Johnson Named Maxwell Award Semifinalist; Named National Player of the Week
University of Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson was named as one of 13 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award on Tuesday afternoon. The Maxwell Award is presented by the Maxwell Football Club to Collegiate Player of the Year.
Johnson looks to join Mike Rozier (1983) as Nebraska’s second Maxwell Award winner. Of the 13 semifinals Johnson and Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) are the only two running backs on the list.
Johnson ranks second nationally in rushing yards (1,131) while he tops the nation with 1,431 yards from scrimmage entering the Huskers Nov. 22 game at Penn State. On the season, Johnson has 1,131 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground while catching 36 passes for 300 yards and three more scores. His 36 receptions is second nationally among running backs while his 14 total touchdowns ranks fourth among all FBS players. He has six 100-yard rushing performances this year, including three straight 100-yard performances. In the win over UCLA on Nov. 8, he became the first Husker to ever have 100 yards rushing (129) and receiving (103) in the same game. His performance has led Nebraska to a 7-3 record, its highest regular season win total since 2016.
Johnson is one of six Big Ten players among the 13 semifinalists, joining Makai Lemon (USC), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Dante Moore (Oregon), Julian Sayin (Ohio State) and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State).
The winners of the 89th Maxwell Award and the 31st Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Johnson Named Maxwell Club Player of the Week
Johnson was also honored as the Maxwell Club National Player of the Week for his effort against UCLA. He accounted for 232 yards from scrimmage in Nebraska’s 28-21 victory and became the first Husker to ever rush and receive for 100 yards in the same game. He had 28 carries for 129 yards and a score while hauling in three catches for a career-high 103 yards, including touchdown receptions of 56 and 40 yards. Johnson was also the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.