Feature back is important to have but DEPTH is also CRITICAL. If don't have a feature back then either then depth chart is flooded with talent. But in the Big Ten you better have a GREAT 2nd and 3rd string to make it through the season. With EJ it helped he was so quick he didn't take huge hits
Nebraska in the past was successful with one top back. We've fallen on hard times because we haven't developed or recruited a great back. But the others need to be developed so we have a pipeline of backs like we use to have.
Every good team, including the NFL, will rotate backs on a regular basis. This last year Nebraska should have used a 2nd running back more often - NEB is lucked out EJ stayed healthy.