Thoughts on Nebraska football depth chart for UTEP

Nebraska football fans were hoping to find out who the starting running back was going to be, and while Emmett Johnson’s name is listed atop the depth chart, there is or next to the names of Rahmir Johnson, Dante Dowdell, and Gabe Ervin too.

Nebraska's Week 1 depth chart is out. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/JApIcCPzap

— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 26, 2024

That feels me that the Nebraska football coaching staff feels good about all four running backs. I’ve been saying that the Huskers will use a running-back-by-committee approach and this reflects that.

Nebraska will probably ride the hot hand at times and I expect all four guys to get their opportunities. Dowdell and Ervin are both bigger backs. Rahmir Johnson could have a role as a third-down back and Johnson is probably the best in all areas.

There isn’t a superstar there, but there is quality depth and I believe the Huskers will run the ball more on Saturday against UTEP than some fans might want or expect.

Nebraska football still has kicker uncertainty

We still don’t know who will kick. Tristan Alvano is listed at the top of the depth chart but there is an or next to his name too as John Hohl is also listed as a starting kicker and kickoff specialist, sharing that job right now with punter Brian Buschini. Rhule said he’ll make a decision on the kicker later this week.

Oct 21, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Brian Buschini (18) during the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Ideally, Alvano would place kick, Hohl would handle kickoff duties, and Buschini punts, which could be how it plays out once Alvano is healthy.

If he’s 100 percent, I’d expect him to be the starting placekicker on Saturday.

Some interesting things in the secondary

Carter Nelson made the two-deep at wide receiver but that’s not a big shock. However, Blye Hill was listed on the depth chart and Matt Rhule that he’s available but that Hill is dealing with a hamstring injury.

The fact that Hill is on the two-deep is a huge positive. Ceyair Wright is another guy on the depth chart, although Jeremiah Charles isn’t.

Freshman cornerback Amare Sanders had a solid fall camp and he’s also listed as a reserve cornerback so you’ve got Tommi Hill, Marques Buford, Wright, Blye Hill, and Sanders are going to be the top five cornerbacks.

Junior Derek Branch, a walk-on junior safety, is also listed as second on the depth chart at safety behind Malcolm Hartzog. The depth chart is fluid but that’s one name I haven’t heard much.

Thin on tackle depth

Former walk-on Grant Seagren is the backup at left tackle. Matt Rhule said Gunnar Gottula was also a question mark for Saturday’s game against UTEP, meaning Turner Corcoran needs to hold up.

Nebraska football needs Corcoran available for every game this season, as much as possible. If that means a pitch count in practice or what have you, the priority needs to be keeping Turner on the field, because he’s the best blind-side protector the Huskers have right now.

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