Bret Bielema teases unexpected use of Hogs OL Frank Ragnow
Arkansas C Frank Ragnow is considered one of the nation’s top players at his position. Pro Football Focus recognized Ragnow as 2016’s best offensive lineman and best run blocker. Heading into 2017, one would expect Ragnow to be on the watchlist for every major lineman award. Bret Bielema, however, sees Ragnow as more than just an elite offensive lineman.
Bielema told Arkansas radio host Bo Mattingly that the 6-foot-5, 319-pound center could potentially fit into the Hogs’ plans on defense this fall.
“To be quite honest, as the season goes on and we go into fall camp, he’s a guy we probably use on defense in a certain capacity,” Bielema said on the air. “He’s just too talented — like a six technique defensive end. When we are running a 3-4, once you get down to a certain area of the field, you need more and more defensive linemen. If he can be a guy that gives us valuable asset there, we’ll probably use him on the defensive side of the ball.”
With center being one of the most important positions on the offensive line, fans may wonder why Arkansas would want to cut down on Ragnow’s in-game rest and increase his injury risk by playing more snaps. The move would also presumably take away from his practice time with the first-team offense.
Arkansas’ switch to the 3-4 defense has been one of the team’s biggest offseason storylines. The Razorbacks promoted Paul Rhoads, previously the team’s defensive backs coach, to defensive coordinator upon the departure of Robb Smith, now at Minnesota.