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Arkansas Football: Devwah Whaley could take SEC by storm in 2018

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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Arkansas football has one of the most underrated running backs in the SEC, and here’s why Devwah Whaley could take the league by storm in 2018.

Sitting behind Rawleigh Williams III as a freshman in 2016, Devwah Whaley knew he’d one day get his turn in Arkansas’ backfield. Heck, he had still managed to rush for 602 yards and three touchdowns on 110 carries in his first season, so imagine what life would be like after Williams III graduated.

Unfortunately, Williams III’s career was cut short. He retired prior to the 2017 season due to medical issues and didn’t want to further damage his body. That move thrust Whaley into the No. 1 role.

While he didn’t think his opportunity would come this soon, he had the experience and was ready for the increased workload.

However, he struggled.

Whaley finished with just one 100-yard game in 2017 which came against New Mexico State. His carries increased by 17, but his yards per touch decreased by 1.1 from his freshman season and he ran for 43 less yards, but scored four more touchdowns. He wasn’t nearly as effective in his second season, but no part of the Razorbacks’ offense was.

Bret Bielema has since been let go and Chad Morris has taken over. This is good news for the junior running back who is looking to get back to his 5.5 yards per carry ways. Though spring ball showed that the offensive line still needs work, he’s more than capable of reaching the 1,000-yard plateau and taking the SEC by storm.

The Morris offense will be much more electric than a normal Bielema-coached group, which makes Whaley’s breakout chances even higher.

Whaley has the perfect bruising 5-11, 216-pound body to make his mark on the SEC, he just needs the right coaching and direction.

Next: 5 reasons Chad Morris can turn Arkansas around

Under this new direction, we will finally see Whaley live up to his potential and rack up 1,000-plus yards. The Razorbacks may not be bowl-caliber just yet, but Whaley will be an All-SEC candidate.

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