Nebraska opened practice Thursday night with the competition at running back the featured position battle.
Terrell Newby came out of the spring as the front-runner in the race to succeed three-time 1,000-yard rusher Ameer Abdullah. But the surprise arrival of heralded recruit Jordan Stevenson of Dallas has added plenty of intrigue.
Stevenson originally signed with Wisconsin, but his recruitment reopened last week after he failed to meet that school's admissions standards. Stevenson picked Nebraska over Alabama and Miami.
New coach Mike Riley said Stevenson was impressive in the first practice.
Riley said it's too early to start thinking about which back will get the most carries.
Stevenson's enthusiasm was apparent before the first warmup drill. He implored the offensive linemen to get pumped up, shouting encouragement to the players he hopes will be opening big holes for him.
The 5-foot-9, 205-pound Stevenson averaged 180.7 rushing yards and 9.8 yards per carry as a senior at South Oak Cliff High School. He ended the year with 2,530 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Newby welcomed the addition of Stevenson.
Riley said Stevenson would have benefited from being in a summer conditioning program.
Imani Cross was the top backup to Abdullah last year with Newby No. 3 on the depth chart.
Abdullah is now with the Detroit Lions, and Newby came out of spring practice with a slight edge over Cross. In addition to Newby, Cross and Stevenson, running backs coach Reggie Davis is auditioning sophomore Adam Taylor, who missed last season with a leg injury, and redshirt freshman Mikale Wilbon.
Newby said he's improved his footwork and his ability to read defenses. Plus, he learned a lot from Abdullah, Nebraska's No. 2 career rusher.
Riley said the Huskers are off to a good start in their preparation for their Sept. 5 opener at home against BYU.
NOTES: DT Vincent Valentine has a bruised knee and didn't practice. ''He did that the other day in the final workout before we went to camp,'' Riley said. ''He should be OK. I don't know if it will be a day or two, but he should be fine.'' ... DB Byerson Cockrell is limited because of shoulder surgery he needed after an injury suffered in the spring game. Riley said Cockrell will be able to go through some drills but likely won't be full speed for two weeks.