Hogs’ oft-injured RB Kody Walker on mend again

Arkansas running back Kody Walker speaks to reporters on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, at the Embassy Suites hotel in Memphis, Tenn.
Arkansas running back Kody Walker speaks to reporters on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, at the Embassy Suites hotel in Memphis, Tenn.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas running back Kody Walker suffered a broken right foot in practice Tuesday that will keep him out until fall camp, Coach Bret Bielema announced Wednesday.

Walker, 23, left practice with the injury during Tuesday's workout, the ninth of the spring for the Razorbacks, and underwent surgery Wednesday.

Kody Walker glance

Position Running back

Class Sixth-year senior

Birthdate July 19, 1992 (23)

Height/weight 6-2, 245

Hometown Jefferson City, Mo.

Noteworthy Rushed for five touchdowns in his first three games as a collegian, tied for the most among true freshmen at that point in the 2011 season. … Suffered leg injuries in both 2011 and 2012 and was granted medical redshirt seasons by the NCAA for both years. … Rushed for 32 yards on six carries in 2013. … Had 149 yards on 31 carries and 1 touchdown in 2014. … Carried 90 times for 394 yards and 6 touchdowns last season.

Bielema issued a statement Wednesday evening while he was in West Memphis to address a Razorback Club meeting.

"Unfortunately Kody suffered a broken foot during yesterday's practice," Bielema said in the statement. "It required surgery that went well today and doctors expect a full recovery.

"It's a pretty standard foot injury that we've dealt with in the past and we expect him to be full-go by June. If anyone knows how to battle adversity it's Kody Walker."

Bielema said in West Memphis that Walker broke his foot while planting his foot during a passing route.

A sixth-year senior who has had a tough-luck career, Walker is expected to miss four to eight weeks before resuming training. If that timetable holds, Walker should be ready for the start of fall camp.

With Walker out and sophomore Rawleigh Williams being held out of full-contact work this spring after undergoing neck surgery, the running back corps will be headed by converted receiver Damon "Duwop" Mitchell, Denzell Evans and Juan Day for the rest of spring. Signee Devwah Whaley of Beaumont, Texas, will join the running back group led by first-year assistant coach Reggie Mitchell over the summer.

After playing behind Knile Davis, Dennis Johnson, Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins over the past several years, Walker was in position to take the lead tailback duties heading into the 2016 season. The Jefferson City (Mo.) High product ranked second on the team in rushing behind Collins with 394 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Walker finished the year in strong fashion. He rushed for 77 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown, in Arkansas' 28-3 victory against Missouri in the season finale. Then Walker rushed 11 times for 56 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown, in the Razorbacks' 45-23 victory over Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl.

Walker has had an injury plagued career since his freshman season in 2011. After rushing for five touchdowns during Arkansas' 3-0 start as the favored short-yardage back for Coach Bobby Petrino, Walker suffered stress fractures in both legs and was lost for the season. At the time of his injury, his five rushing touchdowns were tied for the most among true freshmen running backs.

The next year, Walker suffered a broken leg on a noncontact special teams play in the Hogs' second game of the season. Because he had played three games or less in each of those seasons, the NCAA granted him an extra year of eligibility for each of those seasons. The ruling for his sixth year came last spring, shortly after Walker rushed for 174 yards and three touchdowns in the Red-White spring game.

Walker, who had reached 260 pounds last season as a combination tailback-fullback, had been on a plan to reduce his weight to less than 240 pounds for his final season.

After Bielema challenged him to prepare for a role as the every down running back, Walker carried an upbeat attitude into spring drills.

"Being my sixth and last year, this is my one chance," Walker said early during spring drills.

Walker had a team-high 116 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in two scrimmages this spring.

Mitchell recognized Walker's focus on trying to claim the starting tailback job after a long run as an Arkansas backup.

"I think he's very appreciative of the opportunity and the position he's in right now," Mitchell said last week. "From that standpoint, he's been great. He's got the right mindset."

Sports on 04/14/2016

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