Augustave Looks to Make Quantum Leap in Razorbacks Running Back Room

Sophomore's big day in scrimmage paves path to potential breakout season in Arkansas' offense under Petrino

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Isaiah Augustave during individual drills April 4, 2024, at the indoor football field in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-allHOGS Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — While almost all the attention has been on Taylen Green's ascension to the presumed starting quarterback role, the running back room has seen a massive retooling.

Both Raheim "Rocket" Sanders and AJ Green hit the transfer portal after multiple seasons with the program. Ja’Quinden Jackson was brought in as a transfer from Utah to try and revive a once prominent rushing attack coming off a downyear. Arkansas ranked 10th in the SEC in rushing yards per game (139.0) after ranking Top 10 nationally the previous two seasons.

While Pittman hopes he hit gold in the transfer portal with Jackson, internal improvements from the returning backs is also vital to breathe new life into a once-vaunted rushing attack. Isaiah Augustave got his first real opportunity late last season in a non-conference game against Florida International, picking up his first 100-yard performance of his career.

Now in his second season, Augustave looks to use his savviness as a runner to become a key cog in new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's backfield.

"He’s gonna have a great year," wide receiver Isaiah Sategna said. "He’s one of our best backs and I love his game. I love what he has to bring to the table. He just sheds tackles. He’s not the fastest guy but he just always seems to break big runs."

In Arkansas' second public scrimmage, Augustave was the standout performer of the day, going for 78 yards on eight carries and a touchdown, working almost exclusively with the second unit. He also had a 48-yard receiving touchdown on a bubble screen, according to unofficial stats kept by the media.

News and Notes:

Fellow running backs Jackson and Dominique Johnson also had a touchdown each in the scrimmage. Taylen Green finished the day 6-for-15 with a touchdown and an interception. Malachi Singleton went 4-for-7 with a touchdown and a pick as the backup. On the defensive side of the ball, Carson Dean led the day with six tackles. Anton Juncaj continues his impressive spring with four tackles after transferring from Albany and the CAA.

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