Ryker Fyfe

For a second straight year, a high-profile, in-state quarterback chose to walk-on at Nebraska over scholarship offers elsewhere.

The signal-caller in 2012: Grand Island’s Ryker Fyfe, the World-Herald’s first-team all-state selection. Fyfe picked NU over the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he might have battled for the starting job immediately.

“It feels great and it’s a lot of weight off my shoulders,” Fyfe said. “This weekend I went on the official visit (to Nebraska) and I loved it. I talked with all the coaches and it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Fyfe finished the year as one of the top passers in Class A, completing 120-of-204 passes for 1,921 yards and 20 touchdowns. Fyfe also rushed for 746 yards and 14 touchdowns in the Islanders’ spread offense.

His production caught the attention of Division II UNK, which basically told Fyfe he would have the chance to step in and play for four years. Fyfe said playing time weighed into his decision, but he felt encouraged after a visit with Nebraska coach Bo Pelini.

“Pelini told me they wouldn’t be recruiting me this hard if they weren’t confident that I could play,” he said.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
• Fyfe, Foltz, Johns to walk on at NU (TheIndependent.com)
• G.I.’s Fyfe tells Lopers no, headed to Huskers (KearneyHub.com)

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Photo Credit: Matt Dixon, Grand Island Independent