For many players, coaching changes are difficult. Arkansas RB Maleek Williams, however, appears to have had quite the response to new strength coach Trumain Carroll, a hire made by new head coach Chad Morris.

In his first year on campus, Williams checked in at 230 pounds. At the start of January workouts this year, the redshirt freshman was at 224 pounds. After a spring with Carroll, Williams is down all the way to 215 pounds. Once thought of as a bruising back, Williams says he’s ready to highlight his explosiveness in Morris’ offense.

“I feel explosive, and I feel like I can be more efficient at this weight,” Williams told HawgSports.com’s Trey Biddy. “When I came from high school I was 230. I hit that diet pretty hard, and I’ve just been lifting and stuff and got more leaned out for this year.”

The first step for Williams is convincing the coaches to make it (at least) a three-man rotation at running back. Arkansas’ top rusher for 2017, David Williams (117 carries, 656 yards, 8 TD), is out of eligibility and now in the NFL. The Razorbacks return running backs Devwah Whaley and Chase Hayden. The pair combined for 188 of the Hogs’ 488 rushes, gaining 885 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns.

More on Williams’ background and how he fits into Morris’ scheme can be found in Biddy’s article.