Scott Frost needed to make some changes to his staff. After the Nebraska offense sputtered throughout the course of the 2021 campaign, the head coach brought in some new pieces to the puzzle in an attempt to create a new spark on that side of the football.

Players are responding early in spring.

Nebraska kicked off spring practice on Monday, getting a chance to work on the field with the new staff for the first time. Those newcomers include Mark Whipple (offensive coordinator), Bryan Applewhite (running backs), Mickey Joseph (wide receivers) and Donovan Raiola (offensive line).

Running back Rahmir Johnson spoke with reporters on Monday as spring ball starts in Lincoln. He said that the new staff is very “energetic.”

“That’s what we needed,” Johnson said, per Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald.

Johnson also said there’s been a mindset change in the running back room, which is a good sign for the Huskers.

Nebraska has had to depend heavily on the legs of Adrian Martinez for a rushing attack. With Martinez departed for Kansas State, the Huskers are going to need better production out of the running backs and offensive line to take a big leap during the 2022 season.

Nebraska inside linebacker Nick Henrich is also noticing some change with the offense, saying there’s more of a downhill running game. Again, a good sign for the Huskers.

Spring ball just started, so it’s difficult to know what kind of impact the new staff will have in Lincoln. That’s something we’ll have a better understanding of when the spring game rolls around in April.

Right now, though, it seems players are responding to the change.