John Starkebaum Season 1971

Honors & Awards

• 1975 4th Round NFL Draft Pick (New Orleans Saints, 92nd Overall)

1974 (Senior)
Starkebaum was without a doubt, the best alternate collegiate linebacker in the nation during the 1974 season. He backed up Bob Nelson. John was a tough and quick linebacker, finishing with 70 tackles, 32 unassisted, three tackles for a loss of three yards, two fumble recoveries and an interception. For these efforts John earned himself a spot in the 1975 NFL Draft, being picked in the fourth round (92nd Overall) by the New Orleans Saints. 

John helped the Huskers to a dominant defensive season. They finished second in the Big Eight in rushing defense (165.1 ypg), passing defense (98.4 ypg), and scoring defense (11.1 ppg). Nebraska finished the season with a 9-3 record and a Sugar Bowl win against Florida (13-10).

1973 (Junior)
John switched to linebacker in the spring of 1973, and tallied 42 tackles, 26 unassisted, one tackle for a loss of eight yards and an interception. 

Starkebaum was a key reason the Huskers pass defense was the best in the Big Eight, allowing just 28.2% of opponents passes to be completed for only 39.9 yards per game. Nebraska ranked second in total defense (245.8 ypg), trailing only Oklahoma. Starkebaum helped the Huskers to a 9-2-1 record and a 19-3 Cotton Bowl win over Texas.

1972 (Sophomore)
John was a letterman as a reserve monster. He finished the season with 11 tackles, seven unassisted, one tackle for a loss of six yards and one pass break up. The Huskers finished with a 9-2-1 record and a dominating 40-6 win over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

1971 (Redshirt)
Starkebaum redshirted his second season as a Husker. 

1970 (Freshman)
John saw limited action as a fullback with the 1970 freshman team. 

Haxtun High School (Haxtun, Colorado)
Starkebaum was a two time All-State fullback under Coach Milt Tenopir. John was majoring in Animal Science and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Starkebaum.