Arkansas will likely be without its top running back against Texas A&M this weekend.
Junior Devwah Whaley is “very doubtful” to play due to a concussion, Razorbacks coach Chad Morris told reporters in a video posted by Pig Trail Nation. With Whaley likely sidelined, Arkansas will turn to sophomore running back Rakeem Boyd, who signed with the Aggies out of high school before going to junior college and eventually joining their SEC West rival.
“I think that we’ve seen him continue to get better every week,” Morris said. “Obviously, get into game shape. I think last week was an opportunity for him to continue to show steady improvements. So I anticipate that to continue this week.”
Morris said he doesn’t expect Boyd to be too hyped about facing his old team.
In addition to Boyd, who has averaged 6.9 yards per carry over 21 rushes and caught four passes for 47 yards, Morris mentioned junior T.J. Hammonds and sophomore Chase Hayden as possible fill-ins for Whaley. Whaley has rushed 53 times for 231 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Morris also said the Razorbacks have elected their permanent captains — senior linebacker Dre Greenlaw, senior defensive back Santos Ramirez, senior offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt and junior linebacker De’Jon “Scoota” Harris.
Arkansas (1-3, 0-1 SEC) faces Texas A&M (2-2, 0-1) at noon ET on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
