Nebraska Fall Camp Preview for 2024: Running back
Head Coach Matt Rhule is entering his second fall camp as Nebraska’s leader. Each position group has changed, whether it’s slightly or dramatically. The HuskerOnline team looks at what to expect from the Huskers with our position-by-position fall camp previews.
Next up in our annual Nebraska fall camp preview are the running backs, a group with starting experience but needs to stay healthy.
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What we know right now: RBs have lots of potential but need results
Nebraska hasn’t had a running back surpass 1,000 rushing yards since Devine Ozigbo earned 1,082 yards in 2018. The Huskers’ top two backs didn’t break 1,000 combined rushing yards in 2023. They desperately need a reliable, explosive, and speedy RB to bolster this offense.
The Huskers have three backs with starting Division I experience, but none have rushed more than 500 yards in a single season. Rahmir Johnson rushed for 492 yards in 2021, but injuries have limited his last two seasons.
After Johnson and Gabe Ervin Jr. suffered season-ending injuries in the third game, Emmett Johnson stepped up. As a redshirt freshman, he rushed for 411 yards on 89 carries. He is anticipated to start NU’s first game with Rahmir and Ervin returning from injuries.
Nebraska also added Oregon transfer running back Dante Dowdell. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound sophomore played in six games for the Ducks in 2023. He has very limited experience but high potential.
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All four of these backs have shown flashes, but NU needs them to step up and dominate the running game. The Huskers need a back to lead them in rushing, unlike in 2023, when QB Heinrich Haarberg was the leader.
Key stats and numbers from 2023:
| Player | 2023 Snap Count |
| Anthony Grant* | 252 |
| Emmett Johnson | 294 |
| Gabe Ervin Jr. | 92 |
| Joshua Fleeks* | 65 |
| Rahmir Johnson | 60 |
| Player | Carries-Yards-YPC | Catches-Yards | TDs | +10 Yard Runs | YAC |
| Anthony Grant* | 104-401-3.9 | 4-13 | 3 rush | 11 | 258 |
| Emmett Johnson | 89-411-4.6 | 7-46 | 2 rush | 11 | 256 |
| Gabe Ervin Jr. | 37-199-5.4 | 2-20 | 1 rush | 7 | 143 |
| Joshua Fleeks* | 16-136-8.5 | 8-69 | 1 rush | 3 | 32 |
| Rahmir Johnson | 12-65-5.4 | 3-9 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
Biggest Question: Can they stay healthy? If not, how’s the depth?
NU’s 2024 roster has three backs with solid experience, but two are coming back from a season-ending injury. Rahmir Johnson (shoulder) and Ervin Jr. (hip) both suffered a season-ending injury against Northern Illinois last season.
The physicality and demand of Big Ten football lead to running backs missing a game or two most seasons. However, the Huskers had to fight past two season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2022 (Ervin and Ajay Allen, who transferred to Miami).
If/when the group suffers an injury, their depth quality could suffer depending on the player. If two backs are out, NU’s depth is questionable, to put it nicely. Senior Maurice Mazzccua had a 14-yard run during the Red-White Spring game and will likely find his way on the field this season.
If NU’s top three backs stay healthy, they could be a very strong trio.
Projected Fall Camp Running Back Depth Chart:
Top Group:
- Emmett Johnson OR Gabe Ervin Jr.
- Rahmir Johnson
- Dante Dowdell
Names to watch:
Maurice Mazzccua
Kwinten Ives
