Barthel says Nebraska's deep running back room is far from a finished product entering fall camp

Nebraska running backs coach E.J. Barthel opened his interview with the Huskers Radio Network on Tuesday night by praising how “tight-knit” his group had become this offseason.

One of the most noticeable signs of progress in that regard was how willing NU’s backs were to accept criticism – not just from their coaches but also from each other.

“The one thing is we learned how to lean on each other this spring,” Barthel said. “That’s been kind of a learning process.”

Based on offseason comments from Barthel, head coach Matt Rhule, and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, the Huskers feel good about their running back room.

However, the unit still has plenty of work to reach its lofty potential. In discussing players like Anthony Grant, Gabe Ervin Jr., and Rahmir Johnson, Barthel emphasized their respective mental growth just as much as the physical.

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Barthel wants Grant to match talent with efficiency in 2023

With Grant, Barthel said the sixth-year senior, who nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards last season, was obviously talented. The key for him now was mastering Nebraska’s new running and blocking schemes.

“AG’s a very talented back,” Barthel said. “The one thing that we’ve been working on this offseason is teaching him the blocking schemes and the run schemes. As a running back, through Pop Warner, high school, and even into some colleges, you usually rely on your athleticism.

“At this level, you can’t win every battle that way. You have to have a really good understanding of where the ball is trying to insert, what we’re trying to do, what we’re trying to accomplish, and here’s where you should be using your natural God-given abilities.”

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Ervin had to ‘grow up pretty quickly’ as a leader in RB room

Ervin is similar in that the desired size, speed, and skill were all there. Barthel and NU’s staff also want the third-year sophomore to become an established team leader both through his words and actions.

“At the end of spring, the one thing I wanted him to focus on was how to approach the day like a veteran,” Barthel said of Ervin. “He’s got some experience, but he had the (knee) injury and hasn’t seen the field consistently the last two seasons.

“So, he’s an older player but had to grow up pretty quickly this spring. Now he’s kind of turning into a leader this offseason… Not just a vocal leader, but by action.”

Johnson packs more of a punch than some might think

Then there is Johnson, who has long been praised for his versatility but was essentially a non-factor last season.

Barthel raved about the fifth-year junior’s speed and receiving ability. He also said the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Johnson was a much better inside runner than some might think. 

“Rahmir has a really good understanding of where the ball is supposed to insert and how to hit it and the timing and getting vertical inside,” Barthel said. “He’s actually powerful. You know, a smaller-type back, but he’s got some power to him behind his pads.”

The Weekly Rundown: Nebraska is two weeks from the start of Fall Camp

Nebraska’s backfield work will continue in an important fall camp

There will be a lot to shake out in Nebraska’s backfield when fall camp opens in a few weeks.

The good news is that NU’s running backs might have as high of a ceiling as any position on offense. One of the most important tasks this fall will be the veteran leaders helping their room meet those expectations.

“We’re excited to get in front of you guys and start running the ball,” Barthel said. 

Quick hits

***While Barthel focused most of his interview on Nebraska’s veteran running backs, he didn’t hold back praise for one of his up-and-coming players.

Redshirt freshman Emmett Johnson has come a long way in understanding the game and the preparation required to be his best. Barthel said he’s challenged Johnson to improve in one specific area at a time this offseason, and the long-term results have been undeniable.

“Emmett is a very competitive kid,” Barthel said. “He’s got good explosiveness and natural gifts, and he wants to go, go, go. I appreciate that about him, but he’s really become a mature kid over the last few months…

“He’s very coachable, and he responds very well. I think the sky is the limit for Emmett. His career will go as far as he wants it to go.”

***Nebraska officially added another young back to its room with the arrival of true freshman Kwinten Ives. It’s still early, but Barthel said the nearly 200-pound Ives had been everything the staff had hoped so far.

“It’s going to take him some time…” Barthel said, “but he’s a very impressive young man, for sure.”

***Add Barthel to the list of Nebraska coaches excited to see what Janiran Bonner can do in his unique new role. The former receiver played tight end, wideout, and fullback this spring and garnered plenty of attention with his versatility.

Barthel said what was most impressive about Bonner was his willingness to do whatever he could to help his team.

“All of the characteristics we’re looking for on the road recruiting, he is,” Barthel said.

***Barthel added that he’s been pleased with Nebraska’s walk-ons at running back and fullback. He specifically mentioned players like Trevin Luben, Trevor Ruth, and Barrett Liebentritt as guys that could see the field in some capacity this season.

Barthel said he didn’t view his room as scholarship players and walk-ons and that everyone was held to the same standard.

“Everyone is just a player,” he said, “and it’s important that guys understand that.”

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