There was a time when Nebraska running backs were annually in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Mike Rozier won the trophy in 1983, but he was hardly the only candidate back in the day. I.M. Hipp, Rick Berns, Jarvis Redwine, Kenny Clark, Keith Jones, Calvin Jones, Lawrence Phillips, Ahman Green, Roy Helu, Jr. â and in more recent seasons, Ameer Abdullah and Rex Burkhead.
There was a period of time when Nebraska rivaled USC as âRunning Back U.â
Hasnât been like that recently. Not until Emmett Johnson broke loose.
With three games remaining in his junior season, Johnson is already the first Cornhusker to rush for more than 1,000 yards since 2018. His elusiveness and his pass catching ability out of the backfield have made him the most dynamic weapon is a greatly improved Husker offense this season, and one of the most dangerous players in the country. While the preseason headlines went to sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, itâs been Johnson that has been the most dependable and dynamic playmaker for Nebraska this season.
Even with Defenses Keying on Him, Johnson Keeps Shining
Even with a defense that was keying on him and primed to slow him down, Johnson went off for more than 100 yards rushing AND 100 yards receiving in his last game against UCLA. He added three touchdowns in the 28-21 Husker victory.
Thatâs when the Heisman Trophy talk started in and around Big Red Country.
Itâs a feel good story to be sure. Lightly recruited out of high school, Johnson briefly entered the Transfer Portal a season ago, unsure about his status in Lincoln. After gaining reassurance, he came back and now is the toast of a football-mad state. This season, Johnson is already a well-deserving Maxwell Award Semi-Finalist. He could very easily be an All-Big Ten and All-America selection.
Thatâs not enough, however, to win the Heisman.
Things have changed dramatically since Rozier won the Trophy in 1983. In this century, only five non-QBâs have won the award, including last season when Coloradoâs Travis Hunter won it on the strength of his two-way play.
Thatâs 20 out of 25.
It will soon be 21 out of 26 when a QB wins it this season.
QBâs Dominate the Heisman Trophy
There are valid reasons for this. First, quarterback is THE prime position in football. Heâs the guy with the ball in his hands for every offensive play. Great QBâs make great offenses. Sometimes, like in 2001 when Nebraskaâs Eric Crouch won the award, they flat out carry their teams.
The scrutiny and notoriety that comes with playing QB at the college level has never been higher. Just ask Arch Manning.
Then thereâs the team aspect. Every season that a Nebraska player has won the Heisman, the Cornhuskers were at the top of the polls, either winning the national title or at least playing for it. In 1972 NU was coming off two straight national titles. Wingback Johnny Rodgers had already played a key role on the â71 title team before winning the Heisman the following year. In â83 Rozier was injured (after rushing for 147 yards) in the third quarter during the defacto title game Orange Bowl loss to Miami, and in â01 Crouchâs team was overwhelmed by a better Miami squad in the BCS Championship game.
Team success matters. And this season, while Nebraska has been solid and could end up in the final rankings if they finish strong, they wonât be part of the expanded College Football Playoff.
The Heisman winner â whoever he is â will be. Playing quarterback no less.
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