansas, 2022 recruits Jaren Kanak and Gavin Meyers to thank them for coming to Lincoln and relay a message from head coach Scott Frost that he's looking forward to having them back in town when the coaches can actually spend time with recruits.Â
"Coach Frost asked him to come down and just thank me and my family and Gavin's family for coming and that it was really cool for us to take time out to come check the place out and that they really appreciate that and that they're really interested in us," Kanak said. "So that was really cool."Â
The high school teammates were two of about 20 players with scholarship offers who attended the game Saturday on their own and Kanak said it was well worth the long day.Â
New lesbian-owned lounge opening in Lincoln hopes to foster 'authentic' atmosphere
Nebraska principal placed on administrative leave
WWE star Hulk Hogan promoting beer’s introduction to Nebraska
No. 2 Nebraska volleyball wins 13th straight match; No. 1 Pittsburgh falls to SMU
Papillion dog, who loved pears and a select few, euthanized after tough life
Winter outlook not favorable to drought relief in Nebraska
Grand Island, the largest high school in Nebraska, cancels girls varsity basketball season
Hulk Hogan, WWE Hall of Famer, visits Lincoln to promote new beer
Cover Five: Is the running back carousel sustainable? And, Nebraska not closing book on Merritt
Lincoln couple dies in Grand Canyon accident
Rare, 'very, very bright' comet expected to make an appearance for Midlanders
Amie Just: How Nebraska volleyball beat Purdue on a night the Boilers had it rolling
Lincoln Journal Star 2024 Election Voter's Guide: Local candidates on the issues
After tumultuous upbringing in Nebraska, new state IT head hired to 'be a change agent'
Large wildfire in northern Lancaster County prompts evacuations
He left Hays on Saturday morning, drove the approximately four hours up to Memorial Stadium, saw the scrimmage with his parents and then drove back that evening. Kanak said he talked with Frost and running backs coach Ryan Held on the phone as he and his family made the trek north, too.Â
"It was really cool," he said. "It was great to get on campus and kind of check out the energy. It was a really cool environment. Even with the capacity cap, it was really cool and there was a lot of energy in the place. ...Â
"I just wanted to kind of get a feel for the place and check out the environment. I have heard a bunch of stuff about the stadium and how it is and so I wanted to get in there and feel it for myself and see it."Â
The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder is one of the most athletic players in the Midwest for the 2022 class and Nebraska is interested in him on both offense and defense.Â
Kanak, though, has many suitors and a couple of formidable new ones. He said recently he's had extensive contact with Clemson and he has a visit planned there for June 1, as soon as the dead period ends.Â
"It's definitely a very exciting thing to happen," Kanak said of the interest from Dabo Swinney's program. "It's kind of what everybody hopes for in the college football recruiting process. And other than their success, they have a bunch of really good guys that I've talked to that have built that program on some good foundation. That's something really important, other than the success, that it's great guys and that success comes from something. They've built it up on a good foundation."Â
Kanak is also taking an official visit to Nebraska in early June, though he said the exact dates may or may not have to shift slightly from the June 4 weekend because of family obligations. In the meantime, he and his Hays teammates are gunning for hardware in track over the next few weeks. He's timed in the 10.6-second range in the 100 meters this spring and is a standout in the sprint events and jumps.
Meyers, who also was in Lincoln on Saturday, does the dirty work for the track team. He weighs upward of 215 pounds and calls football and wrestling his top two sports, but in track runs the 300 hurdles and the 4x400 relay, which have the reputation as two of the more grueling track events.Â
"I'm in the hefty events," Meyers said with a laugh. "At the beginning of the season, after every race my legs were just dead. Not many 215-pounders run those races. I'm running against like 150-pounders and it just looks so weird that I'm in those races. They're the two hardest races, but that's what I look forward to because it benefits the team. ... I just do those events because that's where the team needs me and I can fill those spots."Â
The pair are also planning to go to Washington State later in June. Meyers said he'd like to make a decision by August, but that the timeline could change.Â
"I've got all the information on the Zoom calls and the calls and texts and everything with the coaches, and the missing piece I've been looking for is to actually visit and check out the campus," Meyers said just before making the trip to Lincoln. "That's kind of what I've been looking forward to to finish up my recruitment and make my decision."Â
Huskers in top group for legacy DB: Nebraska not surprisingly is in the mix for a legacy defensive back from Florida.Â
James Monds III (Fort Pierce, Florida) put the Huskers in his top six Sunday. Monds also has Wisconsin, Michigan State, Indiana, Miami and Mississippi State in his top group.Â
Monds, whose uncle, Wonder, played for Nebraska in the 1970s, has an official visit lined up to NU for the weekend of June 11.Â
Photos: All of the sights from the return of the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin (22) attracts a quartet of defenders in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
White Team quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) throws under pressure in the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Two people wait for tickets before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Fans walk around Memorial Stadium before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Aimire Rodgers, 8, stands in front of the Legacy Statue before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kash Boggs (right) throws to his grandparents as Drew Milligan climbs on to the Legacy Statue for a picture before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Victor Ortiz (left) helps Kim Bergmark find her tickets on her phone before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Tristan Minderman, Omaha, throws the ball on the east side of the Memorial Stadium before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Caden Haar (left) and Ryan Whiston, both of Lincoln, pose at the Brook Berringer-Tom Osborne statue before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Xander Wilson, of Lincoln, poses at the Brook Berringer-Tom Osborne statue before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost and the Huskers run on to the field to a sea of fans for the first time in the COVID-19 era before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) runs in the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team's Omar Manning (right) is defended by White Team's Phalen Sanford (37) in the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team's Gabe Ervin (22) rushes in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) scrambles during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Omar Manning (right) anticipates a pass from Adrian Martinez as he's defended by the White Team's Isaiah Harris (37)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost walks behind the Red Team during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ball downfield during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The White Team's Wyatt Liewer (85) catches a first-down pass in front of the Red Team's Mason Nieman to set up a game-tying touchdown by Liewer moments later on Saturday during the annual Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
