Marcus Satterfield searching for dependability from starting running back

Running back has been a pivotal position throughout the history of Nebraska football, and the Cornhuskers will try and get back to that identity under new head coach Matt Rhule and new offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield.

At his recent press conference recapping the start of fall practice, Satterfield was asked specifically about the Huskers running back room and what the ideal running back looks like for his offense. Coach Satterfield doesn’t need to have a plethora of backs available, but he does want the guys who do play to be completely dependable.

“Being, you know, [dependable], knowing what to do, [dependable] past protection, [dependable] catching the ball, [dependable] route running, [dependable] hitting your landmarks — just a guy that we can depend on,” the Nebraska OC answered when asked for traits he’s looking for out of the RB room.

“Obviously, the physicality with which we play with, he needs to be able to, you know, be durable and get the ball downhill, run between the tackles,” he added.

Satterfield then discussed the need for multiple running backs to contribute, noting that most teams aren’t blessed with an athlete like Bo Jackson who can do it all on every down.

“And I think it’s going to take more than just one. It’s going to take two or three, especially in this league, the way these guys play defense. You know, it’s going to be — it’d be a long year for a running back as much as we’re going to run it.

“The preference is to have Bo Jackson, right? But you know, there’s not a lot of Bo Jacksons that, you know, are out there. So we’ve got, you know, a room full of really talented guys that do a lot of different things.”

While Nebraska does plan to deploy multiple running backs as part of their offense, Marcus Satterfield won’t get overzealous with how many guys ultimately earn big roles, because he doesn’t want to have just a committee of backs, but rather, a couple dependable stars.

“You know, we don’t want to be one of those teams that have five running backs who get two carries a game. We want some guys that have a role in our offense. But you know, it’s going to take more than just one this year for us to be successful.”

Fans can expect a few names to emerge as prominent contributors at running back this fall.