By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- Benton won the Razorback Invitational 7-on-7 Wednesday at the University of Arkansas. 

The Panthers went 7-0 on the day and defeated Coweta 32-24 in the finals inside Razorback Stadium. Among the standouts for Benton was Class of 2024 four-star running back Braylen Russell. 

Jimmy Smith, who coaches the Arkansas running backs and is recruiting Russell, watched his first game of the day.

“Coach Jimmy watched my first game and I got a touchdown,” Russell said. “I caught like three balls. I love catching balls. It’s a good part of my game.” 

 As a junior at Benton, Russell rushed 230 times for 1,643 yards and 26 touchdowns. He caught 22 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. He played at Lakeside his sophomore year. Russell shared what Sam Pittman said to him when they met in the office Wednesday.

“They really want me,” Russell said. “I decommitted when I was a sophomore, but never took my eyes off of Arkansas. I just decommitted for more options. It’s been a ride, but I’m shutting it down July 14.”

Russell has taken official visits to South Carolina and Baylor. He will be at Arkansas this weekend and then finish up at Tennessee. He spoke about what he’s looking for at Arkansas this weekend.

“I’ve always grown up in Arkansas and been a Razorback fan so there’s nothing they can do to convince me,” Russell said. “It’s what I want with my decision and what best fits me to be honest. So they’ve already put a great impression on (me at) the University of Arkansas.”

Russell, 6-2, 230, will be back at Arkansas on Friday for an official visit this weekend. Russell is set to announce his college decision on July 14 at his high school. The commitment announcement begins at 6:30 p.m.

“Being here is always a pleasure,” Russell said. “Humble not everybody gets these opportunities to come to a 7-on-7 and then get to meet the coach in his office. I’m grateful, and humbled. Love to be here.”

Russell said he expects to learn more about Dan Enos' offense while in Fayetteville this weekend.

Photo by Otis Kirk.