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Players to Watch in the Arkansas Spring Game

By Barrett Pfeiffer

Nov 7, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Drew Morgan (80) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Drew Morgan (80) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Damon “Duwop” Mitchell

Nov 15, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Damon Mitchell (7) breaks the tackle of LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Damon Mitchell (7) breaks the tackle of LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

The Razorbacks have continued to have struggles at the running back position. While the talent is very much there, the consistency is not.

This Saturday Arkansas will most likely be starting a running back that will be a third or fourth string by the time the 2016 season rolls around. Damon “Duwop” Mitchell was converted from a wide receiver to running back just this offseason, making little time to develop himself in that position. But with Rawleigh Williams III still under limited contact from his neck injury, Kody Walker‘s newly broken foot and Devwah Whaley not yet arriving, our most inexperienced back is up to the plate.

Sep 12, 2015; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Damon Mitchell (7) runs the ball after a catch against the Toledo Rockets during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Damon Mitchell (7) runs the ball after a catch against the Toledo Rockets during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

While this is Mitchell’s first shot at running back as an Arkansas Razorback, he’s played the position before. Duwop played running back his whole football career until his sophomore year in high school, where he was switched to quarterback. But going back to his old ways wasn’t something the coaching staff had in mind for Junior Damon Mitchell. He personally went to Coach Bielema last fall and requested the change, and he began working out with the RBs before the Liberty Bowl.

With the way things are looking, Mitchell will be given the majority of carries on Saturday. Behind him is Juan Day and Denzell Evans, the likely No.5 and 6 backs this fall. There is no sign that Rawleigh Williams will be put out there.

We have heard the progress that Mitchell has made in the spring practices, now it’s time to see it in action during the Arkansas spring game.

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