EJ Barthel fondly recalls his first media appearance as Nebraska's running backs coach, highlighting a young talent, Emmett Johnson, after his redshirt freshman season. There were clear areas for improvement, and Johnson embraced the challenges head-on.
Each spring brought new hurdles, and Johnson consistently rose to the occasion.
"As a coach, you lay out the path for development, and when a player like Emmett takes it on and excels, it makes my job a lot easier," Barthel shared. "He's continually battled and competed."
Johnson's journey is now a blueprint for other backs like Mekhi Nelson, Isaiah Mozee, Kwinten Ives, and even true freshman Jamal Rule, who shares Johnson's underdog spirit. Johnson didn’t have instant success; he earned it through perseverance, becoming one of the top backs in the nation.
With Nebraska's Pro Day on the horizon, Johnson stands out as a compelling draft prospect in the 2026 running back class. Last season, he was responsible for over 40 percent of Nebraska's yards, showcasing his versatility by running, catching, and handling the ball extensively.
"I've always trained to be a three-down back," Johnson explained in a recent interview. "My goal is to never give the team a reason to take me off the field. I want to dominate and impact the game in various ways."
His 2024 season, competing with talents like Rahmir Johnson and Dante Dowdell, was crucial for his development.
"That competition molded him into the player we saw last year," Barthel noted. "Rahmir was a formidable opponent, and Emmett's ability to compete with him pushed him to new heights."
Johnson's willingness to do all the drills at the NFL combine caught the eye of NFL scouts.
"He's not afraid of competition, and that's what sets him apart," Barthel added.
Young backs like Nelson and Mozee have taken cues from Johnson’s work ethic, particularly off the field.
"It wasn't easy sitting behind an All-American like Emmett, but watching him every day helped shape me into the player I am," Nelson reflected.
Barthel proudly stated on the Husker Signing Day Show that Nebraska aims to set the standard for rushing in the Big Ten, building on what Johnson achieved in 2025.
Following in Johnson's footsteps, Rule, who feels undervalued as a recruit, shares that same chip-on-the-shoulder mentality. Though he and Johnson have communicated sparingly, the shared drive is evident.