Arkansas Football's Running Back Woes and the Search for a New Star
Impact of Losing Rashod Dubinion
Dubinion was primed to play a major role next fall and was even in line to be the Hogs' lead back. However, his offseason knee surgery has ruled him out of the upcoming Liberty Bowl versus Texas Tech. His Arkansas career saw him accumulate 888 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns on 209 carries. In the 2022 Liberty Bowl, he had a standout game, running for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, along with three receptions for 19 yards. He served as a backup for two seasons before primarily being a backup this year but closed the campaign with three consecutive starts.The loss of Dubinion is a significant blow as he was a key contributor to the team. His absence will require the remaining running backs to step up and fill the void. The other scholarship running backs on the roster, Rodney Hill, Tyrell Reed Jr., and Juju Pope, combined for 131 yards on 25 carries this fall. They will now need to prove themselves and show that they can handle the increased workload.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Running back now becomes a major position of need through the transfer portal. There is no obvious starter for 2025 already on the roster. Cameron Settles and Markelyin Bratton are high school signees who will be freshmen for next season. The coaching staff will need to work hard to find suitable replacements through the transfer portal or develop the existing players. It will be a challenging task to find players who can match Dubinion's production and contribute effectively to the team.The team will need to rely on the remaining running backs to improve their skills and performance. They will need to work on their blocking, running techniques, and overall game awareness. The coaching staff will also need to implement effective game plans that utilize the strengths of the remaining running backs and make the most of their abilities.
Recruiting and the Future of the Position
The loss of the top running backs also highlights the importance of recruiting in maintaining a strong running game. The coaching staff will need to focus on signing talented running backs in the future to ensure the team's success on the ground. High school signees like Cameron Settles and Markelyin Bratton will need to develop quickly and make an impact in their first season.The transfer portal will also play a crucial role in addressing the position. The coaching staff will need to be active in recruiting players from other schools to add depth and competition to the running back position. They will need to find players who can fit into the team's system and contribute immediately.