Nebraska starting quarterback Heinrich Haarberg met with the media following the Cornhuskers 35-11 victory over Northern Illinois. He started his press conference by commenting on his physical play from the quarterback position.
“I enjoy the physicality in the moment. Right now it doesn’t feel too good, but I know what the energy can do to the team. Seeing your quarterback out there going full speed ahead and not slowing down, not hesitating. That’s something that I’ve been working on since spring. Running physically, because I know that I’m not the stereotypical quarterback. I’m heavier, I’m faster and I’m stronger so I’m going to use that to my advantage and try to push my teammates.”
On being the starting quarterback for the home opener
(Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
“It was awesome. Being out there for the first time and a night game brought all the emotions. I was thinking about everything I’ve had to work for up to this. Being able to have that first drive like that and everything after. I don’t think I could have ended it better.”
On how the coaches played to his strengths
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“It’s awesome, I think that is a testament to Coach Rhule. A culture that he’s built and if you put in work here, you’ll play. They’re going to see talent, they’re to train you to the highest of your ability and they’re going to put you on the field if you deserve a shot. Leading up to it I took a little bit of time to soak in how far I’ve come. The work that I’ve put in to be able to be in this situation, it’s awesome.”
On interactions with Jeff Sims leading up to the game
(Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
“All the on the field stuff and telling me they’re doing this or doing that, that’s great, but the thing that Jeff did best was telling me how much he believed in me, how much he was behind me no matter what and even through the game. All the touchdowns we had, all the ups and downs that we had. There were a couple of plays where I came off the field thinking crap, am I going to keep doing this? Jeff just kept saying keep your head up and keep pushing. That goes way further than anything he could say about the coverage.”
Nebraska now prepares to host Louisana Tech at Memorial Stadium next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
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