Devwah Whaley is hopeful that the University of Arkansas’s physical spring practices will lead them to being in better shape when the 2017 season kicks off in the autumn.

The Razorbacks finished 7-6 under Bret Bielema in Bermudian running back Whaley’s freshman campaign last year, but suffered several second-half meltdowns, including in the Belk Bowl against Virgnia Tech, when they let slip a 24-0 half-time lead to lose 35-24.

Head coach Bielema emphasised the running game during Arkansas’s first spring scrimmage last Saturday.

“Oh yeah, the coaches have stressed that a lot, especially Coach B,” Whaley, who ran for 93 yards on 14 carries at the weekend, told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “That’s what we base practices off of, and that just helps us get better for when we come in for the fall.”

Whaley, who was second on the team with 634 yards on 110 attempts last season, was well aware what was in store for him and fellow running backs Rawleigh Williams, the junior starter, and true freshman Maleek Williams at the weekend.

“It wasn’t surprising,” Whaley said of their heavy workload. “All we could do is get our minds ready for it and just do it.

“It shows that we were able to split carries and it just shows the depth we have in the backfield with all the running backs. And it shows we can be a good group as a whole.”

Arkansas’s defence were limited in practice, where they were not allowed to tackle below the knees or engage in pre-snap movement or stunting and the offensive line duly impressed, especially in their ground game.

“That’s what the Razorbacks are about, running the ball,” left tackle Colton Jackson said. “That’s our identity.”

And, like every good running back, Whaley had some kind words to say about the guys making holes for him.

“They did a great job, but there’s always room for improvement,” he said of the offensive line. “I’m sure they’re going to improve and we’re going to improve as well.”