Razorback Football’s best running back’s since 2000

If there is one position Arkansas is known for producing NFL talent it is certainly running back. For over 100 years, the Razorback Football program has churned out plenty of running backs to the NFL.

There’s no denying who the best running back in program history is. But, who falls behind the GOAT since the turn of the century?

1. Darren McFadden (2005-2007):

Little Rock’s pride, the greatest Hog to come out of the 501. To most fans and media alike, McFadden is the greatest Razorback ever. He certainly is the best running back to ever come through Arkandas.

From his punishing shoulders and pads to long, lanky legs McFadden has a look about him. Take a silhouette cutout of him and it’s easy to guess who he is. McFadden transcended college football as a whole and put Arkansas on the map as RBU.

Like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, DMAC was the clearly the most electrifying player to ever don the Cardinal and white. From his 80-yard touchdown to his all-time performance against LSU, McFadden was and always will be the greatest.

His combination of size, speed, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up and a two-time winner of the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. McFadden finished his Razorback career with over 4,500 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns.

2. Felix Jones (2005-2007):

Let’s be real here, if Jones would’ve been the focal back without McFadden he likely could’ve been one of the best ever.

Felix Jones formed a lethal one-two punch with Darren McFadden in the Razorbacks’ backfield during their time together. Jones possessed all-world speed and quickness, often leaving defenders in the dust. He was known for his breakaway runs and ability to turn a small crease into a long touchdown.

He was also dynamite when it came to special teams, too, returning 62 kickoffs for 1749 yards and 4 touchdowns in three seasons. Jones ability to catch the ball out of the backfield was vastly underrated. He caught 39 passes for 383 yards and 3 scored.

The Tulsa, (Okla.) native amassed over 2,900 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns in his Razorback career.

His also amassed 5099 all-purpose yards and 27 total touchdowns. That’s more than most college backs could ever dream of.

3. Alex Collins (2013-2015):

The Florida native had a very productive career at Arkansas and ranks among the program’s top rushers. Collins’ 2015 campaign, his final A Hog, saw him put up the third highest rushing yard total by an Arkansas tailback.

He would finish his career with the second most yards rushing ever by a Razorback with 3703. His 20 touchdowns during the 2015 season stands as the most in a single season for a Razorback.

He was a powerful and elusive runner, capable of breaking tackles and making defenders miss like a leprechaun in space. Collins eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in each of his three seasons with the Razorbacks. His consistency and hard-running style made him a fan favorite along with the long dreadlocks flowing out of his helmet.

4. Cedric Cobbs (1999-2003):

Cedric Cobbs was a talented and versatile running back who had a productive career at Arkansas. He possessed a unique blend of size, speed, and agility, allowing him to excel both as a power runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Cobbs finished his Razorback career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. His contributions helped lead the Razorbacks to two SEC Western Division titles and a berth in the 2002 SEC Championship game.

Cobbs ended his career as the offensive MVP of the 2003 Independence Bowl against Missouri where he rushed for 141 yards on 27 carries. The Little Rock, (Ark.) native spent three seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots.

He was awarded first team All-SEC after the 2003 season and first team all-freshmen team during the 1999 season.

5. Jonathan Williams

What would the 2015 offense have looked like if the Texas native wasn’t injured before the season? Williams wound up finding success in the NFL but his legacy at Arkansas would’ve been far greater if he played during his final season. He came to Arkansas as one of the top players in the 2012 recruiting class, the final one under Bobby Petrino.

The 6-foot 223 pound back had a breakout 2014 season with 1190 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns as a junior. His rushing performance as a junior remains as the 10th highest rushing yard total in a single-season in program history. Williams also rushed for 2321 yards also places him 11th all-time for career rushing yards.

6. Rakeem Boyd

What is often remembered as the forgotten times in program history there was still quality individual performances put on by a handful of players. One of those was Boyd who rushed for 2176 yards during his three seasons in Fayetteville. He transferred to Independence Junior College following his first season at Texas A&M.

At 6-foot 206 pounds, Boyd had several long touchdown runs and was effective in the passing game, too. Although he didn’t finish out his career as the starting back, the Texas native was a bright spot in a dark time in Razorback history. He finished his stint with Razorback Football with nine 100-yard games and 13 touchdowns before pursing his professional interests.