It’s been a long, winding road for Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin Jr.

On the field this year, he intends to take more direct routes. But it doesn’t hurt to be able to turn corners and overcome obstacles.

The redshirt sophomore from Buford, Georgia, burst onto the scene early in 2021. In the Huskers’ 28-3 win over Buffalo, Ervin ran for 56 yards and 2 TDs.

A week later Ervin tore his ACL against Oklahoma, sidelining him for the season.

In 2022, Ervin, still recovering from his injury, was reduced to backup status behind starter Anthony Grant. He had just 20 carries for 94 yards all year.

With extra time on his hands, Ervin got busy. He worked not only on recovering from injury, but on molding and strengthening his body. He’s now a poster model for strong and powerful at 221 pounds. And he still displays elite speed — 4.4 seconds in the 40.

New Nebraska coach Matt Rhule raves about the combination. Over the weekend, Rhule confirmed Ervin’s climb to the top of the depth chart.

Overcoming adversity

If there’s a player who can attest to overcoming adversity, it’s Ervin. Season-ending injury? Check. Lost in the shuffle the following year? Check. Revamped coaching staff? Check.

Ervin went from Scott Frost to Mickey Joseph (interim) and now Rhule as his head coach. He’s had 3 position coaches, with EJ Barthel the latest to command the RB room.

Many players in Ervin’s position would have moved on. The transfer portal is an easy out. But Ervin wasn’t thinking that way. He persevered. Not only that, he became stronger and faster in the process.

Then he put his new self on display. He put together the best spring practices he’s had since arriving at Nebraska.

“This spring, every time I stepped foot on that football field, I didn’t take anything for granted,” Ervin told reporters. “I was happy all the time because I know what it’s like when you don’t have football. And that sucks.”

Football runs in the family

Ervin’s football roots run deep. His dad, Allen, played. Mom, Varhonda, was a star athlete as well.

Ervin, a 3-star recruit, was part of 2 state championship teams in Buford, finishing with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. His younger brother, Ethan (2025) is getting plenty of attention from colleges as well.

Family support and faith in himself helped Ervin stay the course through some dark times, including the midpoint of last season.

“I got hurt, then the next season there’s a new coaching staff. I’m building back up from my injury, and the coaches didn’t really see my full potential,” Ervin said. “That was really my lowest, darkest time.”

Ready to break out

While nothing — especially in the world of college football — is guaranteed, Ervin appears poised for a breakout year. He’s put himself in position both physically and mentally.

Ervin has the tools to be a terrific all-around back. Good field vision complements his speed and power. He can run over 2nd and 3rd level defenders. He can catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss. His ability to pick up blitzes in pass pro is the best on the team.

Nebraska’s offensive line should be improved. Transfer Jeff Sims takes over at QB, providing the Huskers with a potent dual-threat signal caller.

Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield has pledged to run the football. That should be music to Ervin’s ears as he enters the year as the Huskers’ new No. 1 RB.

Ervin emerged from a crowded running back group. Grant, last year’s starter, is battling fumbling issues. Those must get corrected for him to get on the field, according to Rhule.

Rahmir Johnson looks to be the 3rd down back. Emmett Johnson is still inexperienced.

Ervin is now the  guy.

Big opening tests loom

Nebraska will need Ervin at his best as the Huskers travel to Minnesota for a Thursday night opener on Aug. 31. A physical Gophers team awaits. Rhule calls the B1G a “grown-man’s league,” so opening with a league game ups the ante.

PJ Fleck has won 4 straight against the Huskers. The Gophers have won 7 of the past 10 meetings. Often, physicality and play in the trenches have made the difference. Minnesota’s had the upper hand in those areas, winning each of the past 3 meetings by 7 points.

Rhule knows Nebraska must find a way to get over the hump — especially in close games. If Nebraska hopes to contend in the West, it must get tougher. Tougher in the trenches. Tougher in short yardage situations. He hopes — and expects — Ervin to be the type of back who can “salt games away” in the 4th quarter.

“He can run behind his pads, run inside zone, outside zone, power, counter, anything you want to run,” Rhule said. “I can’t imagine many better than him. I’ve been impressed with him since the day we got here.”

It’s been quite a ride to this point for Ervin. A road filled with twists and turns.

Here’s hoping for a detour-free 2023.