Matt Rhule is confident in Nebraska football running backs: ‘We have guys we know can play’

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule met with the media on Tuesday to discuss spring practice, which started for the Huskers on Monday.

The head coach talked about a number of things, including the running back position which has been a question mark. Emmett Johnson entered the portal this offseason, only to return, and he’s going to be the starter for Nebraska football next season.

However, there are some questions about the depth behind him. Kwinten Ives and Mehki Nelson, the top candidates to back up Johnson, combined to carry the ball seven times last season for nine yards last season.

Ives did have a touchdown run in the bowl game against Boston College, but neither got an extended chance to play last season.

Rhule says that’s been the biggest issue because it’s not talent.

“The only reason Kwinten hasn’t had more production is that he hasn’t had the opportunity. He’s 210 pounds and can run.”

Rhule also complimented his receiving skills, which the head coach said will be critical for backs moving forward, in addition to running the ball and pass blocking.

Rhule confident in Nebraska football running backs

If Ives can prove he’s worthy of being RB2 for the Huskers, he should get plenty of opportunities this fall. Nebraska football needs a bigger back to complement Johnson, and Ives is that at 210 pounds.

Rhule said that Nelson (5-10, 185) is “dynamic.” He also praised Connor Booth, Jamarion Parker, who he said gained 15 pounds already (up to 190), and Kenneth Williams.

“We feel good about those guys,” Rhule said. “I don’t think that’s a position, at least right now, where we feel like, hey, we have to go out and do something here. We have guys we know can play.”

The head coach did say “the spring is a really important time” for those players, and surely, they need to show they have taken the next step in their development, because the Huskers will need 2-3 quality backs to make it through the Big Ten season.

They feel they have it already, but we’ll see if that feeling holds through the spring transfer window.

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