It's Clear Hogs Have Plenty of Options at Running Back

Dominique Johnson and Rashod Dubinion impressed Sam Pittman in scrimmage

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Aug 14, 2023 3:50 AM EDT
Original:
Aug 13, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It's no secret around the SEC Arkansas has one of the best running backs in the country in Raheim "Rocket" Sanders. For most of the spring and offseason it sounded like AJ Green had separated himself from the pack to receive the second most carries.

Sam Pittman said during his press conference that a pair of running backs stood out to him on Saturday. The leading rusher from 2021, Dominique Johnson, has returned from a pair of knee injuries that sidelined him for the majority of last season. He reeled off a 50-yard touchdown run and another that was blown dead.

“[Johnson] coming back was nice to see,” Pittman said. “He got a pretty good workout. He had another nice run, too. Actually, I think the officials whistled it dead when he put his hand down. I don’t think he was. I think he would have been off to the races on another one, too.

"Rashod [Dubinion], man. He's a special player," Pittman said. "He made some special runs today. Some were there and some that weren't. He made something out of nothing. He is hard to tackle."

During the Liberty Bowl, Dubinion earned his shot to prove himself as a workhorse after stepping in for an injured Sanders. Dubinion's 20 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns were enough to earn him offensive player of the game. He also chipped in on the passing game with three receptions for 19 yards, and that doesn't include a game-winning two point conversion.

The Ellenwood, (Ga.) native is shifty and possesses the gift of accelerating off a cut to gain bonus yards. He's also not afraid to lower his shoulder to engage in contact with defenders.

“[Dubinion] or us see him as a [third-teamer],” Pittman said. “We just see him as when he’s in the game, there are some good things that are going to happen. I think the most he’s grown is just in his confidence and knowledge of the game of football and the expectations of what SEC football is all about."

Johnson still remains in a knee brace and was given about 8-10 carries during Saturday's scrimmage. Pittman said he doesn't believe the knee is causing Johnson to lose any of his elusiveness so the brace may stay throughout camp and into the season.

The Razorbacks' running back room will once again be elite if all of their options remain healthy. Offensive coordinator Dan Enos has been vocal about wanting to increasing the tailbacks role in more passing concepts this fall. The group reeled in 46 receptions for 454 yards (10 ypc) and three touchdowns.