FAYETTEVILLE — They are marked men.
The targets on their backs are bigger than the Texas State Fair.
Cobi Hamilton and Chris Gragg were sitting side by side Saturday at Arkansas media day waiting for the onslaught of interview requests.
They are expected to be the dynamic duo that tries to replace the greatest trio of receivers in Razorbacks history.
Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs had a combined 465 receptions and 7,410 yards during their career. They totaled 56 touchdowns.
Hamilton, a senior wide receiver, and Gragg, a senior tight end, have to step up and be the go-to guys in an offense that is armed at quarterback and tailback but a little thin when it comes to veteran receivers.
Hamilton came to Arkansas from Texarkana, Texas, with short hair, track speed — although maybe not Usain Bolt speed — and a love for animals.
Now he sports long hair, which some say can add as much as 5 pounds to his weight by the fourth quarter of games played when it is warm. He tried track before settling on football, but he still loves animals.
“I was a daddy’s boy growing up and I tagged along to the farm where he raised cattle,” Hamilton said. “I just grew to love animals.
“I’ve really developed a passion for horses. Some day, I’d like to own thoroughbreds and race them.”
Until then he has some more goals to meet and he’d like to improve his stock in the next NFL Draft, although he’s already been tabbed the third-best receiver in the country by some services.
He’s also very aware of the shoes he and Gragg are expected to fill.
“I wouldn’t say I feel pressure, but I do have a sense of nervousness,” he said.
Hamilton, though, is not short on game experience. He’s played in all 39 games since he became a Razorback.
Despite the previously crowded receiving corps, he goes into his senior year with 85 career catches for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His productivity has increased each year in total catches, although he had more yards and more touchdowns his sophomore season.
He’s not dwelling on it, and, in fact, almost denies it, but he has lost some weight. He’s listed in the media guide at 209 but admitted, “I’m closer to 200 right now, but I know my body fat is down. I’m leaner than last season.”
Hamilton ranks 15th on Arkansas’ list for career receiving yards. If he stays healthy, he could jump into the top five or six.
“I’d like to catch 100 passes this year,” Hamilton said with a smile. “If that’s what it takes for us to win, then I’m all for that.”
While he was half-teasing, that would be a lofty goal, especially since Arkansas’ career record for single-season receptions was set last season by Wright with 66.
Still, by the time this season ends, Hamilton’s name should be prominent in the receiving record book.
While there may be some nervousness that goes with trying to be part of a combination that replaces the school’s greatest trio of receivers, with that comes an opportunity for Hamilton and Gragg, who had 41 catches last year for 518 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Gragg’s first catch as a Razorback was for 25 yards, his second for 57 yards and a touchdown, and he had receptions of 34 and 24 as a sophomore.
Hamilton has 20 receptions of 20 yards or more.
Both are big-play guys who will be under great defensive scrutiny this year.
Sports, Pages 19 on 08/08/2012