By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
This is the third in a nine part, position-by-position series previewing the Razorbacks.
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ offensive front is undergoing its share of changes this preseason, replacing its two starting left tackles and veteran guard Wade Grayson.
There’s no doubt the group was hit by departures, offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said this week. But McGee said the tight end position may be dealing with even bigger losses.
“That’s a group where we lost a lot of players,” McGee said.
One of Arkansas’ goals this preseason has been developing a new group of tight ends after the departures of D.J. Williams, Ben Cleveland and, even, fullback Van Stumon. It was a trio that meant plenty to Arkansas’ offensive success last season because of its ability to catch passes in clutch situations and help open creases for Knile Davis to run through.
The new group — which includes Chris Gragg, converted defensive end Colton Miles-Nash and sophomore Austin Tate — knows they’ll be hard to replace. But they’re also confident the tight end position could be a deeper unit this season.
“We could be second to none,” Tate said earlier this week. “If you put your mind to anything you can accomplish whatever you want to accomplish. I truly believe that with this group.
“We’re a bunch of special guys. We’re different. We’re all different in our own way. But I truly believe when we put that all together, it’s going to be a powerhouse (group).”
That’s saying a lot considering the 2010 crew included Williams, who finished his career No. 2 on the school’s career catches list (152) and won the 2010 Mackey Award.
Gragg, who has played in a reserve role throughout his career after coming to Arkansas as a receiver, is now the group’s leader. He caught eight passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns last year and is eager for more responsibility.
“Once you show your team you can do it and your teammates have confidence in you it makes it a lot easier,” Gragg said.
Williams’ biggest value was his ability to make plays on third down throughout his career.
Sixteen of his team-leading 54 catches (or roughly 30 percent) last season came on third or fourth down. He helped the Razorbacks move the chains on 13 of those 16 plays, too, accounting for roughly 20 percent of Arkansas’ third- and fourth-down conversions (77 total) last season.
Arkansas has plenty of options to help fill the void with its depth at receiver. But Gragg wants to be dependable, too.
“You just have to make your play when the ball comes to you,” Gragg said. “That’s what I’m trying to do — and especially on third down. I know that’s when blitzes are coming and (quarterback) Tyler (Wilson) is going to have to get the ball out and come to the tight end. I want to make those plays.”
The receiving part, of course, is just half of the responsibilities. Arkansas also is searching for strong blockers for the run game and in pass protection.
It’s the reason the Hogs moved Miles-Nash from defensive end in the offseason. His work along the line of scrimmage in camp has given Arkansas confidence the move was a good one.
“I think Colton Nash will be an advantage for us blocking on the perimeter,” McGee said. “He’s as big in motion as the defensive ends. We feel like we can run our outside zone play with Colton there because he can handle defensive ends.”
Tate, who played as a reserve in 12 games last season, also gained some valuable experience his first year on the field. He’s also being asked to take on a larger responsibility in the offense and is eager to join Gragg and Miles-Nash.
Tate said no one can replace what Williams meant to the Razorbacks during his career as both a leader and productive pass catcher. It will be hard to fill the quiet roles Cleveland and Stumon played, too. But he said Arkansas’ new tight ends are confident they’ll be strong collectively this season.
“When your number is called you’ve got to go out there and compete,” Tate said. “You’ve got to show the fans. You’ve got to show the state. You’ve got to show your teammates that they need to have that trust in you … That’s what we’re all trying to do right now. We’re trying to prove to our teammates and our coaches that we can do that.”
A Closer Look At … Tight Ends
Best of the Bunch: Chris Gragg steps into the starting role after D.J. Williams’ departure and should have plenty of opportunities. A gifted receiver, Gragg could create matchup problems for opposing defenses because of his size and speed.
Watch Out For: Colton Miles-Nash moved back to tight end in the offseason and has impressed, especially with his blocking ability. While the junior has stepped into a valuable role as a blocker, he also has shown flashes as a pass catcher.
Biggest Strength: D.J. Williams was labeled as a “small” tight end. But size isn’t a problem with the 2011 group. Gragg (6-3, 236), Miles-Nash (6-6, 261), Austin Tate (6-6, 253) freshman Andrew Peterson (6-6, 262) are physically imposing.
Biggest Question: Who fulfills the third-down role? Williams’ strengths were utilized on third downs, helping the Hogs move the chains on several occasions. Arkansas is hoping Gragg will help answer the call with Williams now in the NFL.
Projected Starter: Chris Gragg, Jr., (eight catches, 171 yards, two TDs in 2010)
Other Contributors: Colton Miles-Nash, Jr.; Austin Tate, So.; Garrett Uekman, RS-Fr.; Andrew Peterson, Fr.
That Figures: 9 — Career catches among Arkansas’ tight ends, which is 143 less than Williams’ career total. Gragg, who has two touchdown catches, has all nine of the receptions.
Quotable: “I feel like the real little guy. I have to hold my own and keep my leadership up just because I’m the oldest.” — Gragg, 6-foot-3, on the improved size of the group
— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau
