AJ Green reveals what makes Arkansas running back room different

Arkansas football will feature some of the best running backs in the country in 2023. After ranking seventh in the country with 236.7 yards per game this past season, the Razorbacks return their top four rushers.

Keeping those pieces together was critical after Arkansas saw 29 players enter the transfer portal following this season. Speaking in front of media over the weekend, junior running back AJ Green opened up on what separates the Razorbacks runners and why he never even thought of leaving Fayetteville.

“I would say coach (Jimmy) Smith and just the way we push each other,” he said. “We all know if we wanted to go somewhere, we could play. But why do that when we have some of the best players right here that’s gonna push us to our best potential?

“We’re brothers. We don’t hate on each other (and say) ‘oh, he’s getting this many carries’ and this and that. We’re just pushing each other to be the best that we can.”

Green was Arkansas’ second option at running back in 2022 behind Raheim “Rocket” Sanders. He saw just 87 carries to a whopping 222 for Sanders, but still managed 414 yards and three touchdowns for an average of 4.8 yards per carry.

Sanders again projects to be the workhorse back after finishing second in the SEC with 1,443 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. He opens the year as a preseason first team all-conference selection along with Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins.

The Arkansas running backs depth doesn’t stop there, however. Rashod Dubinion also make an impact as a true freshman this past season and to finish just behind Green with 293 yards and five touchdowns on 71 carries. Dominique Johnson struggled with a knee injury and played only four games in 2022, but had 575 yards and seven scores the year prior.

Then there’s true freshman Isaiah Augustave, the No. 297 overall player according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He may not be high on the depth chart in his first season, but should at least provide depth in the case of injuries.

Arkansas may lean even more on the running game this season after losing its top four receivers. It helps that quarterback KJ Jefferson can also make things happen with his legs, ranking second on the team with 640 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022.

All that depth should make the Razorbacks one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in not only the SEC, but the nation. As they aim to improve on a 7-6 finish this past season, that will remain a vital part of the game plan.