The field is alive with energy as senior Caden VerMaas, the first defensive back, and running back, holds the football with determination. Beside him, senior linebacker and tight end Pierce Mooberry wiped the sweat from his brow, focused and ready. The Mustangs are up against the scout team. At this moment, Mooberry realizes it wasn’t just another game or practice; it was a milestone in their journey, a testament to their unwavering friendship and dedication. They had always dreamed of competing at the collegiate level, and now, that dream was unfolding right before their eyes.
Both players have established themselves as key athletes, each bringing unique strengths to the field. VerMaas stands out for his versatility, excelling as both a quarterback and a first safety, while Mooberry has made a name for himself as a formidable linebacker.
Their hard work has earned them scholarships and admiration from their peers and coaches. As they prepare for the next chapter in their football careers, they remain committed to pushing each other and leading their team to success.
“Caden and I have been dreaming about playing [college] football together since elementary school, and that dream became a reality when we both started receiving offers,” Mooberry said.
Their paths to this moment were different yet interconnected. VerMaas’s decision to commit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln came after careful consideration of his options. He was drawn to the opportunity to play where he could continue to grow alongside familiar faces. He received his offer as a sophomore on October 3, 2022, and knowing it was the right fit for his future, he accepted.
“I picked UNL because of Coach Rhule and the relationships I’ve built with the coaching staff. Plus, I wanted to be close to home so my family can watch me play,” VerMaas said.
For him, playing alongside athletes he had grown up with was essential. Many of them were players he had known for years, creating a sense of camaraderie that felt like home.
“I know a lot of people starting. I grew up with them, I played with and against them, and they have developed into amazing players I wish to become one day,” VerMaas said.
Mooberry, on the other hand, took a different route. The summer before his senior year, he explored several schools, visiting Kansas State University, Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota, and ultimately Nebraska. After careful consideration, he chose the school that offered the best resources for his growth as an athlete and an individual.
“I chose UNL because of the coaching staff and also just the resources they have. They’ve got everything I need, and I trust in the coaches to develop me,” Mooberry said.
Despite their different journeys taking a separate path, VerMaas and Mooberry’s bond had only grown stronger. Their shared history of playing together since childhood had led them to this point. Now, as teammates at MN, they’ve toiled and trained together, constantly pushing each other to improve. Their friendship is built on years of trust and dedication and reaching this level felt like a realization of their combined efforts. Head football coach Allen Burrell had witnessed their growth firsthand and appreciated their hard work on and off the field. He witnessed their physical skills improve and their growth as they stepped into their leadership roles on the team.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen the maturity in both of them. Pierce is a very mature kid; he steps into the leadership role when the team needs it. Caden has been more of an example of how to accomplish your personal goals, and it has reflected on our team,” Burrell said.
Burrell praises both their talent and their dedication to training, which he believes would lead to their future success.
“The hard work they put in not only during the season but the off-season, perfecting their craft, putting in that extra time and work is leading to the opportunities they’re going to have in the future,” Burrell said.
Burrell recalled a pivotal moment in Mooberry’s development at the second game of the season at Cherry Creek.
“Pierce took that leap from being a top-level player to an elite-level player. In that game, he played against one of the top teams in the country, and he deployed a lot of great things on the field, like mental toughness, physical toughness, leadership, and accountability,” Burrell said.
Burrell emphasizes the importance of preparing the team for the demands of college sports on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. He knows that balancing academics and athletics at the college level requires discipline, which he’s been striving to model for the boys.
“You just try to get them used to the scheduling and the demands in college athletics because it’s basically a job, which is more than your average school day,” Burrell said.
With years of preparation behind them and Burrell’s unwavering support, VerMaas and Mooberry are taking a step forward in the next chapter of their lives at Memorial Stadium.