NFL
By: Randall Slifer
This week, we will discuss the Arkansas Razorbacks’ running back room. Arkansas always has a deep running back, and their offense depends on it. Last year, we had Ja’Quinden Jackson, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The list goes on, including the great Darren McFadden. McFadden rushed over 4500 yards and 41 touchdowns at Arkansas for a legendary career with the Razorbacks. This year, the room is very talented, with a chance to be a tough running back by committee room. I believe our top three running backs that will contribute are Braylon Russell, Mike Washington Jr, and Rodney Hill. Let’s dive into each player and see where they fall on the depth chart:
RB 3: Rodney Hill
Rodney Hill is a speedy running back who is a little undersized. Hill is a redshirt junior who began his collegiate career at Florida State and transferred over to Arkansas last year. Hill is only 5’10 190lb, but he uses the outside to win one-on-one and has reliable hands in the passing game. Hill had fewer rushing attempts from 2023 to 2024, but he improved his yards per carry from 3.8 to 6.5. He can continue his role as the third running back and work as a return specialist. In 2024, Hill returned eight kicks for an average of 18.5 yards. Hill had one more year of eligibility after this season, and I would love to see him contribute well to earn a more prominent role in Arkansas next year, or the ability to transfer to a starting role at a different school in 2026.
RB 2: Mike Washington Jr
Mike Washington Jr is heading to Fayetteville for his first year this year. He began his journey at the University of Buffalo (Shout) and headed to New Mexico State for a year afterward. Washington rushed for 700 yards and eight touchdowns. Washington is a larger running back, standing at 6’2 and weighing 215 pounds. He is quick for his size, and if he has a lane, he can take off and leave defenders behind. He is frequently utilized in screen plays at New Mexico State, which should also translate to Fayetteville. He did have four drops and four fumbles last year, but he has decent hands, and his catch-and-run is very fluid. Arkansas has a good offensive line coming into 2025, and Mike needs lanes to be productive. He is high-hipped for a 6’2 frame, which leads to a higher center of gravity. He averages only 3.8 yards after contact, so it should be much higher for his size. If Washington gained ten more pounds, it could do him some good. Washington will have an impactful role, but with Taylen Green involved in rushing, he should see a smaller role than at New Mexico State. I predict he has 70 rushing attempts next year, as opposed to his 154 rushing attempts at New Mexico State.
RB 1: Braylen Russell
Braylen Russell has a chance to have a breakout year in only his sophomore season. At 6’1, 238 pounds, he was a four-star prospect right here in Arkansas. He was a consensus top 5 player out of Arkansas in the 2024 class. His freshman year, he received a solid share of the running back snaps with 89 snaps and 67 rushing attempts. Braylon Russell started the Mississippi State game with an injured Ja’Quinden Jackson. He rushed for 175 yards in his first actual start. He followed it up with 50 yards and a touchdown in the Liberty Bowl versus Texas Tech. Russell has a solid frame at 238 pounds and is much quicker-footed than his frame shows. He has a very good bounce out and has the speed to beat defenders around the outside. His quick feet enable him to be patient in his running, allowing him to open up lanes in the middle and also contribute to the passing game. He has very reliable hands, with zero fumbles and only one drop in receiving. Braylen is best suited to take on the role of RB1 to replace Ja’Quinden Jackson. He has a similar style and already has a relationship with Taylen Green. He is an above-average blocker who can stay on the field for all three downs, and Arkansas expects him to shine in 2025. Russell did drop some weight from high school to college, so he will need to adjust and learn his strength in bouncing off defenders and breaking tackles. He lost some of his contact balance, but he can regain it this year. If Russell can add that to his game, he will start getting into early discussions on top running backs.
It will be interesting to see how each role is used in the Arkansas offense. To beat a dead horse, Taylen Green is a pivotal part of the rushing offense. I do believe no running back will reach Jackson’s 2024 rushing attempts of 149, but Russell can get above 115 carries. That will leave Mike Washington and Rodney Hill roughly 110 rushing attempts to split between the two running backs. There is plenty to go around, and each running back has a different quality in their game. The running backs can set a foundation as a constant threat, with the mystery of predicting a run or pass play every down. This will open up the Run-Pass-Option for Taylen Green and allow for more initial separation in our wide receiver room. Fayetteville prioritizes rushing in their offense, and the running back room has a good offensive line to be successful this year. The Razorback trio can get it done in the 2025 season. ‘Go Backs
Do you believe the running back depth chart will be similar or different? Reach out to me here or on Twitter/BlueSky @RandallSlifer and let me know your thoughts!
