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Running back Braylen Russell earns SEC Co-Freshman of the Week

By Austin Farmer

Oct 26, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) runs the ball while defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Isaac Smith (2) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) runs the ball while defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Isaac Smith (2) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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Since Sam Pittman took over as Arkansas's head coach, his team's identity has been a punishing rushing attack. Over the last three weeks, Arkansas strayed from the ground game, rushing for no more than 134 yards in a single game. On Saturday, the Hogs went back to their roots.

Arkansas rushed for 361 yards against Mississippi State, led by true freshman running back Braylen Russell. He filled in for an injured Ja'Quinden Jackson, who left the LSU game after five carries. In his first start, Russell recorded 175 yards, averaging an outstanding 10.9 yards per carry. Unfortunately, he failed to reach the endzone, but that didn't matter to the SEC.

Russell earned Freshman Player of the Week for his performance against the Bulldogs. Mississippi State wasn't the first time the Benton, Ark. native came in clutch. When Jackson went down with an injury against Tennessee, Russell was a key contributor to Arkansas's final touchdown drive to put the Razorbacks ahead. However, it was Malachi Singleton who earned the weekly honor that week.

With Jackson doubtful for Saturday's game, Russell will have another chance to show off his talent against Ole Miss. The Rebels have a much better defense, so it'll be his first real test as Arkansas's bell-cow running back.

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