Nebraska Football: Junior Center Michael Decker Steps Away From Football

News broke today regarding a Husker offensive lineman whose performances shown brightly until he battled injuries last season:

Michael Decker has announced that he is stepping away from the Nebraska Cornhusker football program. The Omaha North graduate was ranked seventh in the nation as a center prospect out of high school. He redshirted as a freshman and made appearances on special teams his redshirt freshman season. As a sophomore, he started five games after starter Cole Conrad was injured. His appearance significantly upgraded the rushing output of the offense until a season-ending injury in the game against Purdue. The extended recovery held him out of spring practice, causing him to reevaluate his priorities. Realizing his true desire was towards his Political Science major, he decided to devote all his attention and energy to his studies.

The coaching staff started training offensive guard Tanner Farmer for the center position during spring camp. Walk-on Hunter Miller made strides at the position during spring camp as well. True freshman/knight errant Will Farniok, who was recruited at center, is on campus and working. Cole Conrad has fully recovered, and stated he “is in the best shape of his life.” The cupboard’s not bare, but his retirement will be felt during practice and on the scoreboard during the upcoming season. It can be tough to make mature decisions like this. We at Cornnation wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. GBR!