Radio: Bryan Applewhite talks Nebraska's running backs and their "lunch pail attitude"
Nebraska running backs coach Bryan Applewhite was a guest on “Sports Nightly” on the Huskers Radio Network to discuss the progress, expectations and new faces in his room.
Nebraska announced Tuesday that positional coaches will not be made available to the media during the regular season. Assistant coaches will be available during fall camp and a full schedule of those dates and times can be found by On3 Nebraska members here.
“Sports Nightly” hosts Greg Sharpe and Jessica Coody confirmed that assistants would still appear on the Huskers Radio Network throughout the season.
Other “Sports Nightly” recaps:
Mark Whipple (OC/QB) | Mike Dawson (DL) | Mickey Joseph (WR) | Travis Fisher (DB) | Bill Busch (ST) |
Here is what Applewhite had to say:
On the transition to Nebraska
***Applewhite says that he “feels settled now that spring ball is over,” and that he is happy overall with how the spring ended.
He said his next big goal is to start fall camp in the same manner that his room ended the spring. As far as getting settled in Lincoln and Nebraska in general, Applewhite says he is established.
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On his expectation level
***Applewhite says that the running backs understand his expectations and that the culture in his room never changes.
“When our opponents turn on the film they need to see our standard, where our expectation is and what the culture is in the room,” he said. “They all are very aware of what I expect from them from a day in and day out process.”
On Rahmir Johnson
***Applewhite touted Rahmir Johnson’s versatility and vision. The assistant also said that Johnson learned to play with better pad level over the spring and said he was much more physical in pass protection than his size would suggest.
Applewhite also spoke at length regarding Johnson’s power as a receiving weapon. He described the running back’s hands as “unbelievable” and added that Johnson is very good in space which makes him great in the slot.
“I think he can be a weapon for us lining up in empty and maybe get a matchup with a linebacker one-on-one because he does a very very good job out in space with that wide receiver skillset,” Applewhite said.
Nebraska Football Fall Camp Preview: Running back
On leadership
***Applewhite said that he makes everyone a leader in his room at some point. He added that he has each member be in charge of something that they have to get done with the whole unit.
The coach wants his group comfortable being uncomfortable and holding people accountable.
On Jaquez Yant
***Applewhite said that Jaquez Yant has worked “extremely hard” to get into physical shape. He and Yant speak 3-4 times per week and talk about life, football and how Yant can get himself where he wants to be.
“He has a huge vision for himself, and I’m happy for that because he’s trying to work towards that and he’s doing a lot of things this summer so far to put himself in a better position to be a big factor for us the season,” Applewhite said.
Applewhite said that Yant is “one of the bigger running backs I’ve ever coached,” and that he is deceptively fast. Yant has improved in his lateral movement according to Applewhite and that ability is useful in both the run game and pass protection
On Gabe Ervin Jr.
***Applewhite described Gabe Ervin Jr. as eager and attentive. It’s something that jumped out to the coach right away during meetings. Applewhite said that Ervin Jr. has good attention to detail, asks great questions and understands the game of football. That has to translate to the field this fall.
“He’s someone I want to see early at fall camp to see where he is because I didn’t get a chance to work with him so I have no idea what he’s like,” Applewhite said. “I am excited to see him in fall camp and beyond to see him early and often.”
On Anthony Grant
***Applewhite said Anthony Grant has tremendous ability.
“He’s everything I thought he would be and he adds another dimension to the room,” the coach said. “He’s a very competitive young man, he wants to win and he’s an extremely hard worker.”
Applewhite also noted Grant’s deceptive strength and obvious speed. Grant also will have a role on special teams. That’s something that Applewhite wants for his room in general.
“We’re the best athletes on the field in my opinion and those athletes need to show up on special teams,” Applewhite said.
On freshmen Ajay Allen and Emmett Johnson
***Applewhite described Ajay Allen and Emmett Johnson as explosive, with good speed, natural instincts and toughness.
“The ceiling is high for both of them,” Applewhite said. “Watching them workout in the weight room, I’m pleased with their work ethic and I’m pleased with their work ethic on the field.”
The coach wants the freshmen to hit the ground running in the fall and be ready to respond, rather than react, on each play.
On walk-ons
***Applewhite said that he treats everyone the same in his room and that he is happy with the work that the walk-ons have put in.
“I didn’t know who was a walk on and who wasn’t when I first got here and it still really doesn’t matter to me because the best players are gonna play be put on the football field,” Applewhite said.
Cooper Jewett, Trevin Lubin, Isaiah Harris, Aiden Young, Matthew Schuster and Beau Psencik got mentions.
On the room in general
***Applewhite said that he feels that his room is trending in the right direction as a position group, but there is still a lot of work to be done. He is certainly happy with the work ethic and attitude across the position.
“It’s very rare when you come in and you have 12 or 13 kids that just work so hard because they love the game and if you can just get that you’re winning half the battle right there,” Applewhite said.
“They all have a lunch pail attitude,” he added. “They come in, they go to work, they get their work done. They do it as hard and as physical as they possibly can and they come back and they hit repeat the next day. You can’t ask for any more than that.”
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