Meet the players who plan to don Husker red in the coming years.
High school profile City profile: Buford, Georgia, is about 30 miles from Atlanta and has a population of 12,000.
Number of seniors committed to NCAA Division-I programs: Nine.
This week: Buford (10-1) plays Hughes on Friday in the third round of the AAAAAA playoffs.
Program history: Buford has won 12 state championships, including in 2012, ’13, ’14 and ’19.
Player profile Height/weight: 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds.
Rankings: ranks Ervin as a three-star prospect and the No. 23-ranked running back in the nation. He committed to Nebraska on June 23.
Season stats: He’s rushed for about 900 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Coach’s point of view Buford running backs coach Fyrone Davis shares some stories about Ervin, and being the college coordinator at a football factory like Buford:
Ervin's season: “He’s had a really good season. He’s done the things we expected him to do. It was his time, and he’s waited his time over the years. We’ve had some good backs come through here, and he had to wait his turn and he’s done a phenomenal job. Nebraska is getting a phenomenal young man, due to the fact of him waiting his turn and being patient and understanding what’s going on.â€
What college coaches saw in Ervin: “His ball skills are really, really good. I think that’s what Nebraska is going to like about him. He’s a big back with elite ball skills.â€
One of his favorite stories about Ervin: “A lot of people don’t know that Gabe Ervin runs track. He’s a 48.4 (seconds) 400 (meters) runner at 200 pounds. I like telling people that story. That’s a big man running a :48 400. He was regional champ in track, so he’s done some phenomenal stuff. Our track program is really good, and to watch the things he does in track practice is unreal. In 2019 we probably had 30 coaches at track practice watching him. That’s how he really got found, when they see that big body running a 200 or 400.â€
On being the college coordinator at Buford (the program has had about 30 NCAA Division I scholarship players in the past four years, and had three D-I running backs last year): “It’s fun. I enjoy seeing kids go to schools at all levels, and that’s what we’ve been about the 14 years I’ve been here. I think we’re No. 1 in the state of Georgia for producing the number of kids going to school. So that’s an honor for Gabe to be part of the system.â€
The college coaches who have visited Buford: “We’ve had many head coaches. We’ve had Urban Meyer, we’ve had Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Dan Mullen, Herm Edwards. We’ve had a slew of coaches through here. Every school has been in here. From the West Coast to the Midwest. We probably averaged 150 schools in the spring.â€
Photos: Huskers end two-game losing skid with 37-27 win against Purdue
Purdue running back King Doerue (22) goes over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) for a touchdown during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp (33) celebrates a 49-yard field goal against PurdueÌýduring the second quarter on Saturday, Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) makes a catch in front of Purdue safety Marvin Grant (4) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) blocks the punt of Nebraska punter William Przystup (90) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrate a stop on fourth down in the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska's Simon Otte chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter in the Huskers' game against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska linebacker Simon Otte (34) chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska's Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) celebrates his touchdown with running back Dedrick Mills during the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer scores a touchdown against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) throws against Nebraska during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter last year in West Lafayette, Ind.
Associated Press file photo
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez breaks away from Purdue defenders on his way to a touchdown run during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) celebrates after blocking a punt against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) is sacked by Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrates a sack against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer and Dedrick Mills celebrate Liewer's touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt runs into Purdue's TJ Sheffield during a punt return Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt was penalized on the play.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Ben Stille and Garrett Nelson sack Purdue's Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt defends Purdue receiver David Bell in the end zone on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Nadab Joseph is carted off the field after an injury against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Dedrick Mills rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez practices a snapÌýbefore the Huskers play Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Luke McCaffrey practices a snapÌýbefore Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Will Honas tackles Purdue's Rondale Moore after a reception Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue's Zander Horvath runs the ball against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt gets a grip on Purdue receiver David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Deontai Williams defends a pass to Purdue's Payne Durham on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Purdue's Branson Deen grabs the jersey of Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Sichterman on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Ben Stille sacks Purdue's Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Purdue's David Bell runs into the end zone to complete a touchdown reception against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's David BellÌý on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
A pass eludes Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle knocks down a pass against Purdue's Milton Wright on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams tackles Purdue's TJ Sheffield on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's Jack Plummer throws a pass against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska sophomore wideout Wan'Dale Robinson tries to escape a defenderÌýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska junior quarterback throws a pass Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks downfield Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams (8) and linebacker Will Honas combine to stop Purdue running back Doerue King Saturday game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks to linebacker Caleb Tannor (2)Ìýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska offensive tackle Brenden Jaimes blocks a Purdue defender on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
A pair of Husker defenders stop Purdue running back Zander HorvathÌýduring Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Garrett Nelson (44) picks up Cam Taylor-Britt after a big defensive play Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska wide receiver Levi Falck is stopped by a Purdue defenderÌýduring Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer scores against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Nebraska defense mostly held Purdue star receiver David Bell in check. He had 10 catches for 132 yards, but 89 of those yards came on a touchdown in which two Huskers collided into each other.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Austin Allen catches a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska and Purdue players get testy during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's Geovonte' Howard and Marvin Grant react to penalty flags being thrown against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's David Bell last season in West Lafayette, Ind.
Omaha World Herald file photo
Nebraska's Scott Frost and Purdue's Jeff Brohm shake hands after Nebraska defeated Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) in December in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt recently said returning to Nebraska rather than jumping to the NFL was an easy decision.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter SaturdayÌý in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska junior quarterback Adrian Martinez looks for room to runÌýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska senior cornerback Dicaprio Bootle defends Purdue's Milton Wright on a pass playÌýduring Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska receiver Zavier Betts tries to work his way around Purdue's Kieren Douglas on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams defends Purdue's Payne DurhamÌýduring Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez fires a passÌýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska guard Matt Farniok celebrates a big playÌýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska senior running back Dedrick Mills picks up yardsÌýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Brenden Jaimes (left) and Adrian Martinez (center) celebrate Martinez's first-half touchdownÌýduring Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Zavier Betts hauls in pass against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue's Marvin Grant (4) and Geovante' Howard (13) don't like a call as Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson looks on. Nebraska and Purdue combined to commit 233 yards of penalties, but the ones Boilermakers committed proved to more costly.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez passes toward the sideline against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's David Bell catches a pass as Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and Marquel Dismuke converge. Bell would take the reception 89 yards for a touchdown.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Luke McCaffrey looks to throw a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson looks for running room against Purdue as Wyatt Liewer holds up on a block against a Boilermaker on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
A worker fixes the north end zone video board before the Nebraska at Purdue football game Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Levi Falck gestures for a first down against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska defensive lineman Ben Stille (95) pressures Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer during the second quarter Dec. 5, 2020 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Associated Press file photo
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter last season in West Lafayette, Indiana.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) tries to elude Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann (13) on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) celebrates a stop against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
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