Bergan standout to join NU as walk-on athlete
By Brett Ellis/Tribune Staff
Taylor Escamilla chose to follow his heart when making the decision on where to attend college.
The Fremont Bergan senior recently decided to join the Nebraska football program as a walk-on.
Escamilla had offers to play football from several smaller schools and also had a wrestling scholarship from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
In the end, though, his desire to play for the Big Red won out.
“Playing at Nebraska was something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a little kid,” Escamilla said. “I got the chance, so I’m going to take it.”
The 6-foot-1, 275-pound Escamilla was a standout for Bergan on the offensive and defensive lines, earning Class C-2 all-state honors as a senior.
He is expected to play defense at Nebraska, but also may work with the offensive line depending on injuries and other circumstances.
“They’re excited about the fact that he’s explosive, very physically strong, that he’s got a motor that won’t quit and that he plays with his heart,” Bergan coach Ron Beacom said.
Escamilla’s decision to play football in college was made more difficult when he began attracting attention for wrestling after winning the Class D 275-pound title as a junior.
This winter, Escamilla is unbeaten and the top-ranked heavyweight in Class D.
Football, though, won out in the end.
“It was the first sport I ever really loved doing,” Escamilla said. “Not to say I don’t like wrestling, but football has always been my main focus.”
Escamilla will be a redshirt during his first year at Nebraska, a move he believes will be beneficial.
“It gives me some time to get better,” Escamilla said. “With not doing any sports, it gives me time to lift weights and make sure I get my studies out of the way.”
