When it comes to the Nebraska football running backs room, it's Emmett Johnson and then everyone else. That's not a real surprise. With the departure of Dante Dowdell in the transfer portal, Johnson is the only back who had many carries in 2024. Running backs coach EJ Barthel is trying to shape the rest of the room into a crew that can get serious playing time in 2025, but so far, it's still very much a work in progress.
That was demonstrated during Tuesday's practice when the unit went through several drills. It was also shown because while Johnson also went through the drills, the focus was on guys like Mekhi Nelson, Isaiah Mozee, and to some degree, Kwinten Ives (who is nursing a hamstring injury).
Nebraska football RB update: Emmett Johnson leads drills as EJ Barthel raises the standard
“If both feet are in the air, you’re dead!" Barthel shouted as a Nebraska football back went through a drill that had him stepping over two football pads at full speed, going through a car-wash-style set of plastic talons designed to simulate contact and, at the end, fighting off a staff member's padded arm. Barthel had the back do the rep again.
While the drill was being run, many of the backs had to go back and do it again. Johnson appeared to be the only one who got it right the first time. That's good news for the starter. It's not good news for whoever will replace him when he needs a blow in a game.
When the group moved to pass pro, Johnson once again had some success going up against the Huskers' linebackers. The rest of the room had some shaky outings.
Barthel knows the backs that the Nebraska football team is trying out are all relatively inexperienced. When it comes to Isaiah Mozee, he's not just a true freshman but trying a new position this season. The running backs coach isn't cutting them any slack despite that. The Huskers hope that will pay off in the long run.