Grant and Ervin

[HominidHusker]

Grant named male juco athlete of the year.

Ervin says he’s back 100% with knee feeling stronger than before injury.

The RB competition will be good, particularly if Ervin comes back ready. And we got a little diversity in skillset in that room.

 

[Baxter48_rivals204143]

I was a little perplexed that the coaches had Gabe the number one back last year, myself didn’t see he was that good the playing time he did get he seemed tentative and no breakaway speed . But I could be wrong

 

[Dean Pope]

Grant certainly shapes up to be the front runner with Ervin and Ramir Johnson behind him. Ramir is a good football player but the other two are going to be stronger running between the tackles. I'm hoping that the days of playing musical chairs at the RB position are over.

 

[Yantzeee]

RJ is a top notch 3rd down back. The kid picks up blitz’s better than anyone on the roster and that’s not even up for debate. And he can catch out of the back field too and has good speed. That alone will keep him on the field

I don’t see where Gabe fits in to this rotation Grant has the home run threat and Yant has power.

what does Gabe bring that he does better at then any of the other 3 guys?

 

[HuskerMania257460]

RJ is a top notch 3rd down back. The kid picks up blitz’s better than anyone on the roster and that’s not even up for debate. And he can catch out of the back field too and has good speed. That alone will keep him on the field

I don’t see where Gabe fits in to this rotation Grant has the home run threat and Yant has power.

what does Gabe bring that he does better at then any of the other 3 guys?

Ervin has the best vision and is the smoothest runner out of the bunch IMO. He got thrust in too early because we were so thin, definitely would have benefitted needed a year of S&C prior to starting. That said I think he will be a good back by the time he leaves here.

Agree with you though that RJ remains our 3rd down back. Best speed, best in blitz pickup, but doesn’t see the holes as well.

I like Grant, think he will get the most carries this year. Yant and Ervin will rotate in. A lot of mouths to feed, and a lot of good but not great players as it stands right now. Hoping one can elevate their game this fall and become a star.

 

[oldjar07]

I was a little perplexed that the coaches had Gabe the number one back last year, myself didn’t see he was that good the playing time he did get he seemed tentative and no breakaway speed . But I could be wrong

Just another bone headed decision by the staff. I think Ervin has a bright future, but he clearly wasn't ready to be the starter. It's a good way to generate upper classmen resentment too playing a freshman who's not ready.

 

[otismotis08]

Yant-zee

 

[RedCap_rivals330392]

Grant named male juco athlete of the year.

Ervin says he’s back 100% with knee feeling stronger than before injury.

The RB competition will be good, particularly if Ervin comes back ready. And we got a little diversity in skillset in that room.

I hope this year is different and the RBs are successful. But I thought that was going to be the case last year as well and then during the season suddenly the RB depth chart collapsed.

 

[bama_husker]

Grant certainly shapes up to be the front runner with Ervin and Ramir Johnson behind him. Ramir is a good football player but the other two are going to be stronger running between the tackles. I'm hoping that the days of playing musical chairs at the RB position are over.

Don't know if true, but I heard that RJ would be more of a 3rd down/slot guy, while Ervin, Grant and Yant would be the full time guys at RB. If history is any indication, we will need all of them.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

It all depends on what the offense really looks like.

If Whipple has his way, we might not be running it all that often, so being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and being able to pickup a blitz, will be important.

I'm not a fan of RJ.. yes he is trustworthy, but he has no it factor. He has been given lots of opportunities, but hasn't ever really done anything with them. He's a safe player, but that isn't what we need.

I think Grant and Yant are your 1-2 punch.. (Yant had 6.3 ypc last year)

I'm sure RJ will play, but to me, he keeps another more explosive back on the sideline, so it's a net subtraction.

His stats are mediocre at best.

Ervin had a rough year as a freshman.. should probably redshirt.

Stepp has played 4 years and has abysmal numbers.. I figured they would have flushed him by now.

 

[king_kong_]

It all depends on what the offense really looks like.

If Whipple has his way, we might not be running it all that often, so being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and being able to pickup a blitz, will be important.

I'm not a fan of RJ.. yes he is trustworthy, but he has no it factor. He has been given lots of opportunities, but hasn't ever really done anything with them. He's a safe player, but that isn't what we need.

I think Grant and Yant are your 1-2 punch.. (Yant had 6.3 ypc last year)

I'm sure RJ will play, but to me, he keeps another more explosive back on the sideline, so it's a net subtraction.

His stats are mediocre at best.

Ervin had a rough year as a freshman.. should probably redshirt.

Stepp has played 4 years and has abysmal numbers.. I figured they would have flushed him by now.

I kind of agree and disagree re: RJ.

we've never seen him take one to the barn from deep, that is for sure. but, I really don't know that he's ever had a chance. it's not like he's getting caught from behind, and I think our former "quarterback" was piss poor both with reads (so much so he wasn't allowed to do it often, if ever, by the end of his tenure) and with ball handling. same as a pitcher tipping pitches, if AM was told to give it was obvious to the entire universe the second the ball was snapped.

