Rakeem Boyd’s time in Fayetteville has come to an end.

The senior running back just announced his decision to call it a career with the Razorbacks and opt-out for the rest of the season. Boyd’s focus now shifts toward the NFL.

While some fans may initially be upset following this news, Boyd has struggled with injuries throughout much of his time in Fayetteville, including this season. With Boyd dealing with those issues, Trelon Smith has emerged as the team’s go-to running back in Kendal Briles’ offensive system.

It’s also important to note that Boyd could already be playing in the NFL but his early buy-in following Sam Pittman’s hire at Arkansas gave the program some early buzz that eventually led to an outstanding recruiting class — considering the state of the class upon Pittman’s hire in Fayetteville — and Feleipe Franks’ decision to transfer in as a graduate from Florida.

With his college career finished, Boyd ends his Razorback career with 2,176 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns and 52 catches for 358 yards.

Here is the statement issued by Boyd announcing his decision to opt-out on Tuesday:

“Through my journey of playing the sport I fell in love with as a child, there have been some ups and downs. Through this unprecedented pandemic, I’ve decided to opt-out of the remainder of the 2020 season. I will be preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.

“First and foremost, I need to thank God for blessing me with gifts and opportunities that are placed in my life. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support. I want to thank the University of Arkansas for taking a chance on me coming of out Independence Community College.

“I want to thank both staffs, previous and present, for their knowledge and guidance in my football life and in my personal life. I want to thank my teammates for being in the trenches with me.

“I want to give a special thanks to the Razorbacks fans. You have made the last three years the best of my life. All love, 5 out!!!”