Joel Wilks Season 1994

1994: A three year letterman, Wilks was the starting left gaurd in 1994 and led the team with 142 pancakes, an average of 11.8 per game. He was one of 11 Huskers to recieve his degree prior t the bowl game. 

1993: Wilks missed the first five games in 1993 with a severe ankle sprain, but returned to play in the last six and started against Iowa State when left gaurd Rob Zatechka was limited with an ankle sprain. Saw extensive action in the Colorado, Kansas and Iowa State games. Wilks also played in the 1994 Federal Express Orange Bowl against Florida State. The former walk on from Hastings, Nebaska, helped the Huskers rank third in NCAA rushing with 287.9 yards per game, fifth in scoring at 38.3 and 23rd in total offense at 425.0 yards per game. 

1992: Wilks earned a schlarship prior to the 1992 season. He played in five games at left gaurd backing up Ken Mehlin and Chris Zyzda. He traveled to the Orange Bowl, but did not play.

1991: Wilks redshirted in 1991. 1990: After walking on, Wilks became a part-time starter at offensive tackle for the 4-1 junior varsity team. 

At Hastings HS: Wilks was an all-state, all-conference and academic all-state defensive tackle and offensive gaurd for Coach Walt Olsen, and played in the 1990 nebraska Shrine Bowl as well as the Nebraska all-star team which played in Australia in the summer of 1990 along with fellow Husker teammates Cory Schlesinger and Jon Pederson. He also lettered in basketball and track for the Tigers. He earned academic all-state honors and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: The son of Jerry and Georgia Wilks, Joel was born on Oct. 10, 1971, in Omaha, Nebraska. He has a younger sister Jessica. Majoring in business administration, he is an active volunteer in the community. He served as a guest speaker at the Guide Rock Community Celebration and at a National American Education Week.