Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin provides first impression of Matt Rhule’s staff

Although it’s still early, Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin is a fan of what Matt Rhule is building in Lincoln. The Cornhuskers kicked off spring practice on Monday, giving Ervin his first opportunity to experience Rhule’s coaching style.

In a press conference following the opening practice, the running back praised the staff for being “detail-oriented,” hinting at a bright future for the program.

“This whole staff under Matt Rhule, they’re kind of detail-oriented,” he said. “They kind of remind me of my staff from high school. A lot of detail-oriented, focused on the details and willing to win. They’re really focused on building that winning culture and trying to find the details. Each and every day, trying to stack days to be the best team in the country.”

Rhule brings several years of coaching experience with him to Nebraska, including the past three seasons in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. He also has a track record of turning around college programs at Temple and Baylor. That’s certainly relevant as he takes over a Cornhuskers team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2016.

At Temple, Rhule took over in 2012 for an Owls team that went 4-7 the season prior. Although they finished just 2-10 in his inaugural season, they were bowl eligible by Year 2 and achieved 10 wins in each of the next two seasons. The same situation played out at Baylor, which was reeling following the Art Briles scandal when Rhule accepted the job. The Bears went 1-11 in Rhule’s first season but were bowl eligible the second year and went 11-3 in his final season.

As Matt Rhule attempts to bring the same type of transformation to Nebraska, Gabe Ervin will be a key piece in changing the culture in Year 1. Coming off of a season-ending injury the year prior, Ervin recorded 94 yards on 20 carries this past season. He’ll hope to take another step forward in his third season with the program.

Ervin will have plenty of competition in the backfield this season in the form of Anthony Grant and Ajay Allen. Grant led the Cornhuskers with 915 yards rushing and six touchdowns in 2022, while Allen is entering his second year as a former four-star recruit.

Nebraska is coming off of a 4-8 finish this past season, but there is plenty of optimism for the future under Rhule. The Huskers host their annual spring game on April 22.