Future Husker: C.J. Zimmerer

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BY BRENT C. WAGNER / Lincoln Journal Star

Jack-of-all-trades

This season, Omaha Gross has utilized Zimmerer in several ways. Of course, he’s been a lead blocker, and also played linebacker and on special teams. He’s also spent some time at I-back, and caught a few passes. Zimmerer has rushed for more than 1,000 yards, with a 10-yard-per-carry average.

His favorite play? That’s easy.

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C.J. Zimmerer (Scout.com)

C.J. Zimmerer (Scout.com)

“Definitely the ‘31 trap.’ I love it,” he said. “Our big right guard, Brian Duhacek, pulls around and it’s really easy just to follow his butt and it seems to always be a 7- or 8-yard gain for us.”

Jaw-dropping experience

Nebraska assistant coach Barney Cotton came calling with a scholarship offer in May. Zimmerer is the first Omaha Gross player in 20 years to receiver an NU scholarship offer.

“He asked me straight up, ‘How do you feel about playing fullback at Nebraska,’ and my jaw kind of froze there for a minute,” Zimmerer said. “I had to play it through my mind a few times.”

Zimmerer wasn’t aware that Nebraska was considering him, especially at fullback, because the position had mostly disappeared under the previous coaching staff. He had even gone to recruiting combines as a linebacker.

“I didn’t know fullbacks were still used in college that much anymore, expect for teams like Navy,” he said.

Since his commitment, Zimmerer has experienced several neat moments as a Husker recruit.

“It’s really odd, people you’ve never seen, never met, come up to you and say, ‘Hey, we’re really looking forward to seeing you down at Nebraska,’” Zimmerer said. “From when I’m mowing my uncle’s yard, and people honking and stuff like that. It’s really cool how everybody is behind you.”

Meeting with a Husker legend

At a Nebraska football camp last summer, Zimmerer got to meet former Nebraska fullback Cory Schlesinger. It was great to talk with one of the hardest-hitting players ever in the NFL, he said.

Zimmerer prides himself on physical play, too. They award helmet stickers for the hit of the game each week at Gross. Zimmerer had the hit of the game the first three games, and seven times overall.

“If you don’t want to hit, you shouldn’t be playing football,” he said.