Walk-on receiver Bryan Reimers made his first career reception for the Huskers against nationally ranked Oregon in the 2016 season. It led to a 22-yard touchdown that started Nebraska toward a win, much to the delight of the Husker faithful. The Lincoln East High School graduate was an unlikely hero against the Ducks that day, but the hard work exerted leading up to that moment exemplifies the same grit the management major brings to everything.

 

“That moment had to be one of the best experiences of my entire life. There were times when I wondered if I would ever get my chance to play, but I knew I just had to stick with it and keep grinding. To have my first catch be in an important moment of the game against a great opponent like Oregon felt amazing, especially to hear 90,000 people going crazy in the stands,” he said.

 

As a walk-on, he scratched and clawed his way into position for playing time. One of the most challenging parts of walking on to a Division I football program is starting at the bottom of the totem pole. When Reimers entered as a freshman, there were more than a dozen players ahead of him at his position. He redshirted in 2014 and didn’t play at all in 2015 as he challenged himself every day and methodically worked his way up the depth chart.

 

“When the Huskers started talking to me when I was in high school, it felt like a dream come true, especially with the storied walk-on program here and the thought of playing in front of my family and friends,” he said.

 

He leveraged his tenacity off of the field as well and excelled academically. The Big Ten Conference recently named him to the Academic All-Big Ten team. To be eligible for this honor, student-athletes must be in at least their second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

 

Reimers considers his favorite class to be Professional Enhancement IV Professional and Life Skills (BSAD 444). This course helps prepare seniors to not only find a full-time job, but also to look to the future in their career and personal life after college. Industry professionals and alumni present on various topics each week – including making meetings matter, retirement planning and investing, and money management – to ensure a successful transition post-college.      

 

“It was clear Bryan was invested in this course through the out-of-class activities he participated in to gain more knowledge about owning and running a business,” said Katie Hauge, assistant director of the Business Career Center. “He took this course seriously and used it to prepare for the future.”

 

In December, Reimers joined 300 other students in the final graduating class of 2018 from the College of Business. He is currently in the process of figuring out the next step in his career. Whatever that next step may be, his coaches, supporters and family know he will be successful.

 

“Bryan was the consummate team player and a valuable piece of our offense in 2018,” Nebraska Offensive Coordinator Troy Walters said. “From the time we arrived in Lincoln as a coaching staff, Bryan was a joy to coach and a great role model and leader for our younger receivers. He embraced everything about being a Husker, and I have no doubt he will be successful in whatever career path he chooses.”