Travis Vokolek does not know many of the players left on the Rutgers football roster, but the former Scarlet Knights tight end is still looking forward to his return to New Jersey.
On Friday night, Rutgers (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) will host Nebraska (2-3, 1-1 Big Ten) in what will be a return home of sorts for Vokolek.
A class of 2017 recruit, Vokolek played for Rutgers under former head coach Chris Ash. He seemed primed for a big role in the offense following a redshirt freshman season in 2018 where he had 16 catches for 184 yards with two touchdowns.
Instead, the Missouri native transferred out from Rutgers to the Big Ten West program and has now settled in with the Cornhuskers.
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So far this season, Vokolek has seven catches for 76 yards for Nebraska.
“It will be a fun trip back to New Jersey. It is something that I have been looking forward to for awhile. I know a couple of guys on the team. A lot of them are gone now that I was close with,” Vokolek told reporters this week.
“Either graduated or transferred out. I have been in touch with those guys that we are going to see Friday and talking a little trash with them. But I am looking forward to getting out there and the challenge with the game this Friday.”
Coming out of Kickapoo High School (Springfield, MO), Vokolek was a two-star recruit. He held Power Five offers from Minnesota and Rutgers.
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Vokolek is a big potential target for Nebraska if they can start to integrate him into the offense more effectively. The 6-foot-7, 260-pound tight end is built to be a red zone threat and a potential match-up nightmare for opposing defenses.
Nebraska interim head coach Mickey Joseph sees Vokolek’s impact on the offense and thinks it can and will grow.
“I think he will. Travis is a big part of this offense,” Joseph said.
“We look for him to catch balls, and he’s also a great run blocker. He knows pass protect also. He’s got a big role in this offense but I think we will see more of him.”
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