Running Back by Committee Looking Likely for Huskers
The talk was upbeat but revelations were few as assistant coaches on offense spoke with reporters after Thursday's Nebraska football practice, the 18th of fall camp.
At running back, neither offensive coordinator Mark Whipple nor position coach Bryan Applewhite was ready to say who would be in for the first snaps nine days from now against Northwestern.
“It’s close,” Applewhite said. “I told them it comes down to who’s having the best week of practice, who has that look in their eye, who’s the one that’s ready to go out there and when we kick that ball off in Ireland is ready to go win for Nebraska.”
Applewhite said a two- or three-man rotation is possible to keep fresh legs in the game, although he also said he wouldn’t hesitate to stick with a guy who was proving difficult for the opposition to handle. Gabe Ervin, Anthony Grant, Jaquez Yant and Ajay Allen appear to be the top contenders, while Rahmir Johnson is set for a hybrid role. Johnson said he considers himself a “wide back,” where his receiving skills will also be put to good use.
Whipple also declined to name the starter at quarterback, saying that would be head coach Scott Frost’s call. Frost said earlier in camp that it was Casey Thompson’s job to lose.
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Coverage
Non-paywall
- Husker247 | "Wide back" label suits jack-of-all-trades Rahmir Johnson just fine
- Husker247 | Whipple deems it a successful camp for offense: 'It's important to them'
- Husker247 | Applewhite discusses running backs competition: 'Is it a lead back? Is it a lead two backs?'
- Husker247 | Mauga-Clements brings fun-loving personality but also a major drive for 2022 Huskers
- Husker247 | Mission statement has been clear from Raiola since arrival: 'Five guys playing as one'
- On3 | Whipple details Nebraska's depth at running back
- On3 | Whipple raves about Rahmir Johnson's versatility, previews 2022 role
- Nebraska Athletics | Whipple Speaks on Quarterback Progression
More sources
- Lincoln Journal Star* | What's a wideback? Explaining Rahmir Johnson's do-it-all role in the Husker offense this fall
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Pick City Va: Fun-loving Husker LB Mauga-Clements enters 2022 with something to prove
- Hail Varsity* | No Starting Quarterback or Running Back Named, Positions Still Up For Grabs for Huskers
- Hail Varsity* | Eteva Mauga-Clements Looking to Earn Playing Time at Linebacker
- Hail Varsity* | Corcoran Benefiting from His First Full-Length Fall Camp
- On3* | Thursday nuggets: Whipple gives the latest on Nebraska's offensive progress as camp closes
- On3* | Practice cliffs: No announcement on starting QB yet; a name for Rahmir Johnson's role; and consistency in the run game
- On3* | Nebraska running back competition heightens as season gets closer
- Omaha World-Herald* | Practice report: Running back competition remains close as Ireland game nears
- Omaha World-Herald* | Turner Corcoran talks move to left guard, preparing for Ireland and more
- Omaha World-Herald* | Mark Whipple feels good about playing three quarterbacks, five running backs
- Omaha World-Herald* | Eteva Mauga-Clements has been 'extremely impressive' during camp, but it didn't happen overnight
Video
Video recaps
- Hail Varsity | Sorensen & Keeler
- Omaha World-Herald | Watkins & Bland
- Inside Nebraska | Smith, Marik & Exstrom
- Lincoln Journal Star | Just & Mullin
