Nebraska Football: a look at the running back position for 2018

Nebraska Football has a tradition of running tough and often, but struggled on the ground in 2017. How will the position look going forward?

The running back situation was rather dramatic for Nebraska Football in 2017. The spot was wide open going into August. Then sophomore Tre Bryant won out the position battle. Bryant looked to have been the right man after racking up 299 yards over 1.5 games.

That came to an end in week two when Bryant went down with a knee injury. The two then juniors Devine Ozigbo and Mikale Wilbon took over with the one two punch rotation. Well, punch is a strong word. The duo had their moments but they never were able to find a rhythm. Freshman Jaylin Bradley provided a spark a couple of times when needed. Ozigbo, who was 3rd on the depth chart in game one, ended the season as Nebraska Football’s leading rusher with 493 yards.

Yeah. Drama.

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2018 may have a lot of the same ingredients, but it will most definitely have some new flavor. The running back room has become dense. All four running backs from last season return. Add two-time JUCO All-American Greg Bell and Under Armor All-American game MVP Maurice Washington to the mix. Every name on the roster has a legitimate chance of seeing the field in 2018. Needless to say, Nebraska Football’s running back competition this Spring will be a good one.

Scott Frost was known for diversifying the run game during his time at UCF. In 2017, 15 different players on UCF’s roster carried the ball. It’s safe to assume Husker Nation will see a similar rotation in 2018. This means we’ll likely see all those in contention in the backfield at some point in the upcoming season.

But who will be the face(s) of the Nebraska Football running backs? If Bryant is healthy come September, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him reprise his starting role. Greg Bell is potentially an every down back. He rushed for 2,404 yards over his two seasons at Arizona Western. Ozigbo’s strength is, well, strength. He will likely be the go to hammer, so we certainly haven’t seen the last of him. I predict these three will be the top half of the depth chart in the order that I mentioned them.

The bottom half of the depth chart will be a bit of a toss-up between Wilbon, Bradley, and Washington. Wilbon and Bradley may have the advantage due to experience, but Washington will likely see playing time as a true freshman.

The bottom line is that it will be interesting to see how Frost will use all these running backs. And he will use them all. The starting spot is as wide open as ever, and every player, regardless of seniority, will get a fair shot. Next to quarterback, running back will be the most exciting position to watch through Nebraska Football’s spring practices.

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