Razorback Football: Does Arkansas have the SEC’s best backfield?

If you look around the conference it’s hard to say that Arkansas doesn’t. Arkansas’ offense has certainly been effective at running the ball the past two seasons. Averaging over 230 yards per game the past two seasons the Razorbacks could exceed that mark this year.

When Dan Enos became the Arkansas offensive coordinator the first go-around he made opponents not only respect the power run game with Alex Collins but the pass as well. They were dynamic in 2016, as well.

ROCKET SANDERS

This time it seems that Enos is settling into the same type of situation with a veteran backfield. Media groups around the country are very high on Sanders. He’s been included as a top returning back by ESPN, a top back in the SEC by Saturday Down South and even Big Game Boomer thinks highly of him ranking Sanders second behind rival Quinshon Judkins of Ole Miss.

We must face the fact though. If Sanders played for Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson or Georgia he’d be the preseason Heisman front runner. He’s coming off a 1400 yard, 10 touchdown season and he’s only played running back full-time for two seasons.

The Florida native has plenty developing left to do at his positions. At 6’2 237 pounds, Sanders is a physical specimen ready to blow up whatever linebacker or secondary player is in front of him. The success of Razorback Football is on his and KJ Jefferson’s shoulders and they very well could carry this team to another New Year’s Day bowl game.

Sanders has been mocked to be the first running back selected in next year’s draft, according to CBS Sports. If that were to happen he would be the first Razorback running back since Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in 2008.

AJ Green

It’s possible that the Oklahoma native is one of the fastest players on the team. Throughout his career he’s shown flashes of what he could be just not on a consistent basis. With the offensive philosophy being to attack the whole field it has been Green that’s put in the extra work to become a more complete back.

He showed out during the spring scrimmage last month by earning more yards after contact and becoming more physical. Green is a much different back than any in the stable and could be a problem for opponents this season.

RASHOD DUBINION

It’s hard not to forget Georgia native, Rashod Dubinion. He had a very solid freshman season in 2022 and showed a knack for finding the endzone consistently.

The 5’10 215 pound bowling ball of a back carried the ball 71 times last season for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns as a true freshman. He can be a factor catching the ball out of backfield recording 12 receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown, too.

SECRET WEAPON?

Incoming true freshman, Isaiah Augustave, is certainly an intriguing back to watch as well. He comes from the Sunshine State of Florida as the sixth rated back in the 2023 class. Augustave is the highest ranked running back to sign with Arkansas since fellow Florida native Alex Collins did so in 2013.

At 6’2 195 pounds he displays elite size and very good speed (11.01 100-meter dash) to likely break into the college football scene rather early in his career.

THE FORGOTTEN MAN

Amongst the running backs, Dominique Johnson is the more intriguing player in the group. As a sophomore the Texas native was the bell cow of the 2021 offense and most effective running back on the roster. Johnson finished with 97 carries for 575 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2021 but couldn’t round back into the same form last year after a leg injury during the 2021 season.

Obviously, this group is one of the deepest on the team and even if they lose somebody they can at least plug and play someone else. Unless there is some sort of surprise, Sanders should receive the majority of carries again this fall but if he does need a spell every now and then there’s plenty of options behind him.

What sets Arkansas’ running back group apart from others around the country and conference is they have four running backs that have their specific style. Each back knows their role and plays to it perfectly. A lot of eyes will be on Johnson to see if he can return to 2021 form. Plus, will Augustave be able to crack the rotation during fall camp in August? It’ll definitely be something to watch develop.