LINCOLN, Neb. — During this final week of spring practice at Nebraska, the search continues for clarity at two traditionally high-profile roster positions.

The Huskers did what they could in 2023 with the resources on hand at quarterback and running back. Injuries and a barrage of turnover-related problems led Nebraska to start eight players at the two spots. None of the six combinations lasted more than four games.

Nebraska scored 18 points per game and gained 5.1 yards per play, figures that ranked in the bottom quarter of the FBS and largely prevented coach Matt Rhule’s first team from making a bowl game.

This spring brought a hard reset to the competition at both spots. With the Red-White game set for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., the picture is starting to get clearer. And while the quarterback depth chart inspires confidence thanks to the promise of Dylan Raiola, questions about the running backs’ readiness to make a Year 2 jump under position coach E.J. Barthel will linger into the summer.

“The big challenge for us is to take the next step,” Barthel said on Tuesday after the 13th practice of spring. “Not (to) just be good enough.”

Good enough is what Nebraska got from Emmett Johnson in six starts last year, rushing for 411 yards as a redshirt freshman after injuries ended the seasons of Gabe Ervin and Rahmir Johnson and Anthony Grant took himself out of the mix with fumbling problems.

Emmett Johnson earned praise from Rhule for his work in Nebraska’s second major scrimmage of the spring — dominated Saturday by the offense, according to the coach — and a hat tip from Nebraska great Ahman Green, who was in attendance.

“He can do it all,” Rhule said.

Johnson said he’s still determined to prove himself every day. His apparent rise this spring offers reassurance at running back. But in reality, the Huskers likely need several backs.

“From the experience of last year,” Barthel said, “the more depth, the better.”