While the Nebraska football coaching staff won't say it's got a running back room problem, even with the injury to Kwinten Ives, it's clear the coaching staff is looking at being quite creative in how it uses the players - all the players - on its roster. That includes linebacker turned running back Vincent Genatone, who looks like he's carving out a niche for himself this camp.
Genatone has always been a freak athlete, racking up 136 tackles in his senior season at North Platte High while also winning the 220-pound Class A wrestling title and running a 10.5 100-meter dash. After transferring from Montana before the 2024 season, he spent the year as a special teams ace. He had a solo tackle in the game against Wisconsin that clinched a bowl bid for the Huskers.
Nebraska football running back room: Vincent Genatone’s has speed and short-yardage upside
During his Friday press conference, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule made it clear that Genatone is showing out in camp. He's imposing with his build and his speed. The 6-foot-0, 225-pounder hit 22.5 miles per hour in testing according to the Cornhuskers' head coach.
Rhule added that Genatone could definitely be the kind of battering ram with speed that Nebraska would use as a short-yardage and goal-line back. In the meantime, he'll continue to be a special teams guy for new coach Mike Ekeler. He will almost certainly be one of those guys who shows up in a big moment at some point this season.
It's still relatively early in camp, and things can shake out all kinds of different ways for the Nebraska football team. Genatone can still get lost in the shuffle. However, it's clear the coaching staff for now sees some ways he could make an impact in his second year at NU.