Ragnow Receives More Preseason Praise

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas senior center Frank Ragnow was named to Athlon Sports’ preseason All-America first team Tuesday.

The honor came after he earned a spot on Lindy’s Sports preseason All-America first team earlier this month and landed on Athlon’s preseason All-SEC first team in May.

Ragnow, a Rimington Trophy candidate in 2017, was named the nation’s best offensive lineman, best run blocker and a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus (PFF) for the 2016 season. He helped pave the way for running back Rawleigh Williams III to capture the SEC regular-season rushing title with 1,326 yards and provided time for quarterback Austin Allen to throw for an SEC-best 3,430 yards. Williams topped the century mark seven times on the ground, while Allen tallied four 300-plus yard passing games.

The Victoria, Minnesota, product graded out as the top center in the nation by PFF twice in 2016 after his performances during wins over No. 11 Florida and at Mississippi State. He graded out as a top three center in five of 12 regular-season games and earned an 80 percent grade or higher from PFF seven times. According to PFF, Ragnow didn’t allow a sack for the second straight season and decreased his total number of pressures allowed from 19 in 2015 to just 12.

Ragnow also was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week on Sept. 18, 2016, for his efforts in his start at right guard against Texas State. He graded out at a career-best 92 percent and helped Arkansas rush for 226 yards and three scores in the 42-3 win.

Ragnow has made 26 straight starts heading into his senior campaign with 14 starts at right guard and 12 at center.