Mike Van Cleave Season 1994
#59Honors & Awards
- Member of Three Nebraska National Championship Teams (1994, 1995, 1997)
- Two-Time Honorable-Mention Academic All-Big 12 (1996, 1997)
Career
Mike Van Cleave appeared in 28 regular-season games for the Huskers, alternating positions on the offensive line. He earned honorable-mention Academic All-Big 12 honors in 1996 and 1997, and was a member of three Nebraska national championship teams (1994, 1995 and 1997).
1997 (Senior)
Van Cleave played in all 12 games and in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee in 1997. He was the No. 2 right tackle behind Eric Anderson and the No. 3 left tackle behind senior Fred Pollack. Van Cleave also played offensive guard and was a member of the Huskers' PAT and field goal units. He totaled 13 “pancakes” (knock-down blocks) on the season.
1996 (Junior)
Van Cleave played in 10 games in 1996 (all except Arizona State and Texas Tech) behind starter Jon Zatechka at right guard. Van Cleave aided the Huskers to a No. 4 national ranking in rushing (291.9 ypg), a no. 25 ranking in total offense (422.42 ypg) and a No. 4 ranking in scoring offense (42.7 ppg). He had a total of eight "pancakes" on the season (0.8 average). Van Cleave was a member of the Huskers PAT and field goal teams. He played in the 1996 FedEx Orange Bowl.
1995 (Sophomore)
Van Cleave played in four games as a backup right guard and earned his first letter.
1994 (Freshman)
As a freshman, Van Cleave played in two games but did not earn a letter.
1993 (Redshirt)
A walk-on athlete, Van Cleave redshirted his first year in Lincoln.
Before Nebraska (Hargrave High School)
Van Cleave played offensive and defensive tackle at Hargrave High School for Head Coach Greg Campbell. He also lettered in track.
Personal
The son of Mr. W.G. Van Cleave, Michael was born on April 20, 1974. He assisted the Nebraska Sports Information Office with cover designs for publications and posters in the summer of 1997.