Dennis Thorell Season 1966

Honors & Awards

• Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)

1966 (Senior)

Denny got a chance to start when the Husker’s backfield got shuffled following Ron Kirkland’s injury. Ben Gregory would move to offense, Marv Mueller to the left corner back spot and Thorell took over Mueller’s left safety spot. Thorell would have an incredible senior year season, making 33 tackles, intercepting three passes and breaking up two others. Thorell  was a part of the Nebraska team that lost in the 1967 Sugar bowl against Bear Bryant’s Alabama, 7-34. 

1965 (Junior)

Dennis was a lettered back up left safety for the Huskers. Dennis would see some game time during his junior season. Thorell would have 12 tackles with 10 of them being unassisted, two passes intercepted, one pass break up. Dennis helped the Huskers to a 10-1 overall record, a Big Eight title and a trip to the 1966 Orange Bowl against Bear Bryant's Alabama squad. NU fell 39-28 to the Crimson Tide, but finished the season ranked No. 3 in the final national polls.

1964 (Sophomore)

Dennis was an unlettered reserve player during his sophomore year. Thorell would only appear in 14 snaps for the Huskers.

1963 (Freshman)

Dennis would play for the Frosh team his freshman year. Playing at left cornerback and safety position. 

Personal

Son of Earl Thorell, Dennis Thorell was born in Loomis, Neb. Thorell enrolled as an education major in the teacher’s college at NU.