Jake Mandelko

Jake Mandelko is in his first season as a graduate assistant at Nebraska. Previously, Mandelko spent the 2010 season as a volunteer, and he was a football intern in 2011. In his third season working with the Huskers, Mandelko will take on an increased role with the NU defense.

Mandelko will assist first-year coordinator John Papuchis, the nation’s youngest solo defensive coordinator. Mandelko is expected to work extensively with the Husker backfield and first-year secondary coach Terry Joseph.

A native of Lexington, Neb., Mandelko played safety for Nebraska-Kearney, earning all-region honors as a junior in 2008, when he tied for the conference lead with five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. He was an all-region selection again as a senior in 2009, when UNK finished 11-2 and earned a No. 8 Division II national ranking. He was named honorary captain of the Omaha World-Herald’s All-Nebraska Division II football team in 2009, when he led the Lopers in tackles, interceptions and pass breakups.

Mandelko earned his degree in sports administration from Nebraska-Kearney in May of 2008. Jake’s father, Mike, was an All-Big Eight offensive guard for the Huskers in 1982.