Jacquez Yant could be sneaky good in crowded running back room

Dec 12, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Scott Frost looks to the video board as a tribute to the teamÕs seniors is played before a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Scott Frost looks to the video board as a tribute to the teamÕs seniors is played before a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports /
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When you talk about the Nebraska football running back room, there are certainly a lot of names in it. As a result, some names could get lost. Not because they are not talented, but more so because there is just so much depth within it.

One of the names in the room that is kind of flying under the radar a bit is Jacquez Yant. He came into the program as a walk-on running back. Now, he is trying to make a name for himself. So far, it sounds like he is doing exactly what he needs to do. He has caught the eye of the coaches, and that he could be a key thing for him, especially when fall camp rolls around.

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As I wrote about last summer, he is speedy and has that type of breakaway speed that will make him an instant threat. His vision and the way he hits holes should provide another dangerous element to the Nebraska football running game. The running back position and the room itself is filled with talent, and I have no hesitations about saying that he is extremely talented in his own right.

Travis Fisher talked to the media on Monday, and he was able to talk a little bit about what Yant brought to the table as it relates to this year. As he noted, it is extremely noticeable when the running back is on the field. This is something that I found interesting. Usually, walk-on’s have a difficult time making an impact. It seems like that is not the case with Yant here.

"Fisher helped get running back Jacquez Yant to walk on to Nebraska. Yant went to the same high school in Tallahassee that Fisher attended. The DBs coach said he thinks the running back is probably 245 pounds. “He’s a problem. He gives a lot of guys problems all the time. … When he’s in the game, you know he’s in the game.”"

It is certainly pretty telling when the defensive backs coach notices what type of an impact a running back makes. That to me tells a story of a running back who can make an impact right away, and one who is not afraid to work hard.

I’ll be interested to see where he falls in the running back room. He does not lack talent at all. It’s more about where he will fit into the equation this year. I could see him making more of an impact down the road as the room thins out a little bit. However, if he continues to impress right now, his time will definitely come sooner rather than later.