Stoltenberg said he’s gained 20 pounds since his arrival, and a look at his tree-trunk arms confirms as much.
That’s not the only improvements he’s made, either.
“Mentally, I watch a lot more film, I understand plays a lot more than I did in high school, because you don’t really learn all that stuff in high school,” Stoltenberg said. “Technically, I’m a lot better, too. You don’t really learn too much about these types of techniques in high school.”
When first recruited, the previous coaching staff told Stoltenberg he could play offensive line, defensive line or tight end. Former coach Bo Pelini, the April before Stoltenberg arrived, said he wanted him on defense, and Stoltenberg began playing end.
“When we got the new staff, Coach Hughes told me he didn’t know, if I would play end or tackle, and toward the end of spring ball he told me tackle,” Stoltenberg said. “I kind of like tackle a little more now, just because that’s what I’m used to at the collegiate level. I’m fine where I’m at for sure.”
At 285, Stoltenberg feels it’s easier to anchor down on double teams and take on blocks. Plus, the weight gain didn’t come at the expense of his family’s grocery supply.
“I think my mom’s happy she’s not paying the bills to get me his heavy,” he said. “They can definitely tell when I go home I’ve been putting on weight.”
