UPDATED: Report Says Hogs Lose Key Staff Member to Old Rival
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas running back coach Jimmy Smith has been hired as TCU’s next running backs coach, per 247sports report.
The obvious connection is Smith previously worked with TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles at Arkansas. The pair coached former Razorback running back Rocket Sanders to a 1,400 yard and 10 touchdown season in 2022.
The potential loss of Smith would be difficult for Arkansas coach Sam Pittman. The Georgia native spent most of his career at Cedar Grove High School from 2007-18 in various roles, including head coach, and Georgia State in 2019 before joining Pittman’s inaugural staff at Arkansas in 2020.
His ties to Georgia have brought in several players with ties to the Peach State. Most notably wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, who transferred to Arkansas following a stint at Oklahoma. The former 5-star played for Smith at Cedar Grove before signing with the Sooners.
Since coming to Fayetteville, Smith has shown an above average ability to recruit. He signed several 4-star tailbacks during his tenure like Isaiah Augustave, Rashod Dubinion and AJ Green.
Smith is also credited with the growth of Raheim Sanders, who transferred to South Carolina following the 2023 season. The 4-star athlete signed with the Razorbacks as a wide receiver. When fall camp rolled around, he was converted to tailback and emerged to stardom as a freshman. Sanders had a breakout season in 2022 rushing for almost 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Razorbacks struggled to field a successful running game after losing offensive coordinator Kendal Briles following the 2022 season. His power spread scheme allowed the running backs to find space in zone read concepts.
Smith’s position group rushed for 3,000 yards in 2021 and 2022. The tailbacks gained 200 or more yards in a game 23 times. The Arkansas rushing attack led Power Five teams in rushing during the 2021 season while also finishing in the Top 10 in 2022.
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