Hoover, Ala.– Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema and the Razorbacks kicked off Monday’s edition of the Southeastern Conference’s Media Days from the Hyatt-Regency/Wynfrey Hotel.
Quarterback Austin Allen, offensive lineman Frank Ragnow and defensive back Kevin Richardson II accompanied Bielema to Hoover, Ala. Ragnow, a former walk-on and member of the 2017 Remington Trophy watch list, returns to the Razorbacks’ roster as the starting center.
Despite assisting Allen to 3,430 passing yards and running back Rawleigh Williams III (now gone) to 1,360 yards rushing a season ago, Ragnow still remembers the sheer physicality he’s faced against Alabama in the last two years. Following a tough 27-14 defeat at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2015, turnovers killed the Hogs last season in a 49-30 loss at Fayetteville, Ark.
“One thing we’ve been working on all offseason is finishing and being able to play a complete season,” Ragnow said to yours truly. “Everyone knows Alabama’s got cookie cutter guys for the NFL that are talented and genetically freaky. But one thing that I will say is bravo to their coaches. They are all technically smart and sound. That’s what is really impressive about them.”
Through three years of playing against specimens like Da’Ron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson, Ragnow has managed to guide the Razorbacks to close matchups versus the Tide.
He, Bielema and the rest of Hog nation are focused on becoming more physical, but also finding more ways to knock off marquee teams. Alabama will host the Razorbacks for its homecoming Saturday, Oct. 14.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