RJ's had some good burst in big games and has proven to be pretty versatile. he's not a 15+ carry guy, but we could do worse than having him in the rotation.

would like to see some off-season photos of Yant in front of a whiteboard. I'm not sure he knows right from left.

Grant hopefully is coming in with blinders/earplugs on. would be a shame if our "offensive" "coaches" spoiled what look like terrific instincts with too much gobbledy gook.

 

[buckknowsall]

Grant named male juco athlete of the year.

Ervin says he’s back 100% with knee feeling stronger than before injury.

The RB competition will be good, particularly if Ervin comes back ready. And we got a little diversity in skillset in that room.

Ajay Allen...certainly has some good buzz. My fav is Yant...deep field this year. And then there's Rhamir, which I'm glad to hear taking some reps at a hybrid or slot receiver option.

Could be 5 high performing backs...competing for touches. The good ole days returned when we had Clinton Childs, Damon Benning, Lawrence Phillips, and Ahman Green competing for touches. Childs and Benning didn't get their time in the spotlight but they were legit ballers in their own right.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

I kind of agree and disagree re: RJ.

we've never seen him take one to the barn from deep, that is for sure. but, I really don't know that he's ever had a chance. it's not like he's getting caught from behind, and I think our former "quarterback" was piss poor both with reads (so much so he wasn't allowed to do it often, if ever, by the end of his tenure) and with ball handling. same as a pitcher tipping pitches, if AM was told to give it was obvious to the entire universe the second the ball was snapped.

RJ's had some good burst in big games and has proven to be pretty versatile. he's not a 15+ carry guy, but we could do worse than having him in the rotation.

would like to see some off-season photos of Yant in front of a whiteboard. I'm not sure he knows right from left.

Grant hopefully is coming in with blinders/earplugs on. would be a shame if our "offensive" "coaches" spoiled what look like terrific instincts with too much gobbledy gook.

His ypc average (4.4 last year) has improved every year, but in all his opportunities, his longest run is 29 yards.. and that is in 141 attempts over a 3 year period. I'm sure Johnson will play and get us a few yards and blocks here and there.

Agree on Yant.. he has to be serious about the position and know what to do, when and where.. he could have a bright future in front of him, but he's gotta work at it, and know what he is doing.

I think Grant will be the #1 back. I know the spring game doesn't matter, but you saw him on that one play.. he looked like how a husker rb should look like and he comes with a lot of accolades.. doubt he is a bust.

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

I think our former "quarterback" was piss poor both with reads (so much so he wasn't allowed to do it often, if ever, by the end of his tenure) and with ball handling.

would like to see some off-season photos of Yant in front of a whiteboard. I'm not sure he knows right from left.

Man, I got so sick of 2AM handing off on the ZR to a back running into four defenders while the edge was wide open, and vice versa.

Maybe they need to get a guy like Gunny Sgt Hartman who slapped Private Pile hard on the left and right side of his head to teach him right/left. Or they could hire Sergeant Major Mulcahy who stomped on Private Jupiter Sharts' left foot to teach him right/left.

 

[inWV]

I hope this year is different and the RBs are successful. But I thought that was going to be the case last year as well and then during the season suddenly the RB depth chart collapsed.

Well, hope should always spring eternal for NU’s RB room. In reality, Grant comes to the program well regarded. We saw flashes of what Yant could be when he was fat and half-assing it. He could be a terror at 30 pounds lighter and dialed into the playbook. Rahmir had it figured out last year and got injured. He’s valuable for pass pro and can play a bit in the slot. Has good ability to break chunk plays. Gabe coming back hard and competing for carries is nice for depth.

 

[HuskerOH_rivals315145]

Just another bone headed decision by the staff. I think Ervin has a bright future, but he clearly wasn't ready to be the starter. It's a good way to generate upper classmen resentment too playing a freshman who's not ready.

If you don't want to get passed up by a freshman, play harder or hit the portal.

 

[Yantzeee]

If you don't want to get passed up by a freshman, play harder or hit the portal.

And Rhamir did exactly that last year

 

[realHuskerDrew]

As I had forgotten about Ervin completely with his injury.. I was starting to get semi-excited to see the bodies at RB only to find that we no longer have the scholarship distribution chart anymore.
What kind of place is this?

 

[Scat_Back]

I kind of agree and disagree re: RJ.

we've never seen him take one to the barn from deep, that is for sure. but, I really don't know that he's ever had a chance. it's not like he's getting caught from behind, and I think our former "quarterback" was piss poor both with reads (so much so he wasn't allowed to do it often, if ever, by the end of his tenure) and with ball handling. same as a pitcher tipping pitches, if AM was told to give it was obvious to the entire universe the second the ball was snapped.

RJ's had some good burst in big games and has proven to be pretty versatile. he's not a 15+ carry guy, but we could do worse than having him in the rotation.

would like to see some off-season photos of Yant in front of a whiteboard. I'm not sure he knows right from left.

Grant hopefully is coming in with blinders/earplugs on. would be a shame if our "offensive" "coaches" spoiled what look like terrific instincts with too much gobbledy gook.

