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Arkansas Football: Rakeem Boyd opts out, enters 2021 NFL Draft

By Surae Poole

Sep 21, 2019; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Rakeem Boyd (5) rushes against the San Jose State Spartans during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2019; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Rakeem Boyd (5) rushes against the San Jose State Spartans during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rakeem Boyd
Sep 21, 2019; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Rakeem Boyd (5) rushes against the San Jose State Spartans during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Rakeem Boyd has taken the leap to the NFL Draft

Arkansas running back Rakeem Boyd is opting out of the 2020 college football season to being preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft. Boyd is now the sixth Arkansas player to opt out this season. With just two games remaining in the season, it’s been a disappointing year for the senior after running for 1,133 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

The Last Chance U star has totaled 2,176 yards on the ground in his career as a razorback. Dealing with injuries this season, Boyd has only appeared in six games. He’s amassed 309 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 82 carries.

The production has been impressive prior to the 2020 season. He averaged six yards per carry in 2018 and 2019. After his standout season in 2019, it probably would have been best for him to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. However, nobody would have predicted the injury bug that plagued Boyd in 2020 or the pandemic that has made the college football season one to remember.

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What is his 2021 NFL Draft outlook?

While he may not be a household name in an extremely talented running back class, Boyd has intriguing tools that he brings to the next level. He’s a threat in the passing game and Arkansas used him in a plethora of ways.

Nick Farabaugh of Pro Football Network sees Boyd landing on day-three of the draft:

"“I think Boyd best works in a committee, given his current status. However, he is scheme versatile and can run in between and outside of the tackles. His physicality and fire showcase his willingness to learn and improve. Boyd should find work in the NFL quick and fast and stick the landing.”"

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Boyd is a tough runner with patience and has beautiful explosion when running lanes become clear to him. Power running teams will be interested in Boyd. Hopefully, he can get healthy and test well to open some eyes around the league.

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