Hogs' line will be a work in progress in camp

Arkansas offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Hjalte Froholdt take part in a drill Tuesday, March 29, 2016, during practice at the university's practice field on campus in Fayetteville.
Arkansas offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Hjalte Froholdt take part in a drill Tuesday, March 29, 2016, during practice at the university's practice field on campus in Fayetteville.

HOOVER, Ala. - Arkansas showcased its offensive line on the cover of the media guide when it came to SEC Media Days a year ago.

On Wednesday, Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema indicated three newcomers will push for playing time along the offensive line when Arkansas opens fall camp Aug. 4.

Bielema said coaches are eager to see graduate transfer Jake Raulerson, junior college transfer Paul Ramirez and true freshman Jake Heinrich in practice. Arkansas has to replace three starters on the line from last season and the two returning starters may play different positions than they did a year ago.

Raulerson, who transferred from Texas, will likely play center or guard, Bielema said, although he has also played tackle in his career. How Raulerson looks at center will impact where junior Frank Ragnow plays along the line. Ragnow started all 13 games at guard last season, but moved to center in the spring.

"If (Raulerson) can play center or if someone can play center, we can move Frank back to guard," Bielema said. "I think that would be a good thing, although I think Frank feels good at center.

"Sometimes when you put the snap into the play for an offensive lineman, it slows them down a little bit. Others can handle it. We'll see where he is."

Raulerson was expected to compete for the starting center job at Texas before he transferred to Arkansas following spring practice. Bielema said Raulerson has fit in well during summer conditioning.

"You know, Jake is an awesome kid," Bielema said. "He's been very impressive in workouts and everything. I think our other offensive linemen have been impressed with his ability; very smart player."

Ramirez is expected to compete with redshirt freshman Colton Jackson for the Razorbacks' starting left tackle. Jackson practiced with the first-team offense during the spring, but was often overmatched against Arkansas' starting defensive ends. Heinrich is expected to compete for playing time at guard and tackle.

Bielema has also indicated that senior Dan Skipper, a second-team all-SEC selection last season, may move from right tackle to right guard. Skipper started eight games at guard his freshman season before moving to tackle as a sophomore.

Redshirt sophomore Brian Wallace practiced as the first-team right guard in between injuries during the spring, but may move back to tackle. Sophomore Hjalte Froholdt practiced as the first-team left guard in the spring after playing defensive tackle last season.

"We've got three or four moving parts that will factor into where it ends up," Bielema said.

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