Ex-Nebraska football star gets NFL shot at new position
One of the more embarrassing episodes of the Scott Frost era can now officially be put to bed. Former Nebraska football quarterback Luke McCaffrey was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Of course, he wasn’t taken as a quarterback. These days he’s a very, very competent wide receiver.
McCaffrey was taken by the Washington Commanders as the last pick in the third round. And if his career at Rice is any indication, he could turn into quite the NFL wide receiver. After all, his family pedigree is impressive enough to convince anyone that he could at least be a competent NFL player, considering his brother is San Francisco 49ers runningback Christian McCaffrey and his father is former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey.
It ends what is a long and winding road from Luke McCaffrey’s days in college. They started with the Nebraska football team as a quarterback who then head coach Scott Frost once called “the future” of the program.
He played two seasons for the Nebraska football program. His play as a quarterback showed flashes, especially on the ground, but it was clear he didn’t have the arm of a Power 5 quarterback. And yet, according to the now-NFL wide receiver, Frost never asked him to change positions.
Former Nebraska football QB finds entry into the NFL at new position
McCaffrey eventually transferred to Louisville, hoping to keep his quarterback career going. It didn’t work there, and he then landed at Rice. And that’s where he found his path to a selection in the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He moved to wide receiver for the Owls and saw his career take off. He finished his career with 131 catches for 1,732 yards and 19 touchdowns. And now he’s got a real shot to get playing time with the Washington Commanders.
Meanwhile, the Nebraska football team has now seen two Scott Frost era players change schools and then get drafted. Wandale Robinson, who most believe also left because of misuse is forging quite the career with the New York Giants.