UNK’s Schlager back from injury, poised to lead young defense
In a spring full of change for the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers, one of team’s key players is just happy to be doing something familiar.
By News Channel NebraskaKEARNEY, Neb. — In a spring full of change for the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers, one of team’s key players is just happy to be doing something familiar.
Linebacker Zach Schlager missed all of last season after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his foot during spring ball. It was an easy decision to return for his sixth season of college football.
“I wasn’t going to leave my career like that, so definitely knew I was going to come back and at least give it (at least) one more year,” Schlager said.
The McCook native started his career at Colorado State, spent two years at Nebraska, then transferred to UNK and earned honorable mention all-conference honors in 2021. His 24th birthday is one week before the season starts.
“I think the next oldest guy in the group is like two years younger than me. I definitely feel a little old, they crack jokes all the time," Schlager said. "I take that with responsibility also, I feel like a good leader of the room.”
New linebackers coach Jesse Ornelas isn’t making wise cracks about his seasoned player, he’s putting him to work.
“He’s essentially my assistant coach," Ornelas said. "He gets the group going, so I love him.”
UNK returns just two of its top 10 tacklers and only one linebacker from the top eight on last season’s depth chart. Ornelas is leaning on his lone veteran.
“He leads by example, so everyone behind him, they lead as well. He’s a great vocal leader, always positive," Ornelas said. "He’s been one of the best I’ve ever had (while) coaching.”
After spending five seasons on college football rosters, Schlager still feels he hasn’t realized his potential as a player. He says that changes this year.
“Really, I want to prove what I can do and I want to prove what this team can do. I think people are going to look at us, see we got a new coaching staff and put us to the side,” Schlager said. “I want to prove that we’re ready to come play and we’re just as good as we’ve been before. I’m ready to come out and compete for a conference championship.”