Emmett Johnson
Nebraska Running Back
Postgame Quotes vs. Northwestern (Oct. 21, 2023)
Nebraska 17, Northwestern 9
On the work off the field
“After the bye week last week in practice I was pushing myself really hard. He rewarded me with the starting spot, but you know it’s just working hard like I’ve been doing. Ever since I got to the University of Nebraska, I’ve always tried to put myself in a position to start and help the team win so I’m just blessed for that.”
On the past two years of waiting for turn to start
“It’s been tough. I’d definitely say that my faith has kept me going through the times. You know going hard in practice and not knowing if I’m going to get my chance in the game and everything. I just kept my faith in God, and God had a plan for me and now he’s rewarding me.”
On the contribution of young players
“It’s big seeing some of the guys, I mean Malcolm (Hartzog), seeing the younger guys on defense and also offense. Malachi (Coleman) today, seeing the guys step up meant a lot. For me, I would definitely say that you see what I do on the field but I give credit to my o-line. Those are the guys blocking for me. You know (Ethan) Piper, praying for him right now with his injury. But you know Piper, Turner (Corcoran), all those guys, Henry (Lutovsky), those guys, Bryce (Benhart), they all help me during the week. Nobody sees what they do on the field, they see me so I give credit to them.”
On the feeling of losing offensive players to injury
“It’s been tough for our team. You know Gabe (Ervin Jr.), (Luke) Remier, guys like that have been contributing to this program for years. I’ve been really close with those guys and I’ve been praying for them. It’s really tough when you see guys like that go down. But you know God’s gotta be able to step up. You know it’s football, it’s a physical game. I’m just glad other guys are starting to step up. Even Billy (Kemp IV) going down today. The receiver group as a whole I think is going to have to step up now. I keep faith in those guys and I love all of those dudes. Every time I’m out there I’m playing for them because you never know when it’s going to be your last snap.”