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Arkansas Football: Running back depth key for Hogs’ SEC run in 2018

By Andrew Miller

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Chase Hayden #2 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball up the middle and is hit by Ron LaForce #23 of the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 42-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Chase Hayden #2 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball up the middle and is hit by Ron LaForce #23 of the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 42-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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A guide down the path to relevance again in the SEC West starts with entrusting the running back depth to lead the way for Arkansas football.

Arkansas football was a team that traditionally used the ground game to overpower opposing SEC defenses under Bret Bielema. It was a style that Bielema brought with him from the Wisconsin Badgers. For quite a few years, that system under Bielema worked pretty well. That was until the 2017 campaign hit and cost him his job with a disappointing four win season.

However, with current head Arkansas football coach instilling a more modern offensive scheme for the Razorbacks, better results could be just around the corner. Fans got to see somewhat of the display of that new system in the spring football game. But, it seems like Morris is still unsure of the quarterback situation with fall camp coming up soon.

An usual drop in rushing production also caused some inconsistent results from the Arkansas offense last season. Arkansas largely relied on Devwah Whaley to lead the way for the entire offense, but he saw a decrease in both his overall rushing yards and yards per carry.

The one positive in the rushing stats from Whaley came from his jump in touchdowns. He saw his rushing touchdown total rise from three to seven in 2017. Whaley also showed some flashes that were more impressive than during his freshman campaign in Fayetteville.

Issues from the passing game could’ve also caused the decline in production from Whaley. Quarterback Austin Allen was actually better during his junior season than senior because of injury issues. His efficiency actually got better between his junior and senior campaigns. But, the rhythm of the Arkansas offense suffered without Allen leading the way.

With the loss of Allen guiding the offense, Arkansas will either turn to one of three quarterbacks. Rising sophomore Cole Kelley would be considered the obvious choice by most with his tough play in place of Allen at times last year.

Beyond Kelley, the Hogs could turn to Ty Storey despite his limited experience in previous years with the program or incoming freshman four-star prospect Connor Noland.

Next: Quick improvement possible for Arkansas football in 2018

In terms of the Arkansas ground game, the quarterback will need to play a key support role. Outside of Whaley for the Arkansas running backs, there’s a host of quality options. Rising sophomore Chase Hayden, rising junior T.J. Hammonds, and redshirt freshman Maleek Williams will all play a factor in the success of this offense in 2018.

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