RB Braylen Russell becomes first commit in 2024 class for Arkansas

Hot Springs (Ark.) Lakeside running back Braylen Russell became the first commit in the 2024 recruiting class for Arkansas.

He announced the decision while in Fayetteville, Ark., for the Razorbacks game against Mississippi State. He later tweeted the news Sunday.

“I haven’t talked to college coaches about ninth graders, but when you talk about him and turn the film on, they start listening,” Lakeside head coach McBride told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette last year. “I haven’t seen at any level a ninth grader that’s as physical and talented as he is.”

Braylen Russell has 106 carries for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns through eight games this season, according to Max Preps. He also has 15 catches for 208 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Blessed to say that I have Verbally Committed to the University Of Arkansas @CoachSamPittman @FBCoachJSmith @LakesideRamsFB @CoachSFountain @Rock_Rockwell57 @lewisjo66 @Taylor_Masters @RussellShenikka @power92bishop @nickwalt @coachBradley @ramstrength11 pic.twitter.com/sX20fzJIML

— Braylen Russell (@BraylenRussell) November 7, 2021

Only one other Arkansas recruit has an offer from the Razorbacks: Malvern (Ark.) offensive lineman Vinny Winters.

Arkansas was Russell’s only offer to play college football at the next level. He received on Father’s Day 2021 while participating at a Razorbacks camp. He impressed the coaching staff with his measurables and then ran a 4.52 40-yard dash. By the end of the day, Sam Pittman had offered Russell a scholarship.

“They felt I’m a hard worker,” Braylen Russell told Fox 16 after the camp was finished. “They said I did good.”