Rautenberg Making Adjustments Going In To All-Star Game

By Logan Lawson
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Tyler Rautenberg will show his versatility Saturday as the Elkhorn Valley All-Star transitions from quarterback to slot receiver.

The recent graduate and four-year starter has spent the week preparing for Saturday's Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic and learning the new position. Rautenberg said he's enjoyed the change and has learned a lot from his new teammates.

"It's been good because another one of the guys that's at my position is from Norfolk and we are running their offense," he said. "Any question I have I just ask him and he knows the answer."

Transition isn't new to the Falcons' quarterback and middle linebacker. Rautenberg helped lead the team from six-man football to eight-man football in 2014, throwing for more than 500 yards, nearly rushing for 500 yards and recording 75 tackles as well.

​His senior season, he was the team's second-leading rusher from his quarterback spot with more than 750 rushing yards. Now he is adding even more accolades to his name as a Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football player.

It is easy to see the quickness on the field that Rautenberg used to put up his high numbers in his career. The coaches for the White Team noticed that quickness as well and decided to put that quickness to use in the game Saturday, transitioning him to slot receiver. He will use his speed and quickness to his advantage in match ups against the Red Team's linebackers and safeties in hopes of leaving his mark on the fourth annual game.

Colleges have seen the quickness Rautenberg plays with as well, and many let him know that is where they are seeing him at the next level. However, he decided to go in a different direction for school.

"I was considering playing college football and they told me that I was going to potentially be playing wide receiver," Rautenberg said. "But I actually decided to not play college football or anything. I'm just going to hang out and go to school."

Even though he is not planning to play in college, the Elkhorn Valley standout is still going to give it his all this summer in his last chance to show his skills. He will also be participating in the Sertoma All-Star Game next weekend in Hastings. This week, however, is spent on adjusting for Rautenberg. Not only does he need to continue his transition to slot receiver, he also needs to adjust to the pace of 11-man football. 

Rautenberg admitted that the speed of the game is different, but he enjoys the extra space on the field that 11-man football provides.

"It gives you more room to work," he said.

Rautenberg will get his chance to work the field Saturday as his White Team takes on the Red Team in the Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Game at Veteran's Memorial Park in Norfolk. Game time is set for 1 p.m. with pre-game ceremonies set for 12:30 p.m.