The Husker Heisman Huddle: Talking Running Backs with Mike Rozier

Spring Practice Episode 2: Who better to weigh in on the Husker run game than the greatest ground gainer in program history?

With spring practice in full swing, this past weekend was one of significance for the Husker program. Not only did the team host several high-profile recruits for the 2024 class, including quarterback Dylan Raiola, but coach Matt Rhule also welcomed many former players, including the Husker Heisman Huddle’s own Eric Crouch and Johnny Rodgers, to the facility to watch practice. Instilling a family culture has been a huge emphasis for Rhule and by including the formers players in this recruiting weekend, it shows that culture extends not just to the current team, but to the wider Husker family as well. Did the recruits feel the love? Only time will tell.

Running back room preview

The running back room features a good balance of veteran experience and young talent, many of whom have played significant roles for the Huskers in years past. Anthony Grant returns as the leading rusher from the 2022 season, yet served a suspension for academic reasons to start spring ball. Gabe Ervin has been the player making headlines this off-season, drawing praise from Rhule for his leadership and speed. Though serving in more of a support role in 2022, Ervin was the first freshman running back to ever start a season for Nebraska in 2021 and was off to a strong start before a knee injury ended his season prematurely. Ervin claims to be 100% healthy this spring after using last season to work back from the injury, so look for him to be bright spot in this running back room in 2023. 

Rahmir Johnson led the Huskers in rushing in 2021 and also had a significant receiving role before moving to wide receiver in 2022. Now back in the running back room, Rahmir Johnson brings a veteran presence as well as a strong receiving ability and detailed pass protection. Ajay Allen carved out a role as a freshman alongside Anthony Grant last season and was averaging 5.8 yards a carry before a season-ending injury in the Oklahoma game led to a redshirt. Emmett Johnson is a bit of a mystery since he has never lined up in the backfield for Nebraska and a took a redshirt last year. That being said, he brings a ton of upside as a standout prospect from Minnesota and was honored as the top high school player in the state.

Hopefully these running backs can bring the Husker run game back to greatness. And who better to weigh in on the Husker run game than the greatest running back in Nebraska football history. Husker legend and Heisman winner Mike Rozier joins the Husker Heisman Huddle podcast this week to discuss what made Nebraska’s run game great and where the run game is headed in the future. Tune in to the Husker Heisman Huddle every Tuesday and be sure to like and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app! (Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts)