WATCH: 2024 Arkansas commit can lift!

Arkansas running back commit Braylen Russell displayed his muscle on Wednesday morning, via Twitter.

600 🏋🏾🏋🏾 Great way to start the 2nd day of fall camp❕ #GOONSQUAD @FBCoachJSmith @coachofpdc 🐗🐗 pic.twitter.com/ATaPPHN2Ct

— Braylen Russell (@BraylenRussell) August 2, 2023

Russell is a four-star and 307th overall prospect in the 2024 class. He displays impressive athleticism and exceptional top-end speed to breakaway from defenders.  At 6’1, 230 pounds, Russell delivers punishing blows when running down hill.

He was one of the best running backs in the state of the Arkansas during the 2022 season rushing for 1,643 yards and 26 TDs. The Benton product showed he can get it done out of the backfield by catching 22 passes for 224 yards and 1 TD.

The Razorbacks also hold a commitment from 2024 RB Jadan Baugh out of the state of Georgia. Russell and Baugh are considered to be the lightning and Thunder of this cycle offensively for Arkansas.

247Sports Scouting Report

Big-bodied back with better-than-expected open-field athleticism and impressive short-range acceleration. Boasts a three-sport athletic profile with uncommon combination of reps in throws events (shot put as a junior) and sprints (100 meters as a sophomore), plus basketball.

Production made a significant increase from sophomore to junior year, in both totals and per carry rate. Consistently displays ability to catch the ball out of the backfield with almost 50 receptions across 2021-22 seasons. Downhill burst combines with large frame to make for a difficult second-level tackling assignment. Vision and sneaky first-move elusiveness catch defenders off guard. Encouragingly shows ability to get skinny in the hole considering big-bodied build.

Flashes some subtle quick-footedness in tight quarters that keeps plays alive and gains unexpected extra yardage. Can still get faster at the top end, but showed improved open-field linear speed in 2022. Gears down noticeably when redirecting, but helps compensate with promising burst out of those moves. Should provide a forceful short-yardage option at the next level given size and athleticism.

Upright running style and huge frame combine to create a large target for defenders. Occasionally relies on athleticism rather than run-finishing size / strength. Can improve lower-half fluidity. Lacks full catalog of verified data to provide ideal context to athleticism. Does immense size limit long-term upside?

Projects as a quality Power Five running back prospect who could at least provide a punishing change-of-pace option, but also might become a high-volume workhorse. Scheme and fit will influence college role and impact, but the size and functional athleticism make for a four-star back with the potential to play beyond college.

-Gabe Brooks

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