Although the SEC was once the college football conference where running the football was the central feature of most teams' offense, including the Arkansas Razorbacks' offense, most teams in the conference now employ a spread offense that concentrates primarily on the passing game, though all SEC teams recognize the importance of running the football. When watching highlights of Bobby Petrino's past offenses, many involve the passing game.
Without question, the passing game is vital to Petrino's offense. However, those intimately aware of what he desires to do offensively recognize he wishes to run the ball effectively first to open up passing plays, especially those explosive and sophisticated ones.
Even at this stage in his coaching career, he constantly infuses creativity into his offensive schemes, never becoming predictable. Some defensive coordinators believe they have him figured out, know his tendencies, and have identified certain patterns they can use to inform their defensive schemes, but they often discover the errors of their thoughts on the field.
Petrino loves to use running backs to generate explosive plays not only in his rushing attack but also to produce plays that unsettle defenses in the passing game. While not all Arkansas running backs will be discussed in this article, every running back on the Hogs' roster can be successfully deployed in his passing schemes.
As talented as Arkansas's running backs are, Taylen Green, the Hogs' starting quarterback, does things with his legs that no other college football player can. Therefore, Green may pose the greatest threat in the running game, making him an authentic dual threat and adding another challenging dimension to defend in the Razorbacks' rushing attack.
This article offers a projected three-deep depth chart of the Hogs' running backs and brief information about three of the team's key running backs. Admittedly, given that Petrino is likely to employ a running back by committee approach, alternating running backs based on which ones are hot and the best for a particular play or plays or objectives for an entire series, a depth chart, even a projected one, is not as beneficial for its traditional purposes. However, it will reveal the running backs who will receive the most playing time, ultimately what matters most.
Razorback 2025 Spring Running Back Depth Chart
Team | Player | Class |
|---|---|---|
First | Braylen Russell | Sophomore |
Second | Mike Washington Jr. | Redshirt Senior |
Third | AJ Green | Redshirt Senior |
Braylen Russell
According to Otis Kirk, an Arkansas Razorbacks beat writer at Southwest Arkansas Today, Braylen Russell has prepared his mind and body to lead the Arkansas running back room. After his back-and-forth entering and exiting of the transfer portal, Russell stated, as reported by Kirk for The Saline Courier, "But through conversations with Coach Pitt, I've regained perspective." The "perspective" he needs is a commitment to giving his coaches and teammates his best each day and in each practice and game.
Such perspective, coupled with his talent, strength, and surprising speed for his size, can enable him to emerge as a genuine star for the Hogs, allowing Razorback Nation to forget and forgive the transfer portal chaos he self-generated. With his size, he can punish defenses in the running game. If Russell lacks the focus he should have in his second year under Petrino, he will lose playing time to the other talented running backs eager to capitalize on additional playing time.
According to ESPN, in 2024, Braylen Russell had 69 carries for 354 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns. One can expect his carries, yards, and touchdowns to at least double in his second season as his role increases and he shares playing time with the stable of running backs on the roster. When Arkansas has a lead, especially a relatively comfortable lead late, one can expect Petrino to rely on him to milk as much time as possible. However, he must prove he can avoid turnovers to gain such a vital role at that critical juncture in games.
Mike Washington Jr.
As a transfer from New Mexico State, Mike Washington Jr. is entering his first season at Arkansas and in Petrino's offense. He brings significant talent and experience to the Hogs' running back room. According to ESPN, in 2024, Washington Jr. had 157 carries for 725 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, delivered eight touchdowns, and never fumbled in his four previous seasons.
Since turnovers cost the Razorbacks several games last season, his never having had a turnover in his college career is impressive and welcomed at Arkansas. Washington Jr. could become the running back on which Petrino relies the most. Pittman and Petrino love his talent and experience. To become the Hogs' leading rusher, he must learn Petrino's offense and execute his role in the offense.
AJ Green
AJ Green showed flashes of brilliance at Arkansas before transferring last season to Oklahoma State. Green has the size and speed Petrino can employ in his offensive schemes to exploit defenses. Although he will not likely be the team's leading rusher, he will make valuable contributions to the Hogs' rushing attack throughout the season.
Green can succeed in Petrino's offense if he stays healthy and motivated. According to ESPN, in 2023, his last season at Arkansas, the redshirt senior had 67 carries for 312 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns. Green has the talent to achieve greater things. Ultimately, though, it will be up to him to realize his potential and achieve what is possible on the field. With such depth at running back, he will be left behind if he does not take a significant step forward.