Arkansas’ tight end pool got one person lighter Friday morning.
Will Gragg informed media outlets via text and other means of his decision.
“It’s time,” Gragg said. “This is something we’ve been talking about for a little while now, but I wanted to get my degree and I’m leaving with that, so it’s time.”
Gragg caught five passes for 61 yards as a sophomore in 2017, has his degree and will have two years remaining at his next destination.
He was given his release to begin talking with other programs earlier Friday morning.
Gragg came to Arkansas as a heavily-recruited prospect in the Class of 2015. The Dumas graduate became the nation’s No. 4 tight end and turned down offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, USC and dozens of others when choosing to stay home and play for the Hogs.
Gragg redshirted in 2015. He did not record any statistics in 2016 but started to come on in the second half of the 2017 season, recording three receptions for 47 yards against LSU on November 11.
Early in his career with the Hogs, Gragg played behind a Mackey Award winner in Hunter Henry and another current pro tight end in Jeremy Sprinkle.
Gragg is the younger brother of former Razorback and current NFL tight end Chris Gragg.
Even with Gragg’s departure, Arkansas still has a deep group of tight ends entering the 2018 season as Cheyenne O’Grady, Jeremy Patton, Austin Cantrell and Grayson Gunter return as scholarship players.
He leaves with no regrets.
“I will graduate on May 12th and would have two years to play somewhere else, so I just want to get in a new environment, get a new opportunity and see some new scenery,” Gragg said. “We are pretty deep in tight ends here. I definitely was not injured last week.
“I have nothing to say bad about my time here. I love Fayetteville, it’s the best place I have ever lived and the fans were so loyal and supportive to me even when I wasn’t getting to play. I will always remember that and thank them all. I am very appreciative of everyone who was there for me.”
Gragg does not have any idea where he might end up.
“I am truly wide open,” Gragg said. “I just made the decision and now I will look to see what is out there and which place might be best for me.”
