Heinrich Haarberg is now on his senior year at Nebraska, and first I just want to express my deep appreciate for him. He’s a Nebraska guy through and through. If anyone had a reason to jump ship, multiple times, it was him. However, Haarberg is a part of a dying breed of players that are loyal, and team focused. During Scott Frost’s last year, he wasn’t even allowed in the QB meetings. Fast forward to Matt Rhule’s first year, he found himself the starter, often sacrificing his body to make plays. And he did ok, with the depleted offense. Following that year, highly ranked QB Dylan Raiola came to town, and Haarberg lost the job. Yet, he is coming back for his senior year in Nebraska, agreeing to make the switch to tight end.
So, this begs the question, how likely is it Haarberg can be successful given that it’s both his last year and he has to learn a new position before hoping to get drafted in the NFL in 2026.
No one is going to question Haarberg’s athleticism; he is big and fast. He’s a football dude, who loves physical contact. With that said, switching positions is a big ask.
Here are some notable college players that did it and found success in the NFL:
-Kadarius Tony: Quarterback to Wide Receiver
-Scott Frost: Quarterback to Safety (his change to safety was really after his college career)
-Julian Edelman: Quarterback to Receiver
-Terrelle Pryor: Quarterback to Receiver
There are plenty more examples, but it IS possible. Haarberg has the athleticism, and Nebraska likely needs help in the TE room with some attrition from last year.
Time will obviously tell, Dana Holgerson called him a “work in progress” recently, which makes sense as its only spring. If he calls him a “work in progress” in the fall, that will raise my eyebrows.