Ragnow named AP preseason All-American

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior center Frank Ragnow was named to The Associated Press Preseason All-America second team on Tuesday.

It is the first time the AP has released a preseason All-America team. The AP All-America team had previously only been released after the end of each regular season.

Here’s a look at Ragnow’s list of 2017 preseason honors:

National Award Watch Lists
• Rimington Trophy
• Outland Trophy
• Wuerffel Trophy
• Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

All-America Teams
• CBS Sports All-America first team
• Athlon Sports All-America first team
• Bleacher Report All-America first team
• 247Sports All-America first team
• Lindy’s Sports All-America first team
• Associated Press All-America second team
• Sporting News All-America second team
• Sports Illustrated All-America second team
• Street & Smith’s All-America second team
• Phil Steele All-America second team

All-SEC Teams
• Media All-SEC first team
• Athlon Sports All-SEC first team
• Lindy’s Sports All-SEC first team
• Phil Steele All-SEC first team
• Street & Smith’s All-SEC first team

The Victoria, Minnesota, native has made 26 straight starts heading into his senior campaign with 14 starts at right guard and 12 at center.

He was named the nation’s best offensive lineman, best run blocker and a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus (PFF) for the 2016 season. He helped clear the way for running back Rawleigh Williams III to capture the SEC regular-season rushing title and finish with 1,360 yards and provided time for quarterback Austin Allen to throw for an SEC-best 3,430 yards.

Ragnow blocked for nine 100-plus yard rushing games, including seven from Williams and two from freshman Devwah Whaley, and four 300-plus yard passing games from Allen.

Ragnow graded out as the top center in the nation by PFF twice last year after his performances during wins over then-No. 11 Florida and at Mississippi State.

He graded out as a top three center in five of 12 regular-season games and earned an 80 percent grade or higher from PFF seven times.

According to PFF, Ragnow didn’t allow a sack for the second straight season and decreased his total number of pressures allowed from 19 in 2015 to just 12.

Ragnow also was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week on Sept. 18, 2016, for his efforts in his start at right guard against Texas State.

He graded out at a career-best 92 percent and helped Arkansas rush for 226 yards and three scores in the 42-3 win.