Fullback Andy Janovich became the fourth Husker taken in the 2016 NFL Draft on Saturday, as he was selected by the defending Super Bowl Denver Broncos with the first pick of the sixth round (No. 176 overall).
He was the first fullback selected and just the 14th running back selected. Janovich is the first Nebraska fullback taken in the draft since Joel Makovicka was a fourth-round selection in 1999. Janovich joins Alex Lewis as NU offensive players selected, giving the Huskers three straight years with at least two offensive players drafted. This is also the fourth straight year at least one Husker offensive skill position player was selected.
The four Huskers selected so far in the draft equals the Huskers’ highest total since the 2012 draft.
The 6-1, 230-pound Janovich was a versatile player at Nebraska and could contribute on both offense and special teams in the NFL after walking on to the Husker program and earning a scholarship.
Janovich had a breakout senior season for Nebraska, bringing the fullback back into the forefront of the Husker offense. He continued to be a powerful lead blocker in 2015, while also showing his ability as a runner and pass catcher for one of the Big Ten’s top offenses. Janovich finished fourth on the team in rushing with 265 yards, while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He rushed for three touchdowns and also caught two passes for 58 yards.
He was one of Nebraska’s top special teams’ tacklers, leading the Huskers with 13 coverage tackles, including 11 solo stops. Janovich was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten choice by the league’s coaches, and was also the 2015 Nebraska Lifter of the Year.
The draft continues this afternoon with the remainder of the sixth round and the seventh round.
JANO!!!!!!
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) April 30, 2016
Big congrats to @AndyJanovich going to the @Broncos!#GBR pic.twitter.com/8zLNreduEk
Took FB Andy Janovich from Nebraska (6th rd). A tough, hard-nosed player who can block & play special teams. An old-school throwback player.
— John Elway (@johnelway) April 30, 2016
Congrats #BroncosCountry, you got a special one in @AndyJanovich!
— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) April 30, 2016
Go get 'em JANO!!!!https://t.co/Jn53wAZ3XW
The face you make when your buddy gets drafted! Congrats @AndyJanovich!!!! Go @Broncos!! pic.twitter.com/bHyqj3iJcR
— Harrison Jordan (@Harrison_J38) April 30, 2016
Welcome to #BroncosCountry, @AndyJanovich!#BroncosDraft pic.twitter.com/qDjF8GhYh1
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 30, 2016
You ready for this @Broncos?#FullbackFootball #NFLDraft #ProBigRed https://t.co/Ilg9OjS80J
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) April 30, 2016
From walk-on to the league.@AndyJanovich is the next in the legacy.
— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) April 30, 2016
🔴🌽✊ #ProBigRed pic.twitter.com/tgGQjrx4Ka
Congrats Jano! You made it! We knew you would. The world Champs just got exponentially better. We are extremely proud of you.
— Reggie Davis (@BigRedRBCoach) April 30, 2016