Can Russell Emerge As Contributor At Running Back?

The freshman 4-star tailback has garnered praise from Petrino

Arkansas Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino during Saturday morning's spring practice in warmups before a scrimmage at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. / Andy Hodges-allHOGS Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When 4-star running back Braylen Russell recommitted to Arkansas last summer, it was considered one of the biggest wins of the 2024 recruiting class. Russell tore up the high school ranks at Benton High School and throughout his entire prep career.

The 6-1, 240 pound tailback tallied over 400 carries in his final two seasons with 3,002 yards and 46 touchdowns. Russell can get it done through the air with dependable hands as he registered 40 catches for 575 yards and another six scores. 

Offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino seemed confident in Russell, listing him third at running back during the press conference Tuesday. How coaches list players during these sessions doesn’t necessarily reflect an actual depth chart. However, it does tell fans the true freshman possesses the goods to compete early on in his career.

“The youngster, [Russell], has done a great job,” Petrino said. "He’s big, he’s physical and he’s got great hands. It’s all new to him, so there’s time when he has a far away look in his eyes when he doesn’t know the play or can’t picture it in his mind, but he’s got a chance to be special.”

Pittman hasn’t been shy about playing his younger players in the backfield. Former tailbacks Raheim Sanders and AJ Green both played numerous snaps as freshmen during the 2021 season. Rashod Dubinion carved out a role as a dangerous change of pace back in 2022 and Isaiah Augustave picked up a larger workload toward the end of last season. The likelihood of seeing Russell don his new No. 0 jersey early on this fall is strong.

Fortunately, Arkansas has several capable running backs capable of receiving plenty of time. Dubinion appears to be the starter while Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson pulls second back reps. 

“The running back group is going to be really competitive, I think,” Petrino said. “[Rashod Dubinion] and [Ja’Quinden Jackson] are probably competing for starter. If we’re playing a game at the end of the week, both would be starters.”

One of the biggest issues last season was Arkansas’ lack of success in the run game. The Razorbacks failed to have a 500 yard rusher for the first time under Sam Pittman.

With additions to the offensive line, including three transfers, Petrino expressed confidence Arkansas will have wha it needs to move the ball on the ground.

“I think that when we came off the field last week after the three practices and scrimmage, I told Pittman we were going to be able to run the ball,” Petrino said. “That was one of our goals in the scrimmage Saturday was to run the ball early, establish the run and be physical with it. We did a good job blocking up front. [The defense] made it hard with the movements they have, but that’ll pay off for us. We made a lot of plays after contact which was great to see.”

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