Arkansas RB finishing what he started

When former Sooner State running back AJ Green committed to Arkansas in the 2021 recruiting cycle he was the highest rated player signed by the Razorbacks in that class. Expected to be a huge contributor due to his speed, he never broke out despite a solid start to the season.

He was not on the receiving end of a load of touches during the second half of 2021. Rumors began to swirl that he would transfer following his freshman season.

Belief in development

The transfer portal came and left and yet the speedy back returned for his sophomore year. Green would double his production on the ground with 414 yards and 3 touchdowns. With more consistency to help build confidence he would rush for at least 50+ yards in three of the Razorbacks’ final seven games. Including a 131 all-purpose yard and 1 touchdown performance in the Liberty Bowl game.

Things haven’t always been easy for Green. He has to compete for snaps against a loaded running back room. Often overshadowed as a freshman by Dominique Johnson, Trelon Smith or fellow freshman Raheim Sanders it seemed like Green was only treading water. But, he never gave up and fought for his ‘1B’ reps as Pittman called them in the spring.

Growth as player and man

In a world where the transfer portal is the place to go if things aren’t working out Green decided to stay.

“We all know that if we go somewhere else, we could play,” Green said. “But why do that when we have the best players pushing us here.”

Running back coach, Jimmy Smith was complimentary of Green’s growth during the offseason that he sees it paying off this fall.

“I told AJ Green, this is one of the bigger jumps I’ve seen in the offseason. I’m really excited about him,” said Smith.

Competition at RB

The running back room is yet again a stacked one. Sanders and Green have separated themselves as the starters. Rashod Dubinion showed last season that he wouldn’t shy away from competition either. Even though the Georgia native hasn’t seen the first team reps as much he has put in the work to remain in the rotation.

Isaiah Augustave was highly sought after as a top running back recruit during the 2023 cycle. Luckily, Arkansas was able to sign him during the early period and has impressed early on, too.

Johnson returns from a second ACL tear with hopes to find his 2021 footing. The Missouri City, (Texas) native led Arkansas running backs in rushing touchdowns two seasons ago.

It looks like there may already be a flow to the fluidity of the offense.

“First two guys know when they’re getting in. The other guys, it’s more of a feel,” Smith said. “I got 1A, 1B, and 1C and Dominique and Isaiah on the way… They aren’t selfish at all.”

While there is certainly plenty of options for Arkansas to put on the field at any situation of a game it’s important to have trust already established for success and wins.