The NCAA has granted a medical hardship waiver to running back Kody Walker, the team announced Wednesday.
That’s terrific news for Arkansas, because it means that the Razorbacks no longer are in danger of losing their top three ball-carriers after the 2015 season.
Walker suffered season-ending injuries early in ’11 and ’12. Thanks to the ruling, he’ll be reclassified as a junior and retains eligibility for ’16.
At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Walker spent most of last season playing fullback, although he did amass 31 carries for 149 yards. He also dominated the team’s Red-White spring game in April, carrying 26 times for 174 yards and three touchdowns.
Not expected to get much time in the backfield this season, Walker has become an important insurance policy. Juan Day tore his ACL this spring, and the team dismissed Korliss Marshall in December.
Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins each rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2014, and that duo will get the majority of the carries. Williams is a senior this fall, and Collins may elect to enter the NFL draft after his third college season.
If that scenario plays out, Walker will be a crucial piece to Arkansas’ 2016 backfield, so it’s a big deal for the team that the NCAA granted its request.
“We are very excited to have Kody with us for an additional season,” said head coach Bret Bielema, according to ArkansasRazorbacks.com. “Adversity has defined him throughout his career and he has championed the moment. Every person on our staff and every player in our locker room is pulling for Kody to succeed and we expect him to be a major contributor to our football team these next two years.”
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
