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Arkansas C Frank Ragnow receives some well-deserved hardware
By Andrew Olson
Published:
In the eyes of The Rimington Trophy voters, Ohio State’s Pat Elflein was college football’s top center. Not everyone agrees, however, including the folks at Pro Football Focus. The analytics site named Arkansas C Frank Ragnow its best offensive lineman and best run blocker.
While some might think of a publication’s awards as simply an article with a list, it turns out PFF sends its recipients real awards. The Arkansas football team’s Twitter account shared a photo of Ragnow with his awards:
Ragnow moved from guard to center for the 2016 and excelled at his new position. According to PFF, the Razorbacks averaged averaged 5.31 yards per carry when backs ran through the gaps between a guard and Ragnow. Hogs RB Rawleigh Williams certainly owes Ragnow in a big way for his 1,360 rushing yards (No. 3 in the SEC) this season. In pass protection, Ragnow’s pressures allowed dropped from 19 to 12 this season and he did not allow a sack.
Hours after Arkansas’ win over Alcorn State on Oct. 1, Ragnow was on a plane home to Minnesota to attend the funeral of his father, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Despite his loss and time away from the practice field, Ragnow played the following Saturday against Alabama. PFF gave him a grade of 82.1 for the game, the highest of any Razorbacks player.
Arguably the best news for Arkansas so far this offseason is that Ragnow will be back for this senior season. The Hogs return four starters up front, anchored by Ragnow.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
