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Arkansas Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Ryan T. Smith

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 2: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks and his players celebrate following the AutoZone Liberty Bowl win against the Kansas State Wildcats at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on January 2, 2016 in Memphis, Tennessee. Arkansas won 45-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 2: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks and his players celebrate following the AutoZone Liberty Bowl win against the Kansas State Wildcats at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on January 2, 2016 in Memphis, Tennessee. Arkansas won 45-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 25: Running back Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 25: Running back Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Starting running back: Devwah Whaley
Backup: Chase Hayden

Devwah Whaley, a blue-chipper who was impressive in his first season in Fayetteville as Rawleigh Williams’ backup, will have a chance to shine as the feature back as a sophomore. Williams retired due to injuries this past offseason. He could very well double his 602-yard output from 2016 now that he’ll get the lion’s share of the carries.

While Whaley did do a lot of his damage against the underbelly of Arkansas’ schedule last season, he’s a quintessential Bielema back and can be an All-SEC performer with a bit more consistency.

The general consensus going into the fall was that South Carolina graduate transfer David Williams would be a shoo-in for the backup spot, but true freshman Chase Hayden has dazzled in camp. It may not happen right away, but expect Hayden to slowly steal the majority of carries behind Whaley.

Starting fullback: Kendrick Jackson
Backups: Hayden Johnson

Most teams never hear the words “fullback controversy” uttered. Arkansas is not most teams! The Razorbacks do indeed have two capable fullbacks vying for the top spot this fall, with last year’s starter Hayden Johnson having been replaced on the first team by junior Kendrick Jackson. Jackson will likely see the majority of snaps this season, but Johnson is sure to get playing time as well. You can never have too many fullbacks.

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