Running backs are pivotal when creating a successful run game especially when playing in a conference as tough as the Big Ten. This is one position that Nebraska has struggled with lately. Whether it is injuries, lack of production, or turnovers, Nebraska has not maintained a consistent run game as of late. However, with a great deal of depth and experience I believe this group has a lot of potential. Today, I want to discuss some of our running backs and talk about some key factors that it may take when determining who may get the starting job.
Emmett Johnson
Most of Johnson’s time on the field came in the second half of the season, last season due to injuries to our other backs. He played in 12 games, seeing more playing time in the second half of the season. He had 90 carries, 411 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and seven receptions for 46 yards. Johnson had a pretty good season with the second most yards among our running backs, only behind Anthony Grant. I feel that he will have a heavy workload this season, especially with Ervin and Johnson both coming back from season ending injuries. I predict that he will likely be one of our starters this year.
Emmett Johnson #21 during their annual Red White spring game at Memorial Stadium Field April 27th, 2024 in Lincoln, NE. Photo by Eric Francis
Rahmir Johnson
Rahmir Johnson is a returning veteran back who suffered a season ending shoulder injury against Northern Illinois in week three. Johnson also played in three games and started one. He totaled 12 carries for 65 yards. Johnson also had three catches for nine yards. He was especially effective in kickoff returns totaling 102 yards. His best return came in the opening game against Minnesota when he returned a kick for 63 yards. I believe that Johnson is a great player that has unfortunately been plagued with injuries throughout his career. However, with this being his senior season this is his chance to show how explosive and dynamic he can be, barring any injuries.
Nebraska Cornhusker Rahmir Johnson (14) running with the ball during football practice Friday, August 9, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo John S. Peterson.
Gabe Ervin Jr.
Unfortunately for Ervin, he like Rahmir got hurt early in the season last year, therefore did not get much playing time. Before dislocating his hip against Northern Illinois, Ervin played in three games starting two of them. He had a total of 38 carries for 196 yards and one touchdown. Although he will be returning from an injury, I believe that he has a lot of potential and could be a critical piece to Nebraska’s run game, barring any injuries.
Jeff Sims (7) quarterback of the Nebraska Cornhuskers hands the ball off to Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) running back of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during a college football game in Boulder, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo by John Peterson.
Dante Dowdell
Dowdell transferred from Oregon, where he had limited playing time. He played in six games and had 90 yards on 17 carries. Although he did not play much at Oregon, I believe that he has a good chance of being on the field quite a bit this season. With three years of playing time left, I think that Dowdell could be very beneficial to our run game.
Nebraska Dante Dowdell (23) runs with the ball during Nebraska football practice, Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Lincoln, Neb. Photo by John S. Peterson.
Overall, I think that we have a strong running backs room with a lot of depth and potential. We have both experience and new backs coming in this season which could really complement one another. Health is one concern that we have seen hurt this group in recent years, but if we can stay healthy, this group may be very successful and competitive this year.
Who do you think will emerge as this season’s starting backs?
