After being slowed by injury in spring, Mazour moves into RB picture with strong August

Coaches naturally look to players they can trust, and Ryan Held obviously trusts Wyatt Mazour at a high level.

Held, the second-year Nebraska running backs coach, has a group that includes junior-college transfer Dedrick Mills, sophomore Maurice Washington, true freshmen Rahmir Johnson and Ronald Thompkins as well as redshirt freshman walk-on Brody Belt.

In addition, versatile true freshman Wan'Dale Robinson definitely will get snaps in the backfield, the coach said.

Based on Held's comments Wednesday, Mazour also could have a sizable role in the rotation this season.

"He's got really good feet, can run and he knows (the offense), which gives you a chance because we can do a lot of stuff with guys who know what they're doing," Held said.

A 5-foot-9, 200-pound senior walk-on from Albion, Mazour was slowed during spring practice by nagging injuries.

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"But he really -- knock on wood -- has had a really good fall camp in terms of being healthy and everything," Held said. "I'm really liking where he's at."

Mazour earned a scholarship before the start of the 2018 season and went on to play all 12 games as a reserve running back and on special teams. He carried 11 times for 76 yards and a touchdown and caught one pass for 21 yards. He also served on several special-teams units, including the kickoff return squad. He had three returns for 48 yards.

"He's steady Eddie," Held said. "You feel comfortable putting him in the game in any situation. The guys really like him. I'm glad he's on our team."