Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Arkansas Football: Last Chance U’s Rakeem Boyd could contribute quickly

By Andrew Miller

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 23: Chase Hayden #2 of the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 23: Chase Hayden #2 of the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Rakeem Boyd is one of the best success stories coming out of “Last Chance U”. He can make an impact for Arkansas football immediately.

Arkansas football had a decent haul of junior college prospects for the 2018 recruiting cycle. Among the best of the JUCO signees for the Razorbacks was three-star running back Rakeem Boyd. As a former rusher with the Independence Community College Pirates, now commonly known as “Last Chance U”, Boyd is getting his second stint with an SEC program starting this year.

Originally, Boyd signed with the Texas A&M Aggies as a three-star high school prospect. He had to drop down to the JUCO ranks following off the field issues in College Station. However, talent and on the field performance has never really been an issue for Boyd.

He showed down the stretch of the 2017 NJCAA regular season that putting it all together wasn’t out of the question for his college career. As a result, Boyd ranked as the fifth best JUCO running back in the nation and nearly a top 100 prospect altogether.

Moreover, Boyd was the only running back to sign with the Hogs in the last recruiting cycle. He’s also ready to compete from his experience at Texas A&M and Independence C.C. Boyd racked up more than 1,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

Arkansas has a deep backfield this season, but there is still ample opportunity to make an early impact for Boyd. He’ll also join some talented incoming freshmen on the offensive side of the ball for Arkansas like four-star quarterback Connor Noland and three-star wide receiver Michael Woods in turning around this team in the first year under head football coach Chad Morris.

The competition to get carries for Arkansas this year mainly starts with junior Devwah Whaley. Other running backs to watch include junior T.J. Hammonds, sophomore Chase Hayden, and redshirt freshman Maleek Williams. It will be a crowded backfield for the Hogs this year, but few running backs will be as ready for the season as Boyd.

Next: Where does Malik Henry fit in after stint at "Last Chance U"?

Landing the starting gig is not likely for Boyd, at least early in the regular season. However, continuing the momentum he generated late in the season for Independence in 2017 would be good for him to win over Morris and the entire Arkansas coaching staff.

Home/Arkansas Razorbacks