Can Nebraska running backs replace Ameer Abdullah?

Thanks to Ameer Abdullah’s greatness over the past few seasons, the current crop of Nebraska running backs haven’t started a game for the Cornhuskers in their collegiate careers. Abdullah surpassed 1000 yards for three straight years, and became a workhorse for the program in the final two seasons.

Although a couple of the Huskers’ ball carriers have played in meaningful games, none of them have the experience of becoming a go-to guy on the big stage. According to the Daily Nebraskan, the running back situation could get messy.

After the release of the depth chart, Terrell Newby was announced as the No.1 running back, but there’s not much separation between him and the No.5 guy on the depth chart. As offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf stated last week, “we’re going to play them all, the way it’s going right now.” Displaying a five running back rotation is not completely out of the question this season, but it could hurt continuity early on.

In his first two seasons with the Huskers, Newby provided solid support as Abdullah’s back up, but he rarely had those breathtaking moments. His longest run in a Nebraska uniform is 43 yards. Newby holds a career 4.9 rushing average on 121 carries, so he must be anxious to receive his first start against BYU. Based on all accounts, Newby should have plenty of depth behind him.

Imani Cross has to fight for playing at Nebraska

Imani Cross is the lone senior to make the depth chart at running back. As the biggest back on the roster, Cross has nice mix of speed and power. Earlier in the spring, cross struggled with the coaching transition, and maintaining his weight, but he’s been in the best shape of his career entering Week 1. He’s gained 1,184 yards in three years with the Huskers, and despite limited carries, Cross found the endzone 22 times in his career. As long as he continues to mesh with the new offense, Cross can be a factor in the system.

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The rest of the backs on the roster are unknown commodities. However, they maybe the most explosive players in the Huskers’ backfield. After a redshirt season in 2013, Taylor missed the entire 2014 season due to a leg injury. Taylor will have the opportunity to make an impact right away for the Huskers. If he’s capable of making big plays in the running game, Nebraska could find their next great back.

Mikale Wilbon will be an X-factor for the Huskers’ offense this season. Wilbon is great out of the backfield, so the screen game is in play when he’s on the field. With the ability to make quick cuts, and get vertical, Wilbon might turn heads from his first moment with the Huskers.

Devine Ozigbo is another back that has a great ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. However, his speed and ability come with powerful frame. Listed at 5’11” 225 lbs, Ozigbo looks like an NFL running back at 18 years old. However, he’s only a freshman looking for his first carry as a Nebraska Cornhusker.

At a certain point, one of these running backs will take the lead position, but the depth can become a strength for the Huskers as the season progresses. Still, it remains to be seen exactly how the offense will use these talented backs. In addition, the young guys have made their mark on special teams. Therefore, whether they receive one or 20 carries, Nebraska is looking for an instant impact.

Early in his Nebraska career, Abdullah was a mere backup, vying for his carries with Rex Burkhead leading the way. Could these young running backs possess the same type of greatness within?

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