With 16 days remaining until the Huskers kick off their 2018 college football season against the Akron Zips, Nebraska has yet to name their starting QB, RB and pretty much every starting position. However, we all have a pretty good idea about most of the starters.
The two biggest questions regarding game 1 starters for Nebraska is obvious: who will start at QB? Who will start at RB? The quarter back position seems to be a toss up at this point in time so I'll break down the top 5 options the Huskers have to assume the starting running back position.
It's never a problem when a plethora of capable I-backs are pursuing one starting job and that is definitely the case for Nebraska. Let's get it going...
5. Jaylin Bradley 6'0" 210 Sophomore
Ever since Bradley stepped foot on campus in Lincoln there has been a constant buzz surrounding his potential as a slightly under-sized but quick, and intelligent runner. Jaylin has only had 24 carries for 93 yards (3.9 avg) in his career at Nebraska but he also had to operate behind an embarrassing 2017 offensive line as well as the rest of the running backs. However, Bradley has shown flashes in games and practices that validate his potential but has yet to be in a position where he is "the guy" behind a capable offensive line. Bradley may get a few snaps this season to give the other guys a breather.
4. Tre Bryant 5'11" 200 Junior
Ranking Tre at #4 may come as a surprise to many due to the tremendous production he has already shown in games behind a bad offensive line in 2017. The only thing holding him back is the lingering knee injury he has dealt with since high school. From what I've heard, it sounds like Bryant will have a tough time overcoming that injury to take on a bell cow running back role but rather become a guy that gives the team 10 carries a game in situations where he's needed. Bryant is a very well-rounded back in terms of blocking, receiving, finding holes and hitting them hard to get vertical. Expect Tre to play a limited role with this team unless that knee feels 110%.
3. Devine Ozigbo 6'0" 235 Senior
Devine is the sole 'power back' of the group and it definitely shows when you see him or watch him play. He's quick for his size but lacks the top end/second gear speed that a guy like Roy Helu Jr. used to have, but that isn't necessarily expected out of him in this Scott Frost system. Devine needs to be the short yardage back that doesn't get the bulk of the carries, but when his number is called, he'll be well-rested and thirsty for contact ready to fight for a few yards when they're needed. It's critical to have a running back with this style of play to combine with speed backs like an Ameer Abdullah or Cory Ross in order to have a well-balanced rushing attack unless you have a guy that can do both and handle the load. Unfortunately, Nebraska lacks someone who has proven to be that kind of player so Devine and his physical style of running will be important to balance out the running back room.
2. Maurice Washington 6'1" 190 Freshman
You've heard about this guy already. Young, quick, elusive, 'home run hitter,' etc. Washington will be a special player for Nebraska in the near future when he's able to spend some time with Zach Duval in the weight room in order to bulk up for the physical Big Ten front lines of defense he'll be slamming into. Maurice is Nebraska's highest rated running back since Aaron Green in 2011 and Marlon Lucky before that which, along with various footage of him from fall camp, is why there is so much hype surrounding the young back from Stockton, California. In my estimation, Maurice will get a significant amount of snaps this season as a true freshman strictly because of the potential big play ability he'll bring to the table. Look for #28 to run wild behind the revitalized pipeline in 2018.
1. Greg Bell 6'0" 205 Junior
As the #1 rated JUCO running back prospect last year, Greg Bell arrives in Lincoln bringing collegiate experience at the position, the build, frame and agility required, as well as a humbleness about him that all point toward getting the first snap as the starting running back for the Huskers September 1st. Bell's style of running is very similar to Le'Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers considering patience at the line of scrimmage being something that both running backs utilize well. Greg Bell has the ability to run in between the tackles as well as possessing the speed necessary to make big plays in space on pitch plays, the option, etc. The biggest adjustment Bell will have to make jumping from the JUCO world to the Big Ten Conference is the heightened physicality and understanding the new, complex offensive scheme. If Bell can handle these two things, he has all of the tools to be an effective and productive starting back for the Huskers this season.
Cover Image by 247 Sports
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