Nebraska Football: 5 biggest questions facing Cornhuskers in spring 2018

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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Devine Ozigbo #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers tries to avoide the tackle of defensive back Damon Hayes #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

3. Who’ll step up at running back?

The running back situation in Lincoln isn’t the clearest in the country as the returning backs didn’t have great seasons in 2017. Devine Ozigbo, Mikale Wilbon, Jaylin Bradley and Tre Bryant all failed to reach 500 yards rushing on the year and the only to average more than 5.0 yards per carry was the latter.

Ozigbo could be the favorite to start come fall, but he had just 493 yards and three touchdowns on 129 carries as a junior — a season when he was supposed to break out. Wilbon had a slightly more effective junior year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with six touchdowns on 88 carries.

The young guys stepped up, though — namely Bryant. He finished the season with 299 yards and two touchdowns on just 51 carries — that’s good for 5.9 yards per touch. If he can show that same effectiveness this spring behind that offensive line, he could take over in the backfield.

Incoming JUCO transfer Greg Bell could vie for time here as well, but all three will have to hold off freshman Maurice Washington when he steps foot on campus this summer.

Will there be a clear starter by the end of spring ball?

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