FAYETTEVILLE -- Running back Rashod Dubinion is the lone scholarship running back returning from last season.
Dubinion, 5-10, 201, is a junior who is hoping for a big season. In 2023, Dubinion rushed 82 times for 260 yards and one touchdown. He also caught 14 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Dubinion was asked what it's like being the only returning running back in the room?
"It's just a respect thing," Dubinion said. "I respect everybody and everybody respects me, so we all get along pretty well. We all treat each other like family because we [are] family. We all got a brotherhood. We all break bread together, eat together, hang out outside of football. That's what matters the most."
Dubinion, like most others, is excited about Bobby Petrino brings to the offense.
"Yeah, Coach Petrino’s offense is exciting to see," Dubinion said. "It's a show. We're going to bring a show."
The camaraderie seems be better according to most of the players interviewed this preseason who were here last year. Dubinion doesn't disagree with that.
"I feel like everybody comes ready to work every day, like both sides of the ball," Dubinion said. "Like if you don’t come ready to work it’s going to show. It’s going to show."
One of the new running backs is Ja'Quinden Jackson who came over from Utah.
"Yeah, I love him," Dubinion said. "That’s my brother. His strengths are like power. He’s what 6-2, 250. Come on, man. You’ve got to get out of his way."
Dubinion already had a relationship with Florida State transfer Rodney Hill. Dubinion and Hill are both from Georgia high schools.
"Yes sir, high school," Dubinion said. "Probably 7 on 7 camp. Like Cam Newton Camp."
In addition to Dubinion, Hill and Jackson, the Hogs have Tyrell Reed Jr. and Braylen Russell as scholarship running backs.
"I feel that we all bring something different to the table," Dubinion said. "We're a well-rounded room. Everybody's diverse."
Kolby Smith coaches the running backs and talked about what he likes most from Dubinion.
"I love his initial burst," Smith said. "I love his slash ability. His quickness. His ability to get into those small seams in the offensive line that we create and the jump cut and the burst out of it."
When Dubinion and Jackson are both healthy Smith reflected back on what both bring to the room.
"Leadership and experience, because they’ve been out there in those games," Smith said. "They know what it feels like, and they do a great job of teaching the younger guys in the room. When we’re in the meeting room or when they’re in the back and watching, taking those mental reps with the guys, they’re saying hey, this and that. I can hear them, and they’re doing a good job. It’s a good group. The chemistry in the room is good. It’s a nice brotherhood that we have building and growing. A lot of them are roommates now that weren’t. When I came here in the spring, nobody was roommates, but now they’re becoming roommates. They live with each other, so I can tell the brotherhood is growing."
The Arkansas-UAPB game in War Memorial will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and be televised on ESPNU.
Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Sports Action
