Originally published Feb. 7, 2008 in the Omaha World-Herald
Did you know?
Kreikemeier's father, Keith, played as a walk-on offensive lineman at Nebraska for three seasons in the early 1980s. Micah's coach at Central Catholic, Dave Ridder, earned an NU scholarship after two years as a walk-on, lettering at defensive end from 1981 through 1983.
Coachspeak
"He's got a Division I body. There's nobody we played who could stop him. There isn't a team in the state this kid couldn't play for." -- Ridder
The gurus say
Not much of anything. None of the vast databases included even an entry on Kreikemeier until his Dec. 2 oral commitment.
About Kreikemeier
Kreikemeier will hold the distinction as Bo Pelini's first NU recruit. Actually, it was Athletic Director Tom Osborne who made the call to ask for Kreikemeier's pledge minutes after Osborne introduced Pelini. Since that December day, Kreikemeier's life has been transformed. "I've got guys from the other team trying to ask me questions about it at the free throw line," said Kreikemeier, who after totaling 125 tackles, three sacks, an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries this football season, is trying to lead his school to a spot in the Class C-2 state basketball tournament.
Our take
Kreikemeier is no dummy -- see the 4.0 GPA and 30 ACT -- so he knows the level of competition will be like nothing he's seen when he gets to Lincoln. Perhaps no player in this class faces a more difficult task to get game-ready. Rest assured, he'll work hard at it.