White Team quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) signals for one more play as time runs out in the fourth quarter Saturday during the annual Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska football fans are scattered throughout the stadium for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic as the Huskers scrimmage in the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska football fans fill the stadium for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic as the Huskers hosts a team scrimmage during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Samori Toure (6) is tackled by the White Team's Noa Pola-Gates during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team quarterback Logan Smothers (second left) gets sacked by the White Team's Jake Archer in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Ty Hahn catches a pass in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Darius Moore (left) intercepts a pass intended for the White Team's Will Nixon in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team kicker Chase Contreraz (right) kicks an extra point in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Brody Belt rushes for a fourth-quarter touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Zach Weinmaster (31) tries to avoid the tackle of the White Team's John Bullock (84) in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost and the Huskers run onto the field before the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost looks down after the White Team intercepts the ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Cameron Jurgens (left) and Riley Moses get into position during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska coach Scott Frost (left) speaks to quarterback Adrian Martinez before the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
The Red Team's Marvin Scott (left) runs the ball as the White Team's Isaac Gifford goes in for the tackle during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Former Nebraska assistant coach and player Ryan Held was announced Tuesday as the new head football coach at UNK.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Fans chant "Go Big Red" moments before the players take the field at the Red-White Spring Game in 2021 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
A Nebraska fan celebrates with others after catching a hot dog fired from a cannon during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Gabe Ervin narrowly avoids being tackled by the White's John Bullock in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Tyson Guzman (left) is pushed back by the White Team's Trevin Luben in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska graduate assistant Hunter Miller looks up at the scoreboard in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
In what turned out to be his final Red-White Spring Game, Adrian Martinez scrambles around looking for an open receiver in the first quarter on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
White Team quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) scrambles away from David Alston as head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Red Team's Gabe Ervin (left) protects the ball as he rushes against Damian Jackson (38) in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Nebraska student section cheers on the Huskers before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team's Gabe Ervin (22) rushes in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
The Nebraska student section stands for the national anthem during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Nebraska student section cheers as the Huskers make their way onto the field for the Tunnel Walk before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Nebraska student section cheers on the Huskers during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska senior wide receiver Samori Toure (6) hasn't played in a college football game since Dec. 13, 2019, when he was still at the University of Montana. That drought finally ends Saturday when NU kicks off against Illinois.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Travis Vokolek (83) fends off the tackle of Jackson Hannah in the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin (22) runs the ball as head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco watches the Red Team warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska director of high school relations Kenny Wilhite pulls up his mask before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) smiles at offensive line coach Greg Austin after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team quarterback Logan Smothers (bottom center) runs the ball while pursued by the White Team's Zach Schlager (right)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A referee watches the action during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Logan Smothers (far left) is sacked by the White Team's Jake Archer during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Beau Psencik (center) is tackled by the White Team's John Bullock (top) and Lane McCallum in the second half during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin protects the ball as he's confronted by the White Team's Braxton Clark during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Red Team starting quarterback Adrian Martinez (right) speaks with wide receiver Omar Manning as they walk off the field at the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
The Red Team's Marvin Scott III (second right) is swallowed up by White Team defenders Jackson Hannah (first right) and Isaac Gifford (right) as teammate Austin Allen (left) looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska football fans fill the stadium for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (center) jumps in an attempt to avoid a tackle from the Red Team's Ashton Hausmann (29)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ball downfield during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Young Husker fans bide their time while waiting for the Nebraska football team to begin play during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (center left) and Heinrich Haarberg (center right) walk along the sideline during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska starting quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is tagged down by the White Team's Blaise Gunnerson (24) and pursued by Jimari Butler (17) during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Gabe Ervin (center) is pushed by teammates as he attempts to carry the ball for a few extra yards during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (center), playing for the Red Team, tries to elude by the White Team's Braxton Clark (left) and Myles Farmer during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska fans watch football from Memorial Stadium seats for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) throws a pass as Huskers' head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Gabe Heins (right) attempts a field goal in the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Matt Masker (18) throws the ball as Huskers' head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) looks for an open receiver as Huskers' head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Offensive linemen Keegan Manning (71) and Noah Stafursky (62) take on Jamin Graham (89)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Gabe Ervin Jr. (bottom) gets tackled in the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) hands off the ball to running back Gabe Ervin (22)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Adrian Martinez (2) takes off on a run during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) hands off the ball to running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (22)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
John Bullock (right) attempts to strip the ball from Oliver Martin during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches the action on the field during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Isaiah Harris (37) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson (left) and Tony Tuioti watch the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Travis Fisher talks to cornerback Braxton Clark (11)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
John Goodwin (46) defends Blaise Gunnerson (24)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson (right) talks to linebacker Blaise Gunnerson (24)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nash Hutmacher (72) pursues Logan Smothers (8) during the 2021 Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
• Texts from columnists
• The most breaking Husker news
• Cutting-edge commentary
• Husker history photo galleries
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!