SEC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 12: Head Coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks on the sidelines in the first half of a game against the LSU Tigers at Razorback Stadium on November 12, 2016, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Arkansas – Frank Ragnow

It all starts up front with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Bret Bielema loves to run the football — that’s his mantra. Having a productive ground game isn’t possible without a terrific offensive line. Enter Frank Ragnow, the center that leads the way for Arkansas. Ragnow’s ability to make adjustments at the line and keep the rest of the guys as one cohesive unit makes him the biggest x-factor.

Ragnow will likely stick in the NFL for many years. Ragnow recorded the highest run blocking grade of any offensive lineman a year ago (89.8) according to Pro Football Focus. He likely would have been the first center off the board in 2017 had he decided to declare. Now that he’s back for his senior year, Ragnow’s stock could soar into the first round.

The Arkansas ground game took a bit of a hit with the departure of Rawleigh Williams, making Ragnow’s blocking more important than ever. Devwah Whaley could be first in line for those carries but the running back job seems to be wide open. The good news for Arkansas is they will probably have better quarterback play than expected. Austin Allen returns as the starter but really needs to reduce his 15 interceptions from 2016.

Regardless, this is an offensive line that hasn’t produced much NFL talent in the past. For example, Dan Skipper, who departed for the NFL this year, is a converted tight end and started for Arkansas on the line a year ago. Ragnow will have to lead a unit that isn’t necessarily highly regarded.

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