Huskers’ Running Backs Working on the Details
Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule has spoken highly of the Huskers' stable of running backs, but position coach E.J. Barthel isn't ready to hop aboard the hype train just yet.
"I know we have some guys with some playing experience, but I think we're still really in the development phase right now," Barthel said after Tuesday's practice, the Huskers' eighth of spring ball. "...We are going to dissect the whole process with these guys. It starts with eye development, understanding the run game, understanding the blocking schemes and being really detailed."
"The reality is, mentally, I wouldn't say they are all experienced running backs as far as playing full seasons. Ajay (Allen) played a little bit last year, Gabe (Ervin) coming back from an injury, Rahmir (Johnson) did not see a lot of action last year, AG (Anthony Grant), that is really the first time in his career that he got that many reps and that many carries. ... I am treating them as if they are young players. We are starting from the bottom and building a foundation. That is the key. I want to make sure we get through spring and head into camp with a great foundation."
A portion of Tuesday's practice was open to the media. Also speaking afterward were special teams coordinator Ed Foley, punter Brian Buschini, placekicker Timmy Bleekrode and linebacker Jimari Butler.
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Practice
- Herbie's Hangout | Practice Observations (Offense)
- Hail Varsity* | Special Teams, More Detailed Drill Work and Other Observations from Husker Practice
- Omaha World-Herald* | Camp chatter: Sights and sounds from Nebraska football's practice
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Scenes from Nebraska football practice
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Quick hits: The standouts from open practice
- HuskerOnline* | Tuesday spring practice observations
- Photos | HOL, H247, HV,* OWH*
Presser
- Husker247 | Barthel on his developing running backs and 'dominant contact' being a theme
- Husker247 | Quick Hits: Ed Foley sees improvement in specialists this spring
- Husker247 | Sporting No. 18 in tribute to Berringer, Buschini impressing Husker staff with precision – and toughness
- Husker247 | Bleekrode focusing on details with coming competition on the horizon
- Husker247 | Jimari Butler happy to have stayed with Nebraska
- KLKN | Husker assistant Ed Foley says competition will push special teams to be better
- Nebraska Athletics | Barthel Casts Vision for NU Running Backs
- Omaha World-Herald* | Brian Buschini changes to No. 18 jersey in honor of Brook Berringer
- Omaha World-Herald* | Specialists Brian Buschini and Timmy Bleekrode are embracing the 'NFL mindset'
- Omaha World-Herald* | Husker notes: How Nebraska is handling kickoffs; running backs are developing
- Lincoln Journal Star* | How Matt Rhule convinced Jimari Butler to stay at Nebraska as a 'Jack' linebacker
- Hail Varsity* | Coaches E.J. Barthel, Ed Foley Stress Details During Spring Practices
- Hail Varsity* | Fully Healed, Brian Buschini Is Hopeful to Meet Brook Berringer's No. 18 Standard
- Hail Varsity* | After Brief Portal Stint, Jimari Butler Happy to Still be a Husker
- HuskerOnline* | Tuesday nuggets: Barthel talks Nebraska running backs, Foley gives latest on special teams
- HuskerOnline* | Practice cliffs: Timmy Bleekrode ready for more competition at place-kicker, while Brian Buschini puts stranglehold on punter job
- HuskerOnline* | With eyes on the NFL, punter Brian Buschini determined to prove he's not a "glorified soccer player"
