Junior college transfer Anthony Grant rushed for 915 yards in 2022, the highest total by a Husker since 2018. True freshman Ajay Allen showed his potential by averaging 5.8 yards per carry over the season's first four games before he suffered a season-ending injury.
Before Nebraska
TCU: In two seasons with the Horned Frogs (2020 and 2021) before joining Nebraska, Applewhite helped TCU rank in the top 30 nationally in rushing both seasons. TCU was the Big 12 rushing champion in 2020, averaging 214.7 rushing yards per game to rank 20th nationally in rushing. The Horned Frogs then finished 30th in the country in 2021 at 196.3 rushing yards per game. In 2020, TCU had three running backs top 100 yards in a single game, with true freshmen Zach Evans (7.7 ypc) and Kendre Miller (7.2 ypc), posting the second- and fifth-best yards per carry averages in Horned Frogs history, respectively.
COLORADO STATE: Before coaching at TCU, Applewhite spent five seasons as running backs coach at Colorado State from 2015 to 2019. He also took on the added responsibility as the Rams’ recruiting coordinator in 2018 and 2019. In his time at CSU, the Rams posted two of their top five season marks in total offense and points per game. Colorado State reached three bowl games in five seasons while Applewhite was on staff. Applewhite’s Colorado State running backs posted 24 individual 100-yard rushing games. Ram running backs Izzy Matthews and Dalyn Dawkins each finished in the top eight on the CSU career rushing list under Applewhite’s guidance.
LOUISIANA-MONROE: Applewhite coached for five years at Louisiana-Monroe from 2010 to 2014, working with the running backs and coordinating the Warhawks’ recruiting efforts. He coached two all-conference running backs while at ULM. In 2012, his running backs combined for 19 total touchdowns as the Warhawks finished with eight wins and played in the Independence Bowl, the school’s first bowl games since joining the FBS in 1994.
MONTANA STATE: Applewhite spent one season at FCS Montana State in 2009. In his one season, Applewhite coached a running back tandem that combined for more than 1,100 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
WYOMING: Applewhite was at Wyoming for six seasons as running backs coach from 2003 to 2008. While at Wyoming, Applewhite tutored two of Wyoming’s four all-time leading rushers in Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon.
NORTHERN COLORADO: Applewhite spent four seasons from 1999 to 2002 coaching at his alma mater, Northern Colorado. He first served as a graduate assistant in 1999, and was elevated to a full-time assistant coach in 2000. The Bears played in the Division II playoffs in both 1999 and 2002 while Applewhite was on the coaching staff.
Playing Career (Northern Colorado)
Applewhite was a standout fullback at Northern Colorado from 1994 to 1998. He played on teams that won two NCAA Division II National Championships (1996 and 1997), competed in the Division II Playoffs four straight seasons (1995-98) and won North Central Conference crowns during his junior and senior seasons.
Personal
Applewhite graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Northern Colorado in 1998 and his master’s degree in 2001. He and his wife Rachelle have two daughters, Morgan and Skylar.Applewhite has served as a member of the American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) Minority Advancement Committee since 2006 and was recently reappointed to the Committee. In 2007, he was named to the AFCA Assistant Coaches’ Committee and participated in the 2004 AFCA Coaches’ Academy.
Coaching Career
2022: Nebraska (Running Backs)2020-21: TCU (Running Backs)
2015-19: Colorado State (Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator in 2018-19)
2010-14: Louisiana-Monroe (Running Backs, Recruiting Coordinator)
2009: Montana State (Running Backs)
2003-08: Wyoming (Running Backs)
2000-2002: Northern Colorado (assistant coach)
1999: Northern Colorado (graduate assistant)