Arkansas hopes to have strong running game in 2024

By Jerry Meadows

FAYETTEVILLE — Will Arkansas be able to Run the Ball in 2024?

Until recently, the top five running backs for Arkansas next season were Isaiah Augustave, Rashod Dubinion, Ja’Quinden Jackson, Dominique Johnson, and Braylen Russell. However, after the Red-White Game, Augustave chose to enter the transfer portal. Coach (Sam) Pittman said that he had hoped they would not lose anyone because he liked the team he had. Still, change is inevitable within the present landscape of college football. With that being said, Arkansas is still in good shape at running back.

Russell and Johnson are powerful running backs. Both are 6′ 1″ and just over 250 lbs. Both have great acceleration in the open field. Should either of these running backs get loose in a defensive backfield, most defensive backs will be at a disadvantage taking them on one-on-one. An additional benefit will be their size in taking on linebackers who try to rush the quarterback. 

Coach Kolby Smith, the running back coach, has been a great addition to the offensive side of the ball. Having previous knowledge of the Bobby Petrino style of offense, the learning curve for these running backs has not been as difficult to grasp. Every practice, Coach Smith emphasizes footwork, balance, and having their eyes up to recognize when to attack open lanes created by the new offensive line for Arkansas. He relates to his players in motivating them to excel. Mastering the little things is what produces great results.

All four running backs bring a different skill set to the football field. Dubinion has speed and physical toughness. Jackson, at 235 lbs, is a combination of speed and power. Yards after contact will be on display when Jackson carries the ball next season. With this many running backs and a revamped offensive line, Arkansas should be able to run the ball next year. How good they could be has yet to be seen. The first three games should reveal what we can expect in the remainder of the 2024 season.

This year, the goal is not to be competitive. The coaches at Arkansas want to win. If Arkansas can prove they can run the football it will surely benefit the quarterbacks and receivers in having opportunities in making big plays in the passing game. So with bated breath, many fans look to next season with a reluctant sense of optimism. 

Now spring practices are complete and last Saturday afternoon the Red-White Spring Football Game provided a snapshot of the type of talent Arkansas will have on the field. Jackson was the most productive running back. Unofficially, he had 69 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns and one reception for a 15-yard touchdowns. Russell had 40 yards rushing on six carries and scored White’s first touchdown on a 32-yard rushing TD in the 3rd quarter. Dubinion had a good day in rushing 46 yards on four carries. Johnson did not have as many carries but he has proven in the past to be a tough runner. If we had kept the stats on the rushing yards by the quarterbacks, the offense would have rushed for more than 200 yards in the Red-White Game. Rushing over 200 yards a game will win most games in college football. Will Arkansas be able to run the ball in the upcoming season? If they continue to improve over the summer and into the fall, I believe they will.