Watch the video above for interview clips. Click here for the full audio interview from "The Doug & Daddy Show" on ESPN Tri-Cities.

KEARNEY, Neb. — Through the highs and lows of life in the Husker spotlight, Heinrich Haarberg remains dedicated to Nebraska and his pursuit of playing professional football.

The Kearney Catholic graduate stopped by ESPN Tri-Cities on Monday and joined “The Doug & Daddy Show” for a 35-minute interview.

He said the origins of his move from quarterback to tight end go back to the summer and conversations with head coach Matt Rhule. Haarberg has a goal to play in the NFL and Rhule and other scouts think his best chance comes at tight end.

“Im not gonna get so caught up in the fact that I’ve got to prove people wrong… to the point that I’m blinded,” Haarberg said. “The path to success is right in front of me, just take it.”

Haarberg wanted to make the change earlier but understood the importance of the backup quarterback role.

When Dylan Raiola beat Haarberg out for the starting spot, the Nebraska native said he was frustrated but never seriously considered transferring.

“I could never do that to these coaches, to my family, to the people of Nebraska. This is my dream,” Haarberg said. “On top of that, I think this is the best spot for me to develop into the person and the football player that I want to be.”

Haarberg is making the position switch but will still be coached by a familiar face. Former offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, who coached Haarberg’s quarterback room in 2023, is staying on as tight ends coach.

“I think he’s one of the best humans alive,” Haarberg said. “He’s a phenomenal tight ends coach in my opinion.”

Haarberg said he could feel the offense getting tight in the middle of the season. New offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen alleviated that concern.

“He’s here to make stuff happen,” Haarberg said. “I think that was kind of freeing.”

Haarberg hopes to add weight as part of his position change.

“I’m going to try to push the limit a little bit this year,” Haarberg said. 
Heinrich Haarberg joins

He played between 225 and 230 pounds in 2024, which he called a comfortable weight. Haarberg hopes to put on another 10-15 pounds and still run like he does. Regardless of his playing weight, Haarberg is confident in his ability to block.

“What I’ve come to find out with blocking is just technique. There’s some people who can block and some who can’t,” Haarberg said.

Beyond the football talk, Haarberg touched on his relationship with Nebraska volleyball star Harper Murray. He shared a story about his mom going with Murray to a football game. The pair could hardly make it down the aisle because so many people wanted a photo with the All-American outside hitter.

“She’s a great person for me. We have a phenomenal relationship,” Haarberg said. “She helps me a lot and I hope I help her a lot.”