Nebraska-Kearney head football coach Darrell Morris announced 26 high school seniors and one transfer who will play for the Lopers this fall. More will be added to the roster in the coming months.

17 Nebraska natives, six Coloradoans and one player each from California, Florida, Kansas and Nevada round out the class.

The group breaks down to eight offensive linemen, four defensive backs and four linebackers, three defensive ends and three quarterbacks, two athletes, a kicker, running back and wide receiver.

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Jake Spitzlberger

Former Nebraska-Kearney quarterback Jake Spitzlberger is now a member of the professional Schwabisch Hall (Germany) Unicorns. After graduating from UNK in December with a degree in Industrial Distribution, and being a four-year starter for the Lopers, Spitzlberger will head to Europe in early March in preparation of the Unicorns season.

“I’m excited. I can’t wait. I’ve never been to Europe and I’m looking forward to it,” Spitzlberger told the Kearney Hub, who leaves for Germany on March 23. “I know they’re the Unicorns, so it should be a magical place.

The Nebraska-Kearney football team finished the 2011 season ranked 10th in NCAA Division II coaches national poll. The Lopers (10-2) were ranked fourth prior to the playoffs starting losing to eventual national runner up Wayne State (MI) in the second round

PIittsburg State (KS) is No. 1 after beating Wayne, 35-24, in Saturday’s national title game in Florence, Ala. Other MIAA teams in the poll include NW Missouri State (5th), Washburn (11th) and Missouri Western State (18th).