Huskers’ Depth Chart at Running Back Comes Into Focus

Gabe Ervin Jr. is ‘clearly the No. 1 guy,’ coach Matt Rhule says after Saturday’s practice

Joe Hudson | Aug 19, 2023

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Nebraska Cornhuskers

Gabe Ervin Jr. has unseated Anthony Grant as Nebraska's No. 1 guy at running back.

That was one of a slew of updates from head coach Matt Rhule after Saturday's scrimmage, the 18th practice of Nebraska football fall camp.

Rhule said Ervin is "clearly the No. 1 guy" and the versatile Rahmir Johnson is "clearly the third-down back and still a runner."

Grant, who rushed for more than 900 yards as the Huskers' starter in 2022, has been coughing up the ball too much lately, Rhule said. "We're going to continue to work with AG. ... Anthony knows, 'I've got to conquer that.' When he's right, he sees it as well as anybody. So we have a 1-2-3 punch."

On defense, Rhule said, true freshman Cameron Lenhardt is neck and neck with Blaise Gunnerson at defensive end. "They're both starters," Rhule said.

The offense's procedural mistakes of last week's scrimmage were not an issue Saturday, Rhule said, but the placekicking game struggled again. True freshman Tristan Alvano and Timmy Bleekrode continue battling for the No. 1 job.

Classes begin Monday, and a "mock game" is set for Thursday evening, one week before the Aug. 31 season opener at Minnesota.

Scroll down for lots more from Saturday's practice. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. Refresh this page for the latest additions. | HuskerMax discussion

Coverage

Husker247 | Wanna know Nebraska's backup quarterback? Well, that depends
Husker247 | Rhule gives rundown on Husker depth chart battles and more
Husker247 | Lenhardt continued momentum through fall camp for key role on Husker D-line
Husker247 | Rhule discusses the week's upcoming schedule, as camping soon turns to game prepping
Husker247 | Conversations about captains, single digits and Blackshirts – oh my
HuskerOnline | Lenhardt's rapid rise at Nebraska continues as season nears
On3 | Matt Rhule shares emphasis on mental health of Nebraska players
Inside Nebraska | DB Phalen Sanford put on scholarship
Nebraska Athletics | Football Fall Camp Video & report: Aug. 19
Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule: Gabe Ervin is Nebraska's starting running back; kicker competition ongoing
Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule gives injury updates on Prochazka, Johnson, Washington
Lincoln Journal Star* | Gabe Ervin's 'wow' factor leads to nod as Nebraska's starting running back
Omaha World-Herald* | Backup quarterback race continues
Omaha World-Herald* | Freshman Cam Lenhardt will be co-starter at defensive end, says Matt Rhule

Sights and sounds from scrimmage 3️⃣#GBR x #WhatsNExt! pic.twitter.com/sndKBXZjTZ
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) August 20, 2023

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Published Aug 19, 2023

JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.