Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
We don’t normally put Texas pictures here, but when we do, it better be good news.
The Razorbacks might have just gotten a much-needed boost on the offensive line with the transfer of Jake Raulerson from Texas.
Raulerson will have two years of eligibility remaining and could compete for a starting position at center immediately. Arkansas’ previous center, Mitch Smothers, graduated and the Hogs had been practicing with Frank Ragnow at center in the spring. Ragnow had been playing at guard, and if Raulerson is able to take the starting spot at center, Ragnow could stay at guard. Raulerson can also play guard as well.
It’s no secret that offensive line has been a major concern for the Hogs this offseason since the team is replacing three starters and recruiting along the line has been inconsistent. Raulerson’s arrival should at least help alleviate some of those concerns. If nothing else, it adds to quality depth along the line.
Raulerson was also considering North Carolina and SMU as finalists. He was initially hoping to go to UCLA but wasn’t accepted into their MBA program.
The 6’4, 295-pound Raulerson was a US Army All-American and the No. 2 center nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, prior to his early enrollment at Texas in early 2013. However, he arrived as an undersized lineman and was never able to consistently crack the starting rotation for the Longhorns.
In 2015, Raulerson was out of the rotation, but with Taylor Doyle’s graduation, he was expected to once again step into that starting role in 2016. His departure left the ‘Horns thin at the position.