Nebraska Football Fall Camp Preview: Running back

Matt Rhule’s first fall camp at Nebraska is right around the corner. The HuskerOnline team dives into what to expect from the Huskers with our position-by-position fall camp previews.

Nebraska’s running-back room is next in the series. The top of the food chain is evident, but who else will emerge from this deep unit?

Related: QB

What we know right now: The Huskers have depth again

Nebraska had six strong candidates for the backfield rotation at this time last year. While that group has dwindled to four, NU running backs coach EJ Barthel still has a proficient stable of talent to fall back on.

Of course, Anthony Grant is the returning alpha.

He led the team in rushing during the 2022 season and came 91 yards short of becoming Nebraska’s first 1,000-yard ball carrier since 2018 (Devine Ozigbo). Grant, who hails from Buford, Georgia, earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition for his efforts. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder’s 218 carries were the most by a Husker since 2014.

Gabe Ervin Jr. is another key name to watch. Injuries resurfaced midway through the year for the then-redshirt freshman, who was in the process of recovering from a season-ending knee injury. Ervin never gained momentum and finished with 94 rushing yards on just 29 snaps.

But, there’s a chance he’s starting to hit his stride. Ervin said this spring that, “I just feel like the old me,” and recent images of the sophomore in the weight room caused a buzz on social media. Plus, Ervin started for the top offense during the spring game.

Then there’s the wildcard in Rahmir Johnson. The do-it-all back’s speed and pass-catching ability are well known. He was a key playmaker for Nebraska during the 2021 campaign. Johnson’s disappearance last season was marked by an attempt to create a hybrid “wide back” position from the coaching staff. He went from 168 snaps to 23 in the course of a year. Getting Johnson back to his 2021 self would certainly be a boost.

Don’t forget about Emmett Johnson either. The redshirt freshman is coming off Mr. Football honors from the Minnesota Football Coaches Association during his senior year of high school. Incoming freshman Kwinten Ives could also emerge as a factor.

Biggest question: Can someone produce along with Anthony Grant?

Nebraska desperately needs someone to help Grant carry the load.

A quick look at the numbers tells the average fan all they need to know. Grant posted greater than 130 rushing yards three times in his first five games. Five of his six rushing touchdowns occurred in the season’s opening three games.

In the initial five weeks, Grant averaged 5.5 yards per carry and amassed 594 rushing yards. That came on his first 108 carries of the season.

Grant’s next 108 translated to 315 yards and one touchdown at a clip of 2.9 yards per tote. He tallied one 100-yard rushing performance after Week 5 while failing to reach 50 rushing yards five times in that stretch.

The wear and tear was obvious. Following Ajay Allen’s season-ending injury, Grant was handed the brunt of all running-back duties. Allen finished as the Huskers’ second leading rusher with 190 yards in four games.

Whether it happens by committee or an individual fills the role, Grant’s late-season statistical freefall proves Nebraska needs additional dependable options in the running game.

Projected Fall Camp Depth Chart

1. Gabe Ervin OR Anthony Grant
2. Rahmir Johnson
3. Emmett Johnson OR Kwinten Ives