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Nebraska Football: 10 Best Running Backs of All-Time

By Brandon Cavanaugh

Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska (28) runs past the tackle attempt of South squad defensive end Trey Flowers of Arkansas (86) in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska (28) runs past the tackle attempt of South squad defensive end Trey Flowers of Arkansas (86) in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Calvin Jones

Do you like a running back that can bust through a beefy offensive line, leave the opposition in the dust and knows how to celebrate when it was all said and done?

Well, it’s not legal to take off your helmet following an awesome run anymore, but if you answered “Yes” to all of those questions, Jones is your man.

Perhaps one of the finest models of consistency among Nebraska running backs and a 1989 USA Today High School All-American, Jones’ three years as a Husker were like clockwork. He started his freshman campaign with 900 yards and 14 touchdowns in 10 games.

As a hotshot quarterback named Tommie Frazier took his place under center in 1992, Jones busted through the 1,000-yard mark and tied his touchdown total from the previous year.

Finally, in 1993 before passing the torch to a seemingly endless line of quality Husker running backs, he would break the 1,000-yard barrier again and add 12 touchdowns to the scoreboard.

What’s even more impressive about his 1993 season totals is that he injured his knee in the first game of the season and sat out two contests as a result.

Quick with a stiff arm and never afraid to get in someone’s face, Jones was named a two-time consensus All-Big Eight selection and a Third-Team All-American by Football News during his junior year.

The first of two Omaha Central backs on this list (oops, may have given that second one away), Jones was selected in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders.

He was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 2004 and remains a fan favorite for those who sat in the stands or watched thanks to rabbit ears in the early 1990s.

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