Arkansas freshman RB Chase Hayden explains his role in three-man backfield
By Keith Farner
Published:
One of the top running backs in the Class of 2017 is already making an impact at Arkansas.
Chase Hayden, the son of former Tennessee and San Diego Chargers running back Aaron Hayden, is in a three-man running back rotation with the Razorbacks alongside Devwah Whaley and David Williams. Hayden, a Memphis, Tenn. native, was a 3-star prospect, according to 247Sports. Hayden recently told Hawgs247 what the coaching staff has told him about his role.
“Obviously they want me back there to make big plays, help the team and contribute,” Hayden said. “They have just told me to go out there and contribute, not change what I do. The only advice they have really given me is that they want me to kind of change is to run within the scheme. That is what I have really been working on and it has helped me get a lot better.”
There hasn’t been anything specific mentioned about distribution of carries, but Hayden added, “They’ve just told us that everybody has to be ready to play so that is what everybody’s mentality has been in the room.”
Hayden’s father played for Tennessee from 1991-1994, rushed for more than 2,000 yards for the Vols. A little more than a year ago, Hayden participated Nike’s The Opening camp, which features elite prospects, and earned First-Team Running Back honors.
Hayden in high school rushed for 7,000 yards and 92 touchdowns, but he wasn’t sure what to expect in the preseason.
“I have surprised myself,” Hayden said. “My mindset was to just come in here and just compete and give my best effort. I surprised myself a little bit, but you just keep that mindset and keep working hard and keeping a clear head and I think you can do a lot of things.”
Arkansas opens the season against Florida A&M on Thursday.
To get a sneak peek at Hayden, here are his high school highlights:
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
