Dave Feit’s Greatest Huskers by the Numbers: 94 – Jared Crick and Patrick Kabongo

Dave Feit’s Greatest Huskers by the Numbers: 94 – Jared Crick and Patrick Kabongo

As the 2025 season draws near, Dave Feit continues his countdown by highlighting the best players to wear each jersey number for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This time, Feit focuses on the number 94, discussing standout defensive players Jared Crick and Patrick Kabongo.

Greatest Husker to wear 94: Jared Crick, Defensive Tackle, 2007 – 2011

Jared Crick is the clear choice for the best Husker to wear the number 94. As one of Nebraska’s most notable defensive players in recent memory, Crick’s time on the defensive line left a significant mark. He was a key figure in the Nebraska defense, especially during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Crick’s breakout came alongside Ndamukong Suh, the legendary defensive tackle, during the 2009 season. While Suh garnered much of the attention, Crick thrived in his shadow. This was particularly evident in Nebraska’s 2009 game against Baylor, where Suh was consistently double-teamed, allowing Crick to dominate. He recorded an incredible 13 tackles (10 solo), including five sacks, setting a school record. Crick’s performance that day was a clear testament to his own talent, even if Suh’s presence allowed him to shine.

In 2010, Suh moved on to the NFL, and Crick stepped into the spotlight. Despite facing more double teams, Crick posted a stellar season, tallying 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He earned All-Big 12 honors and was named a second-team All-American. His performance solidified his place as one of Nebraska’s top defensive linemen.

After an impressive junior season, Crick faced a major decision: enter the NFL Draft, where he was projected to be a Day 1 pick, or return to Nebraska for his senior season and attempt to improve his draft stock. Crick opted to return, a decision that ultimately led to an unfortunate injury. During his senior season, Crick tore a pectoral muscle, causing him to miss the final seven games of the year. Despite the setback, Crick was still drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round, where he enjoyed a solid seven-year NFL career.

Crick’s legacy is one of loyalty and skill. His decision to return for his senior year was admirable, though it didn’t pay off as he had hoped. However, he will always be remembered as an excellent and athletic defender who held his own next to Suh and was integral to Nebraska’s defensive success during his time in Lincoln.

Honorable Mention: None

While several players wore the number 94 for Nebraska, none came close to matching Crick’s impact on the field. Other notable names include Damien Bauman, Dan Brock, Brian Brown, Barry Cryer, Khalil Davis, Patrick Kabongo, Avery Moss, Cade Mueller, Bump Novacek, Pat Smith, and Larry Townsend, but none reached the same level of prominence as Crick.

Dave’s Fave: Patrick Kabongo, Defensive Tackle, 1999 – 2003

While Jared Crick stands as the greatest to wear 94, Dave Feit also honors Patrick Kabongo, a player who may not have been a star on the field but was an indispensable presence on the sideline. Kabongo’s story is unique—he was born in Zaire and raised in Montreal, Canada, making him one of only seven Canadians to play for Nebraska. His passion for the program was unmatched, despite not being a regular starter or standout player.

Kabongo’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and he became one of Nebraska’s biggest cheerleaders. Though he spent much of his time on the sidelines, fans would often see him standing on the bench, waving a towel and encouraging the crowd to get into the game. At 6’6″ and 315 pounds, Kabongo’s size made him a formidable figure, and his enthusiasm added a unique dynamic to the Nebraska sideline.

Though Kabongo didn’t have the same on-field success as Crick, his contributions were felt in other ways. Kabongo’s career took him to the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he transitioned to the offensive line. He enjoyed a 10-year career in the CFL, earning All-Pro honors and playing on a Grey Cup-winning team. Kabongo’s time in Canada is a testament to his versatility and determination, as he carved out a successful career in a different football league.

Kabongo’s story is a reminder that success in football doesn’t always come from starting or starring on the field. His passion, energy, and commitment to his team were invaluable to Nebraska, and his career in the CFL is a great example of how Huskers can continue to make an impact beyond their time at Nebraska.

The CFL Connection

Kabongo is just one of many former Huskers who went on to play in the CFL. The league has been a strong destination for Nebraska players, with several alumni enjoying long and successful careers in Canada. Some of the most notable Huskers in the CFL include Barron Miles Sr., who was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Jermarcus “Yoshi” Hardrick, who has won multiple Grey Cups, and Dahrran Diedrick, who won three Grey Cups over his 10-year career.

Other notable Huskers to play in the CFL include Jerry Tagge, Turner Gill, Steve Taylor, Tommie Frazier, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers. Even Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers spent time with the Montreal Alouettes, while Diedrick became a key figure in the CFL. Recently, linebacker Eteva Mauga-Clements was selected as the top pick in the 2024 CFL global draft, further cementing Nebraska’s strong presence in the CFL.

Conclusion

Jared Crick and Patrick Kabongo both made their mark on Nebraska football, albeit in different ways. Crick’s stellar career, particularly alongside Ndamukong Suh, will be remembered as one of the best defensive line performances in school history. Kabongo, on the other hand, may not have been a star player, but his energy, enthusiasm, and eventual CFL success made him a beloved figure among Nebraska fans. Both players embody the spirit of Nebraska football, showcasing different forms of contribution to the team.