89 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Zach Nemechek

#89 Zach Nemechek Redshirt Senior 6-3 | 243 Quinter, Kan. Bio

Position: Fullback Previous College: None Projection: Second-String Status: On Scholarship

Zach W. Nemechek (b. Aug. 20, 1992) is a hard-nosed player who has contributed on special teams in each of the last three years while seeing an increased role at fullback throughout his career.

After contributing mainly on special teams in 2011 and 2012, Nemechek was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2013 season, in which his production increased.

He played in every game, with a start against TCU; returned two kickoffs for 11 yards against North Dakota State and one for 14 yards at Kansas as an up-man; and earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors.

That last honor is not new, however. Nemechek has accomplished the feat three straight seasons, making him one of the team's resident scholars. He has more than earned his scholarship through hard work and dedication.

Nemechek played 11-man and eight-man football at Quinter High School, which changed to the latter in 2008.

He is one of those good ol' western Kansas farm boy types who's also an Eagle Scout. He saw time in high school at center, fullback, long snapper, nose guard and tight end, but originally only planned to play the last of those for us.

A relative of former Nebraska Cornhuskers Tracey and Grant Wistrom, Nemechek saw limited playing time in 2011 as a member of the scout team after redshirting in 2010. But he switched positions back to fullback in spring ball.

Despite missing the 2013 spring game with an apparent injury, Nemechek is likely to return as Glenn Gronkowski's primary backup at the fullback position and remain a key contributor on special teams in his last season.