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Another Top Recruit Trashed Arkansas Football Over Perplexing Trend On His Way Out The Door

#Arkansas Razorbacks
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iStockphoto / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Jeremiah Dent does not understand Arkansas football's plan of attack.


Three-star running back Jeremiah Dent is no longer a member of the 2027 Arkansas football recruiting class. He opened up as to why this week.

He is confused by the decision making of the Razorbacks‘ coaching staff. As a result, he’s chosen to re-open his recruitment.

Dent blasted the program on his way out the door. He’s the second prospect to do so before announcing his decommitment.

Arkansas football is turning off recruits.

Last week, four-star wide receiver Darion Moseley rescinded his pledge to the Razorbacks to re-evaluate his recruitment. The pass catcher committed in May. Five months later, he reversed course.

Moseley is from Alabama. He is rated as the 35th-best wideout in the ’27 cycle by ESPN. The receiver was one of the Hogs’ top recruits for the upcoming class. It’s a big loss for Ryan Silverfield.

Making matters worse, Moseley eviscerated the Razorbacks before bailing on the team. Below are comments made prior to the decommitment. They paint an ugly picture.

“We shouldn’t look like this to a Big 12 team (Utah). I don’t care what you say. I hope they know that’s not okay…

“We’re fourth-year, fifth-year seniors and we’re not able to break tackles. We’ve got our quarterback missing throws that he should be making and we’re not doing what we need to do.”

-Darion Moseley

Arkansas was blasted by the Utes, 43-10. It didn’t sit right with Moseley. The Razorbacks followed it up with blowout losses to Georgia and Texas A&M. The wide receiver decommitted as a result.

He’s now been joined by Jeremiah Dent, a three-star running back from the state of Arkansas. His comments on the decommitment were equally as harsh.

Jeremiah Dent decommitted.

Dent was the fifth-highest rated prospect in the Arkansas football class, according to 247 Sports, at the time of his decommitment. He revealed the reasoning behind his decision this week.

“I’ve been diving into Arkansas games day by day and focusing on offensive line, physicality, and the offensive coordinator and play calling. Really hard to extend my talent or allow someone to get hot when you have backs going in and out every three snaps. The consistency of not having the run game banging through at least one half has me questioning myself about where I would fit in.”

-Jeremiah Dent via Rivals

Unlike Moseley’s criticism, his reasoning was not related to on-field performance. Instead, he cited coaching decisions while announcing his exit.

Ryan Silverfield’s running back usage has been questioned by media and fans. Daniel Fare of On3 wrote about the confusing rotation after a loss to Tennessee.

Braylen Russell logged 17 carries in the season opener vs. North Alabama. He led the team in rushing and scored a touchdown. Since, he’s toted the rock just 27 times in five games.

Last weekend, he gained 18 yards on four carries. That included a touchdown. He also had a 30-yard gain wiped out by a penalty. Despite the success, he was not used in the fourth quarter of a close game.

Instead, Arkansas opted to implement a ‘running back by committee’ plan. Four tailbacks logged attempts. None totaled more than 50 yards. Just one topped double digit carries.

Silverfield responded after the game when pressed on his running back outlook.

“I think if you look at what Braylen Russell is, you may say he’s the bigger bruising type. And you got Cam Settles that you feel like can do a little bit of everything, and then you got Sutton Smith who may be a little bit more shifty and can do some of those different things, but I think all three bring a unique variety to us.

“And then whatever the play call’s for, or whoever’s in at the opportunity to go get the yards we need or to pass protect, that’s who we’ll put in.”

-Ryan Silverfield

Those remarks did not ease worry. Dent does not want to be lost in the mix. He wants to play for a program that features his talent rather than substituting “every three snaps.” He questions where he’d fit in.

Six recruits have now decommitted from Arkansas. More will follow if the coaching staff can’t find some positive momentum. Prospects aren’t aligned with Ryan Silverfield, and they’re vocalizing that criticism while jumping ship.

Update – Dent clarified his comments.

He insists he meant no disrespect towards the coaching staff. Arkansas remains very much in the mix for his commitment.

Regardless of that explanation, his comments read poorly and highlighted an issue that many around the program have criticized.