Will Hogs Have to Deal with All This Again Next Season?

Braylen Russell apparently back in Sam Pittman's good graces, but nobody's thinking past this season

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) after the game against the UAB Blazers at Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 37-27. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Maybe Braylen Russell had some coaching goofs by the Arkansas staff that made him question things around here. It was the head coach, Sam Pittman, who said after one game when Russell's only appearance was to run the ball in the goal he wasn't even aware that was his only play.

During a game the coach can't keep up with how many plays a running back is on the field. There's an awful lot going on out there that is a fine impression of mass chaos. If you've never been down there you honestly have no idea.

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) rushes in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 19-14. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

It appeared Russell was fairly under-used, especially after starter Ja'Quinden Jackson started showing signs of getting hurt if he stayed on the field long. Considering he looked at times like the best running back on the team at times since practices started.

After a lot of media reports he was in and out of the transfer portal, there's been a lot of speculation. It sounds like he was confused as much as anything. That makes you believe there were a lot of voices telling him different things.

The love I have for Coach Pitt and the University of Arkansas is beyond words. With everything happening in my life, I initially lost sight of what truly matters. But through conversations with Coach Pitt, I’ve regained perspective.Thank you so much,I love you! @CoachSamPittman

— Braylen Russell (@BraylenRussell) December 22, 2024

The key words are near the end where he said, "I've regained perspective." That's a way to simply say there was mass confusion. You'll also notice there was no multi-year commitment in there. We could be going through all this drama again next year.

Russell visited Ole Miss this week. He announced he was entering the portal last Sunday, four days after he had entered and withdrawn the same day. On Dec. 12, Pittman said he would welcome players back from the portal if they left the program in an acceptable manner.

“As long as they did it the right way, absolutely,” Pittman said. “And they love the Hogs. That’s big to me.”

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell in the open field against the Tennessee Volunteers at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Michael Morrison-Hogs on SI Images

All that's fine and well, but it probably depends on the Razorbacks' needs. If Arkansas was stacked five deep at running back with a couple of four and five-star recruits coming in he might not have been getting such encouragement.

Russell rushed for a season-high 175 yards with 10.9 yards per carry in a 58-25 victory over Mississippi State. Russell was also instrumental in a 19-14 victory over then-No. 4 Tennessee. On the team’s game-winning drive, Russell rushed twice for 35 yards.

This whole incident is something that will be fondly remembered from time to time if he breaks out this season,, If we're going through this a year from now, things may not be so pleasant.

HOGS FEED:

• Aidoo slowly returning to full bill of health for Razorbacks

• Razorbacks dominate paint in penultimate non-conference game

• Can Razorbacks really count on Russell for anything now?

• Another day, another change of heart by Hogs' Braylen Russell

• Hogs land defensive edge from Florida Gators

• Subscribe and follow us on YouTube
• Follow HogsSI on X and Facebook