Hogs Add PAC-12 Transfer for Boost at Running Back

Former Utah starting tailback announced transfer to Razorbacks in room needing players

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Jan 5, 2024 4:06 PM EST
Original:
Jan 5, 2024

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ running back room received a big boost with the commitment of former Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson.

A former Top 50 player in the country during the 2020 recruiting cycle, the quarterback turned running back committed to Texas out of high school.

The Duncanville, Texas, native transferred to Utah and developed nicely under Kyle Whittingham’s staff. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Jackson rushed for a career high 797 yards on 161 carries and scored four touchdowns in 2023. During the 2022 season, he averaged seven yards per carry, 531 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Razorbacks lost a couple of key pieces at running back since the transfer portal opened on Dec. 4. Raheim Sanders left Arkansas with 2,230 yards and 17 career touchdowns. He committed to South Carolina where former Hogs’ tight end coach Dowell Loggains is offensive coordinator.

Junior running back AJ Green rushed for 953 yards and six career touchdowns. The speedster returned to familiar stomping grounds after entering the portal, signing with Tulsa during the early signing period.

Arkansas struggled to have a consistent running game throughout this season recording 1686 yards which ranked them No. 87 among FBS teams. Its lack of rushing attack led to only nine touchdowns being scored the entire 2023 season ranking No. 128 in the FBS and dead last in the SEC.

The addition of Jackson gives Arkansas their second running back commitment for 2024. Jadan Baugh was committed to the Razorbacks leading up to national signing day but decided to sign with Florida on the first day of the early signing period.

2024 Running Back Scholarship Chart

Dominique Johnson, Redshirt Senior

Ja’Quinden Jackson, Redshirt Junior

Rashod Dubinion, Junior

Isaiah Augustave, Redshirt Freshman

Braylen Russell, Freshman