Hot Springs Lakeside running back Braylen Russell committed to Arkansas while visiting the Razorbacks prior to the Mississippi State game, becoming the first pledge in the 2024 class.
Russell, 6-2, 225 pounds, earned an offer from Arkansas in June while shining at a Razorbacks camp. He recorded 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
He has 106 carries for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns in 8 games this season. Russell also has 15 catches for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Rams coach Jared McBride said Russell is special and was letting colleges know about him as a freshman.
“I haven’t talked to college coaches about ninth graders, but when you talk about him and turn the film on, they start listening,” McBride said last fall. “I haven’t seen at any level a ninth grader that’s as physical and talented as he is.”