Frank Ragnow, the SEC’s best center, on potentially seeing snaps on defense: ‘I’m all about it, that’d be cool’
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HOOVER, Ala. — To say those around the Arkansas program have a high opinion of Frank Ragnow would be a massive understatement. Quarterback Austin Allen believes his center is the best in the nation, while Razorback coach Bret Bielema added that Ragnow might be the best offensive lineman he’s ever coached. Considering the extensive list of accomplished college and NFL linemen Bielema has coached during his 11-year career, that’s a bold statement.
Frank Ragnow may very well be the best center in the nation, as his quarterback suggests, but it appears the 6-5, 317-pound offensive lineman might soon chase quarterbacks instead of exclusively protecting them.
Bielema revealed in the spring that Ragnow may simply be “too talented” to keep off the defense in 2017. Considering Arkansas is making a move to a 3-4 base defense after allowing an NCAA-worst 39 rushing touchdowns last season, the Razorback center could prove to be the key to fixing the team’s poor run defense.
“Coach B and I have talked about it in certain situations, and I’m all about it, that’d be cool.” —
Frank Ragnow
During his media availability Monday, Ragnow confirmed that a potential move to the other side of the ball had been discussed.
“Coach B and I have talked about it in certain situations, and I’m all about it, that’d be cool,” Ragnow said.
After dedicating his college career to protecting quarterbacks, Ragnow was asked if he daydreamed about unleashing on a quarterback as opposed to acting as a bodyguard. The humor of the situation was not lost on the senior lineman.
“Yeah, especially having to deal with Austin (Allen),” Ragnow jokingly said.
The potential move didn’t materialize completely out of thin air, however, as Ragnow noted he has a history on the defensive side of the ball dating back to his days on as a Minnesota high school player.
“I played defense in high school and I love it so it would be fun to get (to play) a different side of the ball and get to the QB.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
