2017 Game Program Feature: Connor Ketter

Playing for the Huskers is a dream of nearly every football player who grows up in Nebraska, and it was no different for Norfolk native Connor Ketter.

“I started when I was young, so probably first or second grade,” Ketter said. “I had an older brother and he played, and I always just wanted to be like him. My dad played and it kind of just went through the family. Being from Nebraska and growing up in Nebraska then playing for the Huskers is a childhood dream. I would say I’m fulfilling it.”

Ketter, a walk-on from prep powerhouse Norfolk Catholic, is one of the most experienced tight ends on the Husker roster, as NU graduated three four-year letterwinners at the position following the 2016 season. Ketter played in nine games last season to earn his first letter.

“Connor has experience and knows what it’s like to be out here and play in front of 90-some thousand people,” tight ends coach Tavita Thompson said. “He’s been there before. He’s got great composure.”
Despite suffering an offseason injury, Ketter found ways to continue to make progress and to help prepare for the 2017 season. He spent many hours watching film and studying his position to perfect his craft.

“I put a lot of time in, asked a lot of questions and put in a lot of work,” Ketter said. “Being injured in the summer was pretty tough. I had to wait for everything to heal up and get back to work. Other than that, I’ve been waiting for my time again. It’s all going to work out for itself.”

His efforts to bounce back are being noticed by his coaches.

“I’m really proud of him and the work he’s done to come back,” Head Coach Mike Riley said during fall camp.

Thompson agreed. “Unfortunately with his injury he couldn’t be out there this summer, but he gets in every play and he tries to make up for it.

According to Thompson, Ketter is an important part of the team and will serve as a leader in his senior season.

“He’s been a part of the program and he knows the offense,” Thompson said. “He definitely shares a lot of knowledge - he’s one of the leaders of our group.”

Ketter is not only a leader, but also one of the few tight ends with game experience. He has seen a lot during his Husker career, and says his most memorable moment at Nebraska came in 2013, when Jordan Westerkamp caught a game-winning touchdown pass on the final play of the game to beat Northwestern in what is believed to be the first Hail Mary victory in the storied history of Nebraska football.

The two-time member of the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll is on track to graduate in December with a degree in nutrition science, and as he looks back on his career, he reflects on more than just football.

“It’s gone fast, really fast actually,” Ketter said. “It’s crazy. It becomes home. You’re like a family with everyone, you’re real close with everyone. It’s going to be tough after the year to watch everyone still play that you are close with. It’s a big family.”