Photo Credit: Isaiah Mozee’s Instagram
Multiple sources indicate that four-star true freshman Isaiah Mozee has been taking reps at running back this summer. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound athlete came to Nebraska as a wide receiver, but lined up in the backfield and split out wide in high school.
Here’s why Mozee playing a hybrid RB/WR role makes sense:
Need for RB depth
Beyond Emmett Johnson, the Huskers’ experience at running back is minimal. The offseason concern of adding a tailback through the transfer portal was justified. Nebraska did make an effort with North Dakota State transfer CharMar Brown, but Miami ultimately won the bidding war.
With that, the Huskers held firm with their young backfield. Nebraska’s coaching staff has spoken highly of Kwinten Ives and Mekhi Nelson on numerous occasions. The Huskers also have two scholarship true freshmen in Jamarion Parker and Conor Booth, yet the inexperience of these four raises the question: Why not plug Mozee into the mix?
Film review
Here’s a link to Mozee’s senior season highlights: Mozee’s film
After viewing the tape, Mozee is primarily a receiving back, but there were glimpses of the ability to run between the tackles if needed. That said, the Huskers shouldn’t necessarily use Mozee in the same way they did Wan’Dale Robinson, but offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen might consider similarly using the true freshman to how he utilized Tavon Austin at West Virginia.
That’s a mighty comparison to fulfill since Austin had 3,300 yards from scrimmage in two seasons under Holgorsen. Not saying Mozee will be anywhere near those numbers, yet even a tiny portion of that flash would do wonders.
What Mozee’s hybrid role could do for Nebraska’s offense
If Mozee is ready to take on the Big Ten bodies, the wrinkles that could be added are impressive. Using the true freshman in an “H-back” role seems like the natural fit. Jet sweeps, outside zone runs and routes out of the backfield are the most likely.
Moreover, the Huskers would have the audible ability from five-wide to motion the Kansas City native beside Dylan Raiola. It boils down to whether Mozee can learn multiple positions in the playbook. He’s a true freshman, but with his dad (Jamar Mozee) on the coaching staff, Mozee is built to adapt quickly.
If Mozee can, it will significantly ease the burden on Johnson’s shoulders, sparing him from a 25-to-30-touch workload per game.
Whether Mozee will be split out wide or in the backfield, he could make quite the impact for Nebraska this season as a true freshman.
Bobby Schneider is a sports journalist who analyzes Nebraska football and baseball. Follow him on X @bschneider33 for more coverage.