Hogs Don’t Need More Star Backs Just Some Blockers

Razorbacks already have talented running back room with no real need to add more

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Jan 7, 2024 7:33 PM EST
Original:
Jan 7, 2024

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There’s no need for Sam Pittman to add any more running backs to an already crowded room. On Friday, Arkansas added Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson who is considered one of the more physical runners and willing pass blockers in the country.

When Thursday’s news broke that record breaking tailback Quinshon Judkins was transferring from Ole Miss, fans across the country including Arkansas’ were begging their schools to back up the Brinks truck.

To put it in simpler terms, Arkansas already has its starter in Rashod Dubinion, who’s shown himself to be a dependable piece in the running and passing game. Over his two seasons in Fayetteville, the Ellenwood, Georgia native has rushed for 553 yards and six touchdowns often times used as the third back in the rotation for the Razorbacks. Dubinion has also caught 26 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns.

With Raheim Sanders (South Carolina) and AJ Green (Tulsa) both departed it’s time for Dubinion to lead the way. However, he can’t do it all himself as the struggles along the line of scrimmage seriously impacted the performance of the running game in 2023.

Opponents thrived in the Razorback backfield last season surrendering 47 sacks ranking No. 128 in the nation. Arkansas was also near the bottom in tackles in loss allowed at No. 126 in the FBS with 93. Known for its top ten dominant rushing attack averaging over 236 yards an outing in 2021 and 2022, the Hogs fell way back barely reaching 100 yards per game.

A shift in focus on the offensive line was created with hope in a flip via the transfer portal. Arkansas already holds commitments from three linemen in Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State), Fernando Carmona (San Jose State) and Addison Nichols (Tennessee). The Razorbacks are still in the race for a pair of SEC starters in Percy Lewis (Mississippi State) and Micah Mazzccua (Florida). Lewis had cancelled his Auburn and Ole Miss visits. A change of mind happened after his visit to the Hogs on Friday that made him consider actually taking a visit to Auburn.

As for Mazzccua, the former Baylor and Florida transfer is expected to announce where he’ll play on Monday. Arkansas currently sits No. 11 in the NCAA Transfer Portal rankings, per 247Sports.