Football
Allen, Ragnow, Richardson to join Bielema at SEC Media Days
Bret Bielema will take Austin Allen, Frank Ragnow and Kevin Richardson II to SEC Media Days next week, tentatively scheduled for Monday, depending on baby’s arrival.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Arkansas coach Bret Bielema and senior captains quarterback Austin Allen, center Frank Ragnow, and defensive back Kevin Richardson II will represent the Razorbacks at 2017 SEC Football Media Days, the league office announced Wednesday.
We know the time, but it comes with a disclaimer that the Hogs’ appearance at Media Days could be pushed back if the birth of Bielema’s first child happens in the days immediately prior to the event.
Arkansas will be the first school to meet with the media at this year’s event on Monday, July 10, at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, a Birmingham suburb.
Bielema will take the podium in the main media room immediately following SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s press conference at 11:35 a.m.
ESPN Arkansas will have full coverage of the event with morning hosts Derek Ruscin and Tommy Craft in attendance.
With more than 1,200 credentialed media members in attendance, Arkansas’ contingent will participate in multiple interviews with various media outlets throughout the day.
The SEC Network and ESPN will once again be on site to bring SEC Media Days to a national audience.
Allen’s Quick Hits
• Preseason All-SEC by Athlon Sports (third team).
• Led the SEC with 3,430 passing yards, including a league-best 2,291 in conference play, in 2016.
• Totaled 25 touchdown passes, which ranked second in the conference.
• His 3,430 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes each ranked fifth in single-season school history.
• Threw for 200-plus yards in 11 games, including four 300-plus yard performances in SEC play.
Ragnow’s Quick Hits
• Rimington Trophy candidate, preseason All-American by Athlon Sports (first team), Lindy’s (first team) and Sporting News (second team), and preseason All-SEC by Athlon Sports (first team).
• Named the nation’s best offensive lineman, best run blocker, and a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus for the 2016 season.
• Paved the way for running back Rawleigh Williams III to capture the SEC regular-season rushing title and finish with 1,360 yards.
• Graded out as the top center in the nation by PFF twice and a top three center five times.
• Earned an 80 percent grade or higher from PFF seven times and didn’t allow a sack for the second straight season, according to PFF.
Richardson’s Quick Hits
• Totaled 59 tackles (29 solo), one interception and three pass breakups in 27 career games played.
• Sustained a season-ending injury in last year’s season opener against Louisiana Tech.
• Saw action in all 13 games in 2015 and started each of the last five games.
• Totaled 33 tackles, including two double-digit performances, in those five starts.
