As Nebraska moves closer to the start of the 2023 season, the depth chart is starting to become clearer. On Saturday, head coach Matt Rhule met with the media to discuss several aspects of the depth chart.
One of the more interesting storylines was when the head coach announced Gabe Ervin as Nebraska’s No. 1 running back.
“I think we feel like Gabe is clearly the No. 1 guy. Rahmir (Johnson is) clearly the third down back and still a runner.”
Last season, Ervin was hampered by injuries. He compiled 20 carries for 94 yards.
In his two collegiate seasons, he has 57 attempts for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Rhule said he’s been impressed by Ervin since Day 1.
“I didn’t see him before, but from the day I got here I was like, ‘wow, that’s what it’s supposed to look like.’ He’s big, he’s powerful. He can run behind his pads, he can run anything you want to run. He’s good in protection.
Last year’s leading rusher, Anthony Grant, has been impressive in camp but has struggled to hang on to the football.
“When the ball is in his hands, Anthony is elite running the football. Anthony has put the ball on the ground too much. No matter how talented you are, if you fumble the football, you can’t play for us. We’re going to continue to work with AG. He’s had a good camp up until the last couple of days when he’s sort of turned the ball over.
Nebraska is looking for its first 1,000-yard season since Devin Ozigbo did it back in 2018.