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Arkansas Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER15: Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER15: Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER15: Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER15: Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

When you look at the running back position for Arkansas, you have to feel confident in the former backup, Devwah Waley. The sophomore probably wasn’t expecting to be thrusted into the starting spot so quickly, but with the sudden retirement of last year’s 1,000-yard rusher Rawleigh Williams III, that’s the case.

More: Arkansas Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Waley is a former four-star recruit from Texas who was listed as the fourth-best running back in the 2016 class, according to 247Sports. He came in and took over the backup role almost instantly, rushing for 602 yards and three touchdowns on 5.5 yards per touch.

However, he was overshadowed by Williams III who had a breakout season, finishing with over 1,300 yards and 12 scores while adding 220 receiving yards and another touchdown. The starting running back spot was Williams III’s until he decided to go pro, and that looked to be the case following the 2017 season, barring a setback.

Well, he’s retired now because of his health and Waley is going to be expected to carry the load for the Razorbacks, and that might just mean racking up over 250 carries.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

If he keeps that same 5.5 yards per carry average, or better, with 250 carries, Waley could surpass Williams III’s total from 2016 and be a true breakout star.

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