College Football 2010: Arkansas Blessed with Depth and Talent at RB

The 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks will be a pass-oriented team led by potential Heisman candidate, QB Ryan Mallett.

But this offense relies on other aspects to make it run smoothly.

One of those aspects is the starting running back.

In fact one goal for the team in the offseason was to upgrade a run game that ranked 10th in the Southeastern Conference (131.8 yards a game). They have four possible candidates to start the season, yet as of now, not one of them has emerged as a starter.

The college football season starts soon, but Head Coach Bobby Petrino has yet to designate a starter in the backfield.

Dennis Johnson

Broderick Green, Dennis Johnson, Ronnie Wingo Jr., and Knile Davis are the current foursome battling for the job. Up to this point, none of them seem to be taking charge. “They’re still kind of jogging along even,” said offensive coordinator Garrick McGee. “I’m ready for one of them to take charge.”

Dennis Johnson is one the backs that has the edge on getting the starting nod. However, Johnson missed the last few days after getting his wisdom teeth pulled. He is the current frontrunner due to his straight-forward, quick hitting approach to running the ball. Running the ball is not the only variable that Petrino is looking for in a running back.

"They're all pretty good at carrying the football," Petrino said. "But we've got to trust that they're not going to get the quarterback hit when we call a pass play. That's the major evaluation right there."

Broderick Green

Broderick Green may fit that bill the best. Green is a huge presence on the field and last year rolled up 442 yards and 11 touchdowns. He should be the go-to back for this team in goal line situations or in short yardage situations. Green has stood out during Arkansas’ two scrimmages with 144 rushing yards on 39 rushing attempts

Ronnie Wingo

He is not as big as Green, but Ronnie Wingo is listed at 227 pounds and could develop into a featured back at some point in his career. He still needs work, but as a sophomore he will grow with the team and learn how to play his position better. He has an incredible speed burst that can separate him from a pursuing defense and is a superstar in the making.

Knile Davis

Knile Davis may be the most aggressive runner on the team, but he is not the fastest. He gives Arkansas incredible versatility as he can be played at halfback or fullback. Davis ran for 58 yards in his latest chance at taking over the position, but he still needs to show that he can break the big play.

Nice Problem To Have

This is a problem that many teams in the SEC wish they had.

Regardless of who is announced as the starter for this team, they have plenty of talent and depth at the running back position.

That could go a long way in the SEC.

 

Read More articles on College Football and the NFL at Bookie Blitz!

Other College Football Articles

Five Underdogs that will Upset in Week One

Preview and Prediction: Purdue vs Notre Dame

Preview and Prediction: Southern Miss at South Carolina