Nebraska eyes committee approach at running back: 'It's going to take more than just one'

Omaha World-Herald 7 hrs ago
Feature running back for Nebraska? Barring the emergence of a generational talent, the Huskers are planning to take a committee approach this season.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said Thursday the staff knows the top quality it’s seeking in a top-end rusher — dependability. As a runner, in pass protection, in health and everything else a back is asked to do.
“I think it’s going to take more than just one,” Satterfield said. “It’s going to take two or three, especially in this league and the way these guys play defense. It’s going to be a long year for a running back as much as we’re going to run it.”
Is a group approach the preference for Nebraska?
“The preference is to have Bo Jackson,” Satterfield said. “But there isn’t a lot of Bo Jacksons that are out there. We have a room full of really talented guys that do a lot of different things. We don’t want to be one of those teams that have five running backs that get two carries a game. We want some guys that have a role in the offense, but it’s going to take more than just one this year for us to be successful.”
Among the contenders, Rahmir Johnson and Gabe Ervin both spoke Thursday and will be in the mix with the likes of Anthony Grant, Emmett Johnson and others. Ervin said he wants “to be the guy” but understands that a wave of fresh legs that include himself and his teammates could be awfully effective as the Big Ten grind sets in.
Other Thursday notes
* Nebraska shifted from a split workout — where 60 players went through drills, followed by 60 less experienced participants — to a full-team setting Thursday morning. Satterfield declined to say whether the team was done with split sessions this month but added that some players logged nearly 100 reps through four practices when freshmen at other schools might not get 50 the entire camp.
“That may not be pretty ball all the time, but it’s guys out there getting to compete, and they’re getting better with every single rep,” Satterfield said. “In the long run, it’s going to help us.”
* Freshman receivers have flashed high-end speed, the coordinator said. The group includes accomplished sprinters Malachi Coleman, Jaidyn Doss, Jaylen Lloyd and Brice Turner. Satterfield said anyone could contribute as a first-year player, though his history in football says only a handful will.
“If those guys can learn what to do and play and match the physical elements that they need, then we’ll put them in,” Satterfield said. “We don’t care how old they are as long as they produce.”
* Fullback Barret Liebentritt has impressed early in camp, players and coaches agreed. The Notre Dame transfer and Omaha Skutt graduate will be part of a position group that can power between the tackles or operate as a tight end.
“Just a smart, mature kid,” Satterfield said. “He’s played a lot of college football at a really good place, and he’s been coached very well. He’s got a high football IQ, he can do multiple things and he’s been good so far.”