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'This is Our Time to Pound the Rock': EJ Barthel on Emmett Johnson, Competition & Culture

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rthel-on-emmett-johnson-competition-culture.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 19:13 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The “Pound the Rock” mantra

Barthel begins by contextualizing Nebraska’s historic chant, “Pound the Rock,” which has been the rallying cry for the Cornhuskers since the 1970s. He explains that the phrase embodies not just physical toughness, but a relentless drive to win, a sense of unity among teammates, and a commitment to excellence that carries from practice into the stadium. “This is our time to pound the rock,” Barthel says, emphasizing that the program is at a pivotal juncture. The Cornhuskers are poised to rebuild a competitive edge after a few challenging seasons, and the mindset of the players will be the keystone to success.

Emmett Johnson: A bridge between past and future

The interview spotlights Emmett Johnson, a former Nebraska wide receiver who transitioned to a coaching role with the staff. Johnson’s story is one of resilience: after a standout college career (two 1,000‑yard seasons, a Heisman‑watch list nod, and a standout senior season), he struggled to find a permanent place in the NFL, eventually pivoting to coaching. Barthel underscores Johnson’s role as a mentor to the younger talent. Johnson’s presence on the sidelines creates a tangible link to Nebraska’s proud history, a living testimony of the program’s values. He works closely with the freshman class, sharing firsthand lessons about the importance of mental fortitude, discipline, and a “win at all costs” mentality.

“Johnson is the embodiment of the competition culture,” Barthel says. “He’s the one who shows the new guys how to channel the energy that’s required to pound the rock.”

Competition culture in practice

The article goes beyond slogans, exploring how competition is built into Nebraska’s training regimen. Barthel describes a “culture of competition” that starts in the first practice and extends to every drill and play. Coaches set up intra‑team scrimmages where units are pitted against each other to simulate game‑like intensity. The staff also uses advanced metrics to measure progress, encouraging players to surpass personal bests before they even set a new yardage benchmark. “We’re not just looking for the best players,” Barthel says, “but the best athletes who will play with that same competitive fire that has defined Nebraska.”

The article highlights the recruitment angle: Nebraska targets players who have a “killer instinct,” a strong work ethic, and an innate desire to “win the game.” Barthel and his colleagues also look for those who will respect the legacy of the program while bringing fresh energy to the team. The recruiting strategy for 2025 focuses on a mix of skill positions, defensive anchors, and special‑teams players, all chosen with an eye toward creating a well‑balanced roster capable of sustaining the competitive spirit.

The 2025 outlook

Looking ahead, Barthel outlines the expectations for Nebraska’s 2025 schedule. The team is slated to face a mix of traditional rivals and newer conference opponents, presenting a challenging slate that will test the squad’s depth. Key matchups include a home game against the Oklahoma Sooners, a crucial away match versus the Iowa Hawkeyes, and a high‑stakes rivalry game against the Missouri Tigers. Barthel points out that the coaching staff believes the experience of the returning seniors, combined with the fresh talent from the 2025 recruiting class, will give the team a competitive edge.

The article references a link to the official Nebraska football schedule for 2025, where readers can view specific dates, times, and broadcast information. (Link: https://fbschedules.com/ncaaf/2025/college-of-nebraska/). While following the link is not possible here, the content typically lists game-by-game details, including opponent rankings, stadiums, and ticketing information.

Recruiting class and player development

The 2025 recruiting class is highlighted as the cornerstone for the program’s long‑term success. Barthel shares that the Cornhuskers signed 18 recruits, including a top‑ranked defensive end from Texas and a versatile slot receiver from Ohio. The staff emphasizes “speed, versatility, and a competitive mindset” as the triad for evaluating recruits. The article also touches upon the development pipeline: from freshman camp through summer workouts, each player is evaluated on adaptability, learning curve, and teamwork. Emmett Johnson plays a crucial role in this pipeline, coaching the recruits in position‑specific drills while reinforcing the program’s core values.

A culture that demands effort

Throughout the interview, Barthel underlines that the competition culture demands a high level of personal sacrifice. He cites an anecdote of a former player who endured a grueling practice in harsh weather conditions, a moment that epitomizes the willingness to “pound the rock” even when it’s physically taxing. The culture also fosters accountability; every player is responsible for maintaining a high level of performance, regardless of their role on the field. “If you’re not in the competition mindset, the rest of the team is left to pick up the slack,” Barthel says, emphasizing the collective nature of the program’s success.

Concluding remarks

In closing, Barthel reinforces that Nebraska’s commitment to competition is not a fleeting trend but a sustained philosophy that has guided the program for decades. With Emmett Johnson’s mentorship, a new generation of recruits, and a rigorous training regimen, the Cornhuskers are positioned to re‑establish themselves as a competitive force in college football. “This is our time to pound the rock,” Barthel declares, inviting fans to rally behind a team that embodies tradition, resilience, and an unwavering drive for victory.