Running backs coach Jimmy Smith is a vital piece of the Arkansas coaching staff. Smith’s running backs have produced each of his three seasons with Raheim Sanders this season being the first Razorback to rush for 1000 yards in a season since 2019. Smith has also been key in recruiting for the Hogs, helping establish a pipeline to Georgia high schools.
Coach Smith was a two-time state champion high school head football coach in Georgia prior to becoming a college coach. At Cedar Grove HS, he went 67-14-1 during his six seasons at the helm. He joined Georgia State’s staff as the running backs coach for the 2019 season before becoming a part of Coach Pittman’s initial staff at Arkansas. His running backs for the Razorbacks have shown improvement every year with the Hogs leading the Power 5 and ranking second nationally in rushing during the 2021 season.
Sophomore Raheim Sanders leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing through Week 10 of the regular season, averaging 122.3 yards per game. Sanders matched the school record for quickest to 1000 rushing yards in just eight games. The sophomore was recruited as a wide receiver before moving to running back in his first spring practice and learning the position from Smith.