Breaking down who gets the bulk of Nebraska’s assignments | 8/13/24
Nebraska Football should be a committee for running backs to begin the 2024 season. The Cornhuskers are entering their second year under coach Matt Rhule with a number of talented options in the backfield behind the quarterback who will ultimately be chosen.
Emmet Johnson ran for 411 yards and two touchdowns last season, making him the best running back in team history, but Nebraska can get some players back from injury. Gabe Ervin Jr. And Rahmir Johnson Their season was shortened a year ago, so both teams could only play three games each, but they are heading into the new year healthy.
Sean Callahan from Huskers Online entered the Andy Staples On3 There he said that he expects all three players to be involved from the start.
“It’s going to be a mix,” he said. “I think with Emmett Johnson and Rahmir Johnson it could be 55-45. Gabe Ervin Jr. could still come in as a heavyweight. They need Gabe Ervin Jr. to prove he’s healthy and resilient. He’s had several injuries. He’s a real top contender, a 220-pound, 230-pound back.
“Rahmir Johnson is a sixth-year senior who has played a lot of football. Then Emmett Johnson kind of took over last year when both of them got injured. So I think it’s going to be a combination of those three where in a good game there’s maybe 40 or more runs and those guys are going to share those runs.”
Rahmir Johnson is back for his sixth season of college football, all of which he spent at Nebraska. His best season was 2021, when he amassed 495 yards and four touchdowns while leading the backfield with 112 carries.
Johnson faded into the background as a transfer player the following season. Anthony Grantwho has since graduated, led the team with 915 rushing yards.
And then there’s Ervin, who came to Lincoln as a touted freshman out of Buford (GA) High School in 2021. He has played in 15 games since then after dealing with injuries both as a freshman and last season.
That was an unfortunate blow in 2023, as Ervin had already rushed for 196 yards and a touchdown, which was his personal best. He hopes to pick up where he left off and finally realize the potential he has shown several times throughout his career.
Nebraska is hoping to make its first bowl appearance since 2016, which would certainly mean a lot to Rahmir Johnson and Ervin given their long involvement with the program. The Huskers finished second in the Big Ten with 176.8 rushing yards per game in 2023 and should be back at the top with all their talent and experience.
