Nebraska Football working with Anthony Grant on these skills

There is little doubt that Nebraska football running back Anthony Grant had a successful season in 2022. He carried the ball 218 times for 915 yards and six rushing touchdowns. He was able to garner honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors. Nevertheless, running backs coach E.J. Barthel has been working with Grant on a particular skill that will help him get to the next level.

Grant has a unique combination of physicality and speed that allows him to become a multi-dimensional running back. Now, he is working on blocking and run schemes, according to Barthel.

Both of those things line up with what this Nebraska football offense wants to do. We have heard from offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield that he wants a physical offense. This will mean a lot of running the football, and being able to dominate your opponent at the line of scrimmage.

Blocking schemes will be important for Grant as this will be vital for pass protection as well. It’s also part of the game where as a running back, it’s helpful to be proficient in those areas, especially in the Big Ten. The conference has dominating defensive lines, and talented players on that side of football.

Grant in good hands for Nebraska Football

We know Grant can run the football. That was evident quite often last year. Now, it’s about becoming a well-rounded player. This is especially important if he is looking to get to the NFL. Being able to learn and know not only where the play is going but how it develops is extremely important. It will just make him that much better of a running back.

Barthel elaborated on this as transcribed by Brian Christopherson of Husker247.

“The one thing that we’ve been working on this offseason is teaching him the blocking schemes and teaching him the run schemes,” Barthel said. “As a running back, Pop Warner to high school and maybe even into some colleges, you usually rely on your athleticism or you rely on your speed and your power … but at this level you can’t win every battle that way. You have to have a really good understanding of where the ball is trying to insert, what we’re trying to do, what we’re trying to accomplish and here’s where you should be using your natural God-given abilities. And here’s where you need to use timing and patience and vision.”

Barthel seems to have a good pulse on his running back room and what he wants to do. He knows how to get the most out of his players, and he knows what they need to do to become even better. Grant has the athleticism and natural talent to be successful. He can take over a game in a heartbeat. It’s good to see the coaching staff work with him on an even deeper level in a season where he is going to be utilized heavily. Having a well-rounded running back is never a bad thing.