Nebraska Football: No Rush to Name Number One Running Back
By Matt Koeppe
The Nebraska football team is at the midway point of spring practices and competition is heating up at each position as players fight to earn their spot on the depth chart.
Recently, head coach Mike Riley stated that some separation has taken place at the running back spot.
However, Riley has decided to not name who has created that separation and who is taking the number one spot. Bold move. Smart move.
Riley’s reasoning behind his thinking is to keep competition fierce. I like the strategy behind the choice.
I do not think the Huskers need to leave spring naming a clear-cut number one. Coaches should keep the competition going into the fall.
You could argue that naming a leader would encourage others to work harder. The guy at the head of the pack would want to keep the lead, so he would push hard over the summer and fall to keep the top spot.
Those trailing would push even harder to take the No. 1 role away from him.
I disagree. There is a long time before the first kickoff. Players should be pushing to make themselves the best they can be no matter where they are listed on the current depth chart.
Look at it like this: if everyone thinks they have the same shot at being number one, then they will all be training to hold themselves to that standard.
The top spot is wide open. It is anyones for the taking.
You could also argue that having a clear-cut No. 1 is a benefit to the offensive line and quarterback.
The line gets used to the style of running and can adjust blocks a little to make better holes for him. The quarterback gets used to where the back likes the ball handed to him and how well he pass protects.
On the other hand, having a variety of backs at this point is probably more beneficial. Like I said, there is still a lot of time before the first game. The line can polish their skills by learning to adjust to no matter who is in the game.
After all, guys get tired or injuries happen and more than one back is used during a game anyway. Same goes for the quarterback. It is good for him to be able to adjust to different backs.
At some point, a leader will be named. No need to rush it. As of now, there has not even been any tackling in practice. Plenty of time left to evaluate and analyze.
Next: 10 Best Nebraska Running Backs of All-Time
For the sake of competition, I like the idea of not naming who has separated himself. Let the backs run plays with the top group and prepare like they are number one.
Let them wonder who has created the separation. Encourage them to keep fighting to create their own distance from the rest of the group.
Players need strong competition to help them improve. Let them compete.