Nebraska junior running back Emmett Johnson isn’t backing down from the pressure that comes with his anticipated role this season. Expected to not only start but also carry a heavy workload in the backfield, Johnson says the biggest shift for him is on the mental side of the game.
“The main difference this time around is stepping into a leadership role,” Johnson explained. “Other than that, it’s still just football—being myself out there. But now I’m leading the group, and that’s what really sets this camp apart from the past ones.”
Physically, Johnson used the offseason to sharpen every area of his game.
“I’ve been working on becoming more explosive—breaking off longer runs, helping put the offense in position to score faster,” he said. “It’s about reading the defense, trusting my blocks, and taking that next step—finishing those plays with big, 70- or 80-yard touchdowns.”
Though Johnson hasn’t been the top option in the backfield during his college career, he’s consistently stepped up when needed. That’s expected to change this fall, but he says his mindset remains the same.
“I always carry a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I’ve been motivated since I first got here. Nothing’s really changed—I’m just staying true to myself, supporting my teammates, and focusing on helping the team win. Motivation has always been a constant for me.”
This summer, Johnson had the opportunity to connect with Nebraska legends Ahman Green and Ameer Abdullah.
“I’ve taken in a lot,” he said. “Ameer and I have gotten really close in the past few months. Knowing that those guys were standout running backs here means a lot to me, and I try to absorb every detail they share.”
“Ameer’s still in the NFL—he’s going into his 11th year—which says everything about what he brings to the table. Anytime he gives me advice, I make sure to take it to heart.”
Johnson shared that Ameer Abdullah challenged him to “go out and break his record.” Abdullah currently ranks second in Nebraska history with 4,588 career rushing yards. He and Ahman Green hold the top two single-season rushing totals for a junior running back at Nebraska—Abdullah with 1,690 yards and Green with 1,877.
Over the past ten years, only one Husker has reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a season: Devine Ozigbo in 2018.
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