From Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI · · 2m
Luke Lindenmeyer's hidden stat
Nebraska's tight end tracks knockdowns instead of catches, a metric that reveals his true impact.
In brief
Nebraska's tight end tracks knockdowns instead of catches, a metric that reveals his true impact. Lindenmeyer measures his value through knockdowns and blocking rather than receiving stats, showing how players evaluate their own contributions beyond the box score. Originally reported by Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI.
Lindenmeyer's catches are down
The fifth-year tight end has just four catches for 38 yards through two games, down from 29 catches and 312 yards in 2025.
But he's tracking knockdowns
Lindenmeyer has 28 knockdowns on the season, a roughly 31% knockdown rate on any given play that he takes great pride in.
“"A lot," Lindenmeyer said Tuesday. "It's something that we've tracked ever since I've been here."”
A stat that goes unnoticed
Knockdowns are tracked by Nebraska's program but rarely make it onto official stat sheets or get public recognition.
“"It's just something that sometimes just goes unnoticed."”
Coach Brown keeps his own count
Tight ends coach Ron Brown tracks Lindenmeyer's knockdowns separately, and the two numbers don't always match.
Brown counts after-catch blocks
Coach Brown's knockdown total is sometimes higher because he includes blocks that happen after the catch is made.
“"I think he counts for after the catch, too, if you knock anybody down after the catch."”
Knockdowns lead to scores
Lindenmeyer has already created a scoring opportunity this season when his knockdown sprung a teammate loose for a touchdown.
Celebrating with the tight ends
When a teammate scores off his knockdown, Lindenmeyer runs to the sideline to celebrate with the other tight ends.
“"It's kind of a cool thing that we can all watch together."”
Screen game working early
Both of Lindenmeyer's catches against Ohio went for first downs, driven by strong blocking from Nebraska's linemen.
Fast linemen, good perimeter blocking
Nebraska's screen success comes from playmakers with the ball and linemen who get out quickly to block on the perimeter.
“"We just got playmakers with the ball, and then our linemen are fast."”
Colandrea commands the huddle
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea sets the tone with confidence and leadership that the offense trusts completely.
“"He's got a lot of juice. He commands the huddle."”
No panic after mistakes
Nebraska's offense stayed calm after an interception on the opening drive, a shift from how past Husker teams have reacted to early mistakes.
“"Nobody was worried at all, which, honestly, in years past, people would kind of freak out on the sideline."”
A different story emerges
Lindenmeyer's low catch total masks his real impact through knockdowns, first-down grabs, and the offense's steady confidence.
Here's the gist
Lindenmeyer measures his value through knockdowns and blocking rather than receiving stats, showing how players evaluate their own contributions beyond the box score.
