Arkansas running back Rakeem Boyd has also shown much love for Darren McFadden, the greatest tailback in Razorback history. Boyd has modeled his hard-running, slashing style after D-Mac, and wears the same jersey number — 5 — with great pride.
Now, Boyd has a shot at joining McFadden near the top of the Arkansas record book.
Today, Boyd announced he’s returning for his senior season, one in which he will likely enter as the first-team All-SEC choice at the running position (and thus a potential dark horse All-American selection as well).
#WPS ? pic.twitter.com/D8xJs1TMAP
— Rakeem boyd ™ (@boyd_rakeem) December 23, 2019
And 97% of all Arkansans rejoiced at the news.
Boyd’s announcement was immediately met with great fanfare.
Hunter Yurachek Tweeted: “It will be great to have you back and as a leader for our program in your senior season @boyd_rakeem. Merry Christmas! #OneRazorback“
Clint Stoerner chimed in: “Huge news Hog Nation, this guy is a legit Sunday player & he’s coming back baby!!”
And so did the governor of Arkansas:
What a great Christmas present for Razorback fans! An inspiring statement from @boyd_rakeem https://t.co/RckzwpK1CV
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) December 23, 2019
Boyd is coming off one of the best two-year runs in Razorback history, amassing nearly 1,900 yards on 6.1 yards per carry. That yards per carry stat is third in Arkansas history, behind only Felix Jones (7.7) and Matt Jones (6.6).
His 2020 season projects to be his best yet. Boyd will have the benefit of operating behind what certainly will be a better offensive line after an offseason under Sam Pittman, whose specialty is that position, and position coach Brad Davis, who previously coached up salty o-lines at Missouri.
Expect improvement at the wide receiver and quarterback positions (especially with the emergence of a true dual-threat in KJ Jefferson) too, given the arrival of new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. Briles will likely build an offense that maximizes Boyd’s unique talents, giving him more run attempts per game than in previous years.
It’s not far-fetched to project Boyd racking up 1500-1600 yards next season.
That would give him a total of around 3,400 to 3,500 yards for his career, which would lift No. 5 into the top 5 of all-time Razorback runners:
Such a career finish would be all the more impressive given Boyd would have only run for 1,000 yards or more in two seasons.
Enjoy his career highlights so far below:
