Grummert hoping to break out of gate early

Beatrice senior Nick Grummert is hoping to break out of the gate fast and run wild as he joins the Hastings College Bronco football team next fall.

Grummert recently committed to playing for Hastings.

Grummert said after visiting Hastings' campus and spending time with other players he decided the Bronco program was the right place for him.

Having attended the Hastings team camp with his Orangemen teammates also played a roll in Grummert's decision. He said he learned a lot about the Bronco coaches during the camp sessions.

Before committing to Hastings, however, Grummert still had two other schools he gave serious consideration to - Doane College in Crete and Dana College in Blair.

Now that he's decided on a school, Beatrice coach Bob Sexton believes Grummert will make a smooth transition from high school football to the college game.

Sexton said speed is definitely Grummert's biggest asset.

“He (Grummert) is the fastest kid we've ever had in terms of flat-out speed and 40-yard dash times,” Sexton said.

While Grummert admits he's “not the biggest” football player around, he said he likes the physicalness of the game.

Grummert has also showed good durability, Sexton said.

“He (Grummert) plays a physical position and has had a lot of touches the last couple of years and he's never missed a game,” Sexton said.

While Grummert is an elusive runner, Sexton said he can also be a physical runner.

This season, Sexton said coaches asked the senior back to become more physical in his running style.

“That was a good challenge for him,” Sexton said. “Nick is a very confident young man and when you present a challenge to him he's more than willing to step up and meet it, and that's what he did this season for us.”

Along with being a strong runner, Sexton said Grummert is very versatile because he catches the ball well.

Grummert has also been a key player on special teams for the Orangemen.

Grummert's versatility to what attracted Hastings coach Paul Mierkiewicz to him.

“From an athletic standpoint, there's so many things he can do on the field,” Mierkiewicz said.

Mierkiewicz said Bronco coaches are looking to increase their overall team speed and Grummert will help do that whether he's catching the ball, taking a handoff or running back a kick.

Special teams is where Grummert will probably get his first chance to take the field for the Broncos, Mierkiewicz said.

“I'd be surprised if in the opener he isn't involved in at least some special teams for us and making a contribution that way,” Mierkiewicz said.

Mierkiewicz said the Broncos are coming off a 4-6 season, but dealt with a lot of injuries and played a lot of young players.

“Once we got through it, it was a positive,” Mierkiewicz said.

Adding player like Grummert to the program will help the Broncos continue to get better, Mierkiewicz said.

“I'm looking to go out there and help the team any way I can,” Grummert said.

Grummert said he's be looking to get better as a player himself, too.

Plans are for Grummert to be a slot receiver at Hastings.

“I like playing offense and having the ball in my hands,” Grummert said. “Standing on the sideline when the defense is on the field isn't that fun. I'd much rather have the ball in my hand.”

While Grummert will have a chance to make an immediate impact for Hastings, the Beatrice senior knows he has a lot of work to do before that opportunity comes.

“I'll have to learn a whole new system than what I'm used to in high school,” Grummert said. “The terminology will be different.”

Grummert said the “football smarts” he already possesses should help him learn quickly.

It will, however, be different having “new” teammates around him, Grummert said.

At Beatrice, Grummert has played with pretty much the same group of athletes from the time he started middle school football.

“I'm looking forward to meeting new people and playing with new people,” Grummert said.

Grummert will also be playing against some of his high school teammates.

“That's going to be different. I'm used to playing with them, but now playing against them will be new.” It will be fun.

Grummert said he's wanted to play college football since first “putting on the pads” as a freshman in high school.

“It's something I've always wanted to do,” Grummert said.

As Grummert looks back on his high school career, he said there have been many highlights which provide good memories.

One game in particular, however, stands out during his senior season.

“The (Omaha) Skutt game this past year is probably the best game I've ever played in,” Grummert said.

Grummert scored the game-winning touchdown as the Orangemen defeated the defending Class B State champion Skyhawks in the state quarterfinals.

Other highlights for Grummert included playing on the two most successful football teams in Beatrice High School history.

Beatrice advanced to the Class B State semifinals the last two years, finishing with a combined record of 19-3.

As he moves on to the college level, Grummert said he hopes to continue to add to the highlights and his “good memories” on the football field.