Matt Rhule raves about Nebraska's strength in running back room

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has had a lot of evaluating to do so far in his first few months leading the reboot of the Huskers program. One room where he has liked what he has seen, he told the media this week, is in the Nebraska running back room.

One of those running backs has sticked out more than the rest: rising sophomore running back Gabe Ervin Jr.

“I like our backs,” Rhule said. “Gabe Ervin’s probably been one of the stars of the offseason. He’s one of the fastest guys on the team at 221 pounds, 222 pounds. Je can hopefully be that battering ram to push games away….We’re always going to preach a fourth quarter shutout and fourth quarter shutouts are helped by the offense when you can have 75 yards rushing in the fourth quarter. Those are things that we believe in, and I think Gabe has had a sensational camp.”

Ervin has been a contributor on the field his first two years in college, rushing in 12 games over two seasons for 57 carries and 218 rushing yards.

Other running backs who Rhule highlighted include Ajay Allen, Emmett Johnson and Rahmir Johnson.

“Ajay’s got a ton of talent,” Rhule said. “Ajay obviously played a little bit then got hurt last year. I’m excited to see what he can do. Rahmir Johnson, when I go back and watch the tape over the last two years, he’s a guy that consistently flashed to me. He’s healthy. He’s doing a really nice job. Emmett’s had a really good spring.”

Emmett Johnson has not yet played a down yet of college football after redshirting this past season.

One player who Rhule talked about in the Nebraska running back room — but not about his on-field play — was Anthony Grant.

Grant was by far the team’s leading rusher last season, carrying the rock 218 times for 915 yards. Allen was second at 190 yards and Ervin in third with 94 yards.

“Anthony Grant’s not with us right now,” Rhule said. “I’ve suspended Anthony until such time as I feel like he’s ready to rejoin the team. Working on just academics and just general things with him. Nothing bad other than just sort of our standards as a program. So Anthony’s not practicing with us today and that’ll be day by day. Good kid. Just have to get him going in the right direction.”