New Nebraska coach E.J. Barthel made it clear in his opening statement to the media on Thursday afternoon you can call him a running backs coach or an I-backs. Either one is fine with him.
The I-Back label is a reminder. This a reminder of a time when a physical running game WAS the identity of the Nebraska football program. You simply said the name Nebraska to a college football fan, and the only thing they could think of would be running the football.
It’s been quite some time since this program lived up to that identity. In fact, the Huskers last led the nation in rushing during the 2001 season, in which they averaged a stunning 314 yards a game. In 2022, Nebraska averaged 123 yards a game which was good enough for 100th overall in college football.
The former fullback started off his media availability, saying he’s happy he still gets to coach a position that many offenses have eliminated.
I know coach Satterfield (offensive coordinator) and Coach Rhule are excited about having a fullback here… I played fullback, and I’m excited to get my hands on one.
He also made it clear that he’s a big believer in Matt Rhule, on and off the football field.
I’m a believer in Coach Rhule and what he stands for. I’m in alignment with the standards that he represents as far as development and process. It applies to life. it applies to football. If coach Rhule ever calls me, I’m going to pick and I would love to be a part of whatever he’s got going on. I truly believe in his process.
Who is E.J. Barthel?
E.J. Barthel is a former fullback and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. This will be his fourth season on a Matt Rhule coaching staff, as the two previously worked together at Temple and Carolina. He started in coaching in 2014 when he was part of Football Operations at Rutgers.
Following his two years at Rutgers, Barthel would move on to Temple and, from there, Penn State, Howard, William & Mary, Carolina Panthers,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football | Cornhuskers Wire…