LINCOLN — Bo Pelini has wanted to run the football ever since he took over at Nebraska, something he fully believes teams have to do in order to win championships.
And heading into his third season, Pelini is glad to say: “I think we’re set up to do that better than we have been since I’ve been here.”
Nebraska will start preseason practice Saturday with perhaps its best outlooks at both I-back and offensive line in recent years. There is the talent, depth and versatility at each that could lead to the kind of numbers and effectiveness that give the Huskers the chance to take the next step as a team.
“I really like what we’re doing scheme-wise, what we did in the spring, and we’ve made some adjustments,” Pelini said. “We’re moving forward.”
NU returns its top three I-backs with Roy Helu, Rex Burkhead and Dontrayevous Robinson. Helu is one of three 1,000-yard rushers coming back in the Big 12, and Burkhead finished last season with 52 carries in the final three games.
Pelini is more excited about what the Huskers return up front.
Pelini said “not even close” when asked at Big 12 media days if this is his best-stocked offensive line. Nebraska lost two-year starter Jacob Hickman at center, but no other jobs are considered safe now that competition is brewing at all five spots.
In addition to adding junior-college transfer Jermarcus Hardrick last winter, the Huskers have Brent Qvale and Jeremiah Sirles coming off redshirt seasons. All three saw time with the No. 1 unit during spring practice.
“I really like the guys we have coming back on the offensive line, and I really like the guys that are competing for playing time,” Pelini said. “I think you’re going to see guys step up, some names you haven’t quite seen before. It’s going to be a good situation for us.”
Nebraska averaged 147.1 yards per game and 4.0 yards per carry last season, with 20 touchdowns. All three numbers were down from the year before.
The running game failed to fully produce in three of four losses, accounting for just 67 yards against Texas, 70 against Texas Tech and 114 against Iowa State.
Against Texas Tech and ISU, Helu wasn’t quite right because of a shoulder injury he suffered at Missouri. Burkhead missed both games because he was out with a broken foot.
NU receiver Niles Paul said he could see either busting out this season.
“With the backs we’ve got, anybody can come out as the starter and do good things, special things,” Paul said. “We have a great set of backs and a great offensive line, I think one of the better ones since I’ve been here.
“I’m definitely interested to see how that plays out.”
Contact the writer:
444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com
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