EmmettJohnson

Johnson is a productive and versatile running back who creates yards on the ground and makes a big impact on the passing game. A three-year contributor for the Cornhuskers, he took over lead back duties in 2025 and posted top-tier production, logging 251 carries for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with 46 catches for 370 yards and three scores through the air. He’s quick-footed as a runner, showing the wiggle to make defenders miss in a phone booth. He’s a slippery creator who shrugs off tackle attempts and changes directions quickly to avoid getting squared up by defenders. He racked up 68 missed tackles forced in 2025, which ranked sixth nationally, and he showed the ability to pinball through traffic, stay on his feet, and keep straining for extra yards. Johnson flashes the ability to get skinny through the hole and then slalom through the defense to find daylight. He’s effective in the passing game, showing soft hands and good body control to contort and grab off-target throws. He flashed the ability to run vertical routes and regularly turned screens into positive plays, making the first man miss before weaving through traffic. His 46 catches in 2025 ranked second among all RBs in the country (behind only Navy’s Eli Heidenreich), and he committed just one drop, per PFF. 

Johnson is undersized and may not be viewed as a high-volume player at the next level. He takes the brunt of hits too often and won’t bring the power to push the pile. He’s quick but doesn’t seem to have access to an extra gear to consistently create home runs. He got plenty of touches in the passing game, but most of them came on dump-offs and swing passes. He lacks size and stopping power in pass protection.