Spring Preview: Running back

We continue our spring position previews today by taking a look at Nebraska's running backs and fullbacks.

Previous updates: QB

Nebraska lost its top rusher from last season with the graduation of Terrell Newby, and also gone is its second-leading rusher in quarterback Tommy Armstrong.

But even though Newby (879) accounted for twice as many rushing yards as the top returning back, junior Devine Ozigbo (412), what the Huskers lack in proven production they might make up for in overall depth.

Along with Ozigbo, whose playing time went from starter to bench warmer then back to the No. 2 over the course of last season, Nebraska also brings back junior Mikale Wilbon and sophomore Tre Bryant.

Both Wilbon and Bryant showed flashes in limited chances in 2016, with Bryant rushing for 172 yards and two total touchdowns as a true freshman and Wilbon finishing with 123 yards of total offense.

We know that the Huskers' running back rotation will be made of up some combination of those three players, but what remains to be seen over the course of spring practice and fall came is what the depth chart will actually be.

With a fairly dramatic change going on at the quarterback position this offseason, it will be interesting to watch how the the running game will alter with the move from a dual-threat QB in Armstrong to a traditional pocket passer.

Not only did Armstrong run for 100 more yards than Ozigbo last season, he also led the team with eight rushing touchdowns. That was two more than Ozigbo (6), Bryant (1) and Wilbon (0) had combined.

So the question going forward is how the shift at quarterback will change the role of NU's running backs in the offense?

Obviously the backs will have to handle a much bigger portion of the running game, but they could also see a larger role in the passing game - particularly on screen passes - which could really change the dynamic of the position and help determine how playing time might shake out.

As mentioned above, Nebraska's running backs could see a lot more action as receivers with the change at quarterback, and that might benefit Wilbon as much as anyone.

Mike Riley and Danny Langsdorf have mentioned multiple times how they want to make screen passes a bigger part of their offensive game plan, but Armstrong's inability to consistently execute those severely diminished the plays in NU's scheme.

One of Wilbon's biggest strengths is his ability to make big plays with the ball in his hands in the open field. What better way to utilize that then by getting him touches in the screen game?

RUNNING BACK

1. Devine Ozigbo, Jr.

-OR-

Tre Bryant, So.

3. Mikale Wilbon, Jr.

Other noteables: Adam Taylor, Sr.; Wyatt Mazour, So.; Austin Rose, Jr.

FULLBACK

1. Luke McNitt, Sr.

2. Harrison Jordan, Sr.