Former Nebraska linebackers Zach Schlager of McCook and Caden McCormack of Lincoln will play for UNK this fall. Each player had entered the transfer portal. Schlager played in three games as a true freshman at Colorado State in 2018, utilizing a redshirt by playing in fewer than four games. In high school, Schlager was a two-way starter at McCook. He was a three-time Lincoln Journal Star Class B all-state selection, earning honorable-mention recognition as a sophomore and first-team honors as both a junior and senior. Schlager helped McCook to three consecutive district titles and three deep runs in the state playoffs. He ended his career with McCook defensive records for most tackles in a season and career and most forced fumbles in a season and career. He is still waiting to receive his NCAA waiver which would allow him to play this season.
McCormack, a walk-on from Lincoln Southwest, had opportunities from FCS schools and interest from the likes of Kansas State, Kansas and Boise State coming out of high school. He was among the state’s leading tacklers in 2018, racking up 149 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and four sacks. He added an interception, fumble caused and fumble recovery on defense, while also rushing 72 times for 456 yards and four touchdowns. McCormack was a member of the Lincoln Journal Star’s Super-State team and earned honorable-mention all-state accolades from the Omaha World-Herald. Schlager and McComack could potentially help the Lopers at that position this fall. UNK starts fall camp on August 9th.
