KEARNEY, Neb. — A former Kearney High standout and regular offensive contributor has left the Nebraska-Kearney football team.

A UNK spokesman confirmed this week that running back Miko Maessner left the team over the winter before spring practices started. 

Maessner would have been a redshirt junior and appeared poised to compete for a starting role. The 6-foot, 190-pound back ran for 511 yards and two touchdowns on 78 carries over two seasons with the Lopers. He battled injuries in 2022 and played in eight games as part of a rotating cast of four featured running backs. Known for his speed, Maessner also returned kicks.

Maessner did not respond to a request for comment and has not posted on social media to indicate he’s considering transferring.

The former Bearcat signed with Princeton University out of high school but never attended the school in person because it shut down during the pandemic.

Prior to college, Maessner garnered accolades in multiple sports at Kearney High. He was the 2019 Class A state champion in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and set season and career rushing records in football.

The Lopers completed spring practice with the annual spring game on Saturday.