What the Hogs can expect from their running backs in 2024

By Jerry Meadows

FAYETTEVILLE — Football practice on Thursday, August 1st, was met with a bit of trepidation due to the heat. With the temperature hovering around 100 degrees, Coach (Sam) Pittman realized a good practice inside was preferable to a miserable one outside.

Pittman chose wisely. Today’s effort was much more focused and intense. The defense was swarming on the ball and the receivers were doing a great job catching the ball. Even, the running backs were having a good day. It was interesting to observe the interaction between all eight of Arkansas’ running backs. One could see that these guys seem to genuinely like one another. I was quite impressed with the camaraderie within this unique group of athletes. If my impression is correct, this could be just one ingredient leading to what might become a winning football team.

In numeric order, Arkansas’ eight running backs on the squad this year are; #0 Braylen Russell 6’1″ 253 lbs; #7 Rashod Dubinion 5’10” 201 lbs; #20 Rodney Hill 5’10” 186 lbs; #21 Emmanuel Crawford 5’10” 175 lbs; #22 JaQuinden Jackson 6’2″ 233 lbs; #26 Cade Fields 6’1″ 219 lbs; #28 Jazreel Bachert 6’1″ 216 lbs; and #29 Tyrell Reed Jr. 5’10” 211 lbs.

Those who will carry most of the rushing responsibility this year will likely be Jackson, Dubinion, and Russell, barring injuries. Still, the remaining five could play an important role in the team’s success. Hill may be lighter in weight, but he is incredibly quick. Reed Jr. runs hard and has caught the eye of Coach Pittman. Fields, Bachert, and Crawford are two sophomores and a freshman who are good-looking athletes who could be contending for playing time. 

Jackson runs like a runaway mine train. He is deceptively quick for his size. Some have criticized his output of last year having just over 700 yards rushing. What many do not understand is that Jackson played injured for most of the year. My personal opinion is that he is tough like Peyton Hillis and quick like Cedric Cobbs. If he stays healthy he has a good chance of being Arkansas’ next 1,000 yd rusher for a season. Dubinion, on the other hand, has a gear in the open field that few will be able to catch him. Expect Dubinion to have several highlight reels to add to his resume this year. Then there is Russell. This dude has deceptive speed for a 250-pound running back. Defensive backs will not enjoy trying to bring this guy down. Pittman having three quality running backs like these will help Arkansas have a fresh set of legs in finishing a game. 

If the running game proves very productive, Arkansas may find the final score more favorable to its liking in close games.

A successful running game is essential in having a productive passing game and Pittman knows that. These running backs have taken advantage of the conditioning process and they are now focusing on harmonizing their skills with the timing and developing of the offensive land. If Arkansas can maintain a consistent rushing game, they will surely win more games than they’ll lose. 

In the final analysis, Arkansas appears to have a stable of committed running backs ready to carry the ball when called upon.