Totally agree. Our offense was so god awful to watch, especially the terrible reads. There’s no way you could judge any of those backs fairly. RJ did have that clutch wheel route against Michigan for a huge score. It’s clear we didn’t have anyone really “next level” but plenty of national champ teams have not needed that at RB.

 

[king_kong_]

Totally agree. Our offense was so god awful to watch, especially the terrible reads. There’s no way you could judge any of those backs fairly. RJ did have that clutch wheel route against Michigan for a huge score. It’s clear we didn’t have anyone really “next level” but plenty of national champ teams have not needed that at RB.

absolutely. these two plays stand out to me - not super remarkable, but well executed:

 

[Yantzeee]

Ervin has the best vision and is the smoothest runner out of the bunch IMO. He got thrust in too early because we were so thin, definitely would have benefitted needed a year of S&C prior to starting. That said I think he will be a good back by the time he leaves here.

Agree with you though that RJ remains our 3rd down back. Best speed, best in blitz pickup, but doesn’t see the holes as well.

I like Grant, think he will get the most carries this year. Yant and Ervin will rotate in. A lot of mouths to feed, and a lot of good but not great players as it stands right now. Hoping one can elevate their game this fall and become a star.

Hope the best for Ervin. But he was a guy who averaged less than 2 yards against Fordham. Plus he’s behind in learning under a new coach and coming off of an Injury. If he has something the other 3 don’t; it’s yet to be seen at all. And god help us if he’s got the best vision. 17 yards on 7 attempts against Fordham doesn’t scream vision. Nor does 33 yards on 12 carries against ILL scream that.

The fact Ervin was the dude going into 2021 and probably trying to push for minutes going into 2022 is a very good sign.

I expect Ervin to be the odd dude out

 

[chisler]

Just another bone headed decision by the staff. I think Ervin has a bright future, but he clearly wasn't ready to be the starter. It's a good way to generate upper classmen resentment too playing a freshman who's not ready.

best player, plays.if upper classman no producing. does not play. simple as that.

 

[oldjar07]

best player, plays.if upper classman no producing. does not play. simple as that.

Ervin wasn't the best player last year.

 

[oldjar07]

Hope the best for Ervin. But he was a guy who averaged less than 2 yards against Fordham. Plus he’s behind in learning under a new coach and coming off of an Injury. If he has something the other 3 don’t; it’s yet to be seen at all. And god help us if he’s got the best vision. 17 yards on 7 attempts against Fordham doesn’t scream vision. Nor does 33 yards on 12 carries against ILL scream that.

The fact Ervin was the dude going into 2021 and probably trying to push for minutes going into 2022 is a very good sign.

I expect Ervin to be the odd dude out and will transfer soon

This is a ridiculous take. He was a true freshman last year.

 

[HuskerMania257460]

Hope the best for Ervin. But he was a guy who averaged less than 2 yards against Fordham. Plus he’s behind in learning under a new coach and coming off of an Injury. If he has something the other 3 don’t; it’s yet to be seen at all. And god help us if he’s got the best vision. 17 yards on 7 attempts against Fordham doesn’t scream vision. Nor does 33 yards on 12 carries against ILL scream that.

The fact Ervin was the dude going into 2021 and probably trying to push for minutes going into 2022 is a very good sign.

I expect Ervin to be the odd dude out and will transfer soon

The production wasn’t great, but our OL, especially in the first few games, was absolutely abysmal. Maybe you don’t see the same thing I do and that’s fine, but I would be hesitant to completely rule out a player and after 4 games of his true freshman season.

 

[Yantzeee]

This is a ridiculous take. He was a true freshman last year.

Probably a little to harsh so removed the last part.

and Yes he’s still only a rsFreshman. Just think he’s probably 4th string right now.

 

[Cornicator]

Rahmir Johnson will be seeing a lot of time out in the Slot. Don't be surprised if he's targeted 30+ times this season as a pass catcher. He has excellent hands and averaged 13 yards per catch last season with a QB who consistently struggled throwing to running backs.

Grant will get the most carries. Ajay Allen and Ervin will battle for that 3rd most carries mark.

Pitt had 3 running backs who finished with more than 100 carries last season.

Yant has to develop more consistency. At times he looks like Leonard Fournette in practice, and other times he tries to dance too much despite sharing a body with the incredible Hulk.

 

[RedCap_rivals330392]

Rahmir Johnson will be seeing a lot of time out in the Slot. Don't be surprised if he's targeted 30+ times this season as a pass catcher. He has excellent hands and averaged 13 yards per catch last season with a QB who consistently struggled throwing to running backs.

Grant will get the most carries. Ajay Allen and Ervin will battle for that 3rd most carries mark.

Pitt had 3 running backs who finished with more than 100 carries last season.

Yant has to develop more consistency. At times he looks like Leonard Fournette in practice, and other times he tries to dance too much despite sharing a body with the incredible Hulk.

I think you're right except for one factor: unpredictable injuries will be a main factor in determining the number of touches.