Benton (Ark.) native Braylen Russell is the next running back at Arkansas poised to pop as a true freshman.
The 6-1, 253-pound back hit the ground running with a strong showing in spring practices and has picked up right where he left off in fall camp.
With 1-2 backfield punch JaQuinden Jackson and Rashod Dubinion nursing minor injuries, Russell took the opportunity to shine in Arkansas’ first fall scrimmage with some powerful runs, including a touchdown.
“He’s going to help us,” head coach Sam Pittman said. “He’s going to be in the rotation, and he’s going to help us. He’s a good player. He’s a hard runner, but he’s also faster than you might think, and he’s got a bad-to-the-bone stiff-arm. He’s really good with that.
“His consistency of hitting the hole hard is what he’s got to improve on, and he knows that. He won’t be disappointed that I said that. If he does that, he’s going to become a really, really good football player and a really good back.”
Russell is a physically imposing presence in the backfield and is not exactly the type of player a linebacker looks forward to meeting in the hole.
“Tackling a running back like Braylen, you’ve got to bring your feet because he’s coming,” said Xavian Sorey. “Once he gets the ball and is coming downhill, he’s coming. You can’t be asleep, or he’s going to put you to sleep.
“He can run. He’s a heavy runner, and he’s not scared of contact. He gets downhill quick. He’ll find a gap, and he’ll hit it.”
Starting quarterback Taylen Green has been impressed with Russell’s progression since his arrival on campus and made note of the infectious personality he brings to the room.
“His knowledge of the offense has grown tremendously,” Green said. “A big part of him is just as a person. You know when Braylen walks in the room. He laughs all the time. He always makes jokes.
“Having that type of person on the team speaks a lot, especially coming from a freshman. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and that’s what I like